Ovulation occurs
A. 14 days before next menstruation
B. One week after menstruation
C. One week before menstruation
D. 28 days after menstruation
Correct Answer: A. 14 days before next menstruation
Explanation
Ovulation occurs when a mature Graafian follicle in the ovary ruptures and releases a mature ovum (egg) into the fallopian tube (oviduct).
This typically happens once in each menstrual cycle, usually around the 14th day of a 28-day cycle, but the exact timing can vary among women.
Key Points about Ovulation
• It is triggered by a sharp rise in Luteinizing Hormone (LH surge).
• The released egg remains viable for 12–24 hours for fertilization.
• Ovulation marks the fertile period of the menstrual cycle.
• After ovulation, the ruptured follicle becomes the corpus luteum, which secretes progesterone to support potential pregnancy.
In simple words
Ovulation is the process where an egg is released from the ovary, making it available to be fertilized by a sperm.
Other Options Details
A. 14 days before next menstruation
Ovulation usually occurs about 14 days before the start of the next menstrual period in a typical 28-day cycle. This is the most accurate indicator because the luteal phase (the time between ovulation and the next period) is consistently about 14 days long in most women. For example, if a woman’s period is expected on the 28th day, ovulation usually occurs on the 14th day.
B. One week after menstruation
For some women with shorter menstrual cycles (21–24 days), ovulation can occur earlier, around 7 days after the start of menstruation. However, this timing is less common and more variable. It depends on cycle length and individual variations in hormone levels.
C. One week before menstruation
One week before menstruation is generally not the ovulation period. At this stage, the luteal phase is almost complete and ovulation has already passed. The chance of fertilization is very low because the ovum survives only 24 hours post-ovulation.
D. 28 days after menstruation
This is incorrect for the normal menstrual cycle. A typical menstrual cycle itself is around 28 days, so 28 days after menstruation would usually be the beginning of the next cycle, not the ovulation period. Ovulation does not occur at the end of the cycle.
Conclusion
The most accurate and commonly accepted timing of ovulation is:
👉 14 days before the next expected menstruation (Option A)
A. 14 days before next menstruation
Ovulation usually occurs about 14 days before the start of the next menstrual period in a typical 28-day cycle. This is the most accurate indicator because the luteal phase (the time between ovulation and the next period) is consistently about 14 days long in most women. For example, if a woman’s period is expected on the 28th day, ovulation usually occurs on the 14th day.
B. One week after menstruation
For some women with shorter menstrual cycles (21–24 days), ovulation can occur earlier, around 7 days after the start of menstruation. However, this timing is less common and more variable. It depends on cycle length and individual variations in hormone levels.
C. One week before menstruation
One week before menstruation is generally not the ovulation period. At this stage, the luteal phase is almost complete and ovulation has already passed. The chance of fertilization is very low because the ovum survives only 24 hours post-ovulation.
D. 28 days after menstruation
This is incorrect for the normal menstrual cycle. A typical menstrual cycle itself is around 28 days, so 28 days after menstruation would usually be the beginning of the next cycle, not the ovulation period. Ovulation does not occur at the end of the cycle.
Conclusion
The most accurate and commonly accepted timing of ovulation is:
👉 14 days before the next expected menstruation (Option A)
I hope that you liked this article.
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Writer: Vandita Singh, Lucknow (GS India Nursing Group)