Silvia Azaña, embryologist at inviTRA, explains in this video what the ovulation phase of the menstrual cycle consists of:
Ovulation is the most fertile time of the menstrual cycle. The ovary then liberates a single ovum into the fallopian tube, where it waits to join with a sperm cell, so that fertilization and the formation of an embryo can take place.
To achieve this specific outcome, it is essential that the ovarian follicle which housed the egg has already undergone its necessary development throughout the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle. Once the ovarian follicle attains the correct dimensions, it receives a signal from the luteinizing hormone, or LH, causing it to rupture and release the ovum.
The process of ovulation takes place thanks to the action of the LH hormone, luteinizing hormone, which increases significantly to trigger the entire process. This is what is more commonly known as the LH peak.
After ovulation, the egg has an average lifespan of 24 hours. Should fertilization not occur within this time frame, the egg will naturally degrade and be discarded. In that case, the woman's fertile days will have ended, and it will be necessary to wait for the next menstrual cycle for there to be a pregnancy chance.
On the other hand, if fertilization has taken place successfully and an embryo has formed, it will continue its journey through the fallopian tube toward the uterus, where it can implant and start the gestation process.
During the second segment of the menstrual cycle, known as the luteal phase, the ruptured ovarian follicle transforms into what is called the corpus luteum, or yellow body. The production of estrogen and progesterone is sustained.
