Ovulation is the release of mature ova, which can then be fertilized by spermatozoa. Normally, ovulation occurs midway through the female’s reproductive cycle. For example, the reproductive cycle in human females averages 28 days in length. Ovulation typically occurs on Day 14 of the cycle. If the ovum is not fertilized and pregnancy does not occur, then on or around Day 28 the reproductive cycle begins again as a new ovum begins to mature in one of the woman’s ovaries.

The reproductive cycle in the human female averages 28 days in length.
It is driven by changes in the levels of four principle hormones:
luteinizing hormone
, follicle-stimulating hormone
, estradiol
,
and progesterone
. These hormones influence body temperature,
regulate changes in the ovaries, and cause dramatic changes in the
uterine lining (the endometrium). Ovulation
occurs at the midpoint of the cycle.