Editing Ovulation (section)

{{Short description|Release of egg cells from the ovaries}}
{{infobox anatomy
| Name    = Ovulation
| Image   = Figure 28 00 01.JPG
| Caption = Following a surge of [[luteinizing hormone]] (LH), an [[oocyte]] (immature egg cell) will be released into the [[uterine tube]], where it will then be available to be fertilized by a male's sperm within 12 hours. Ovulation marks the end of the [[follicular phase]] of the [[ovarian cycle]], and the start of the [[luteal phase]].
| Width   = 250
}}
'''Ovulation''' is an important part of the [[menstrual cycle]] in female [[Vertebrate|vertebrates]] where the [[egg cells]] are released from the [[ovaries]] as part of the [[ovarian cycle]]. In female humans ovulation typically occurs near the midpoint in the menstrual cycle and after the [[follicular phase]]. Ovulation is stimulated by an increase in [[luteinizing hormone]] (LH). The [[ovarian follicle]]s rupture and release the secondary [[oocyte]] ovarian cells.<ref>{{Citation |last=Holesh |first=Julie E. |title=Physiology, Ovulation |date=2024 |work=StatPearls |url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441996/ |access-date=2024-11-20 |place=Treasure Island (FL) |publisher=StatPearls Publishing |pmid=28723025 |last2=Bass |first2=Autumn N. |last3=Lord |first3=Megan}}</ref>    

After ovulation, during the [[luteal phase]], the egg will be available to be [[Human fertilization|fertilized]] by [[sperm]]. If it is not, it will break down in less than a day. Meanwhile, the [[uterus|uterine]] lining ([[endometrium]]) continues to thicken to be able to receive a [[fertilized egg]]. If no [[Fertilisation|conception]] occurs, the uterine lining will eventually break down and be shed from the body via the [[vagina]] during [[menstruation]].<ref>{{cite book| last = Young | first = Barbara | name-list-style = vanc |title=Wheater's Functional Histology: A Text and Colour Atlas |edition=5th |publisher=Elsevier Health Sciences |year=2006 |isbn=9780443068508 |page=359 |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=88tla60sHAUC&pg=PA359 |access-date=2013-11-09 }}</ref>

Some people choose to track ovulation in order to improve or aid becoming pregnant by timing intercourse with their ovulation.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=CDC |date=2024-05-20 |title=Infertility: Frequently Asked Questions |url=https://www.cdc.gov/reproductive-health/infertility-faq/index.html |access-date=2024-11-20 |website=Reproductive Health |language=en-us}}</ref> The signs of ovulation may include [[Cervix|cervical mucus]] changes, mild [[Cramp|cramping]] in the abdominal area, and a small rise in [[basal body temperature]]. Medication is also sometimes required by those experiencing infertility to induce ovulation.<ref name=":1" />