Ovulation

From IKE

Ovulation is the ultimate goal of the menstrual cycle in the reproductive female, during which oocytes are released from the ovaries. Ovulatory status can be determined by:

• Regular 21 - 35 day cycles
• Presence of suggestive symptoms (mittelschmerz, pre-menstrual, or dysmenorrhea)
• Presence of biphasic basal body temperature
• Positive serum progesterone
• Endometrial histology (secretory as opposed to proliferative)

Though all of these factors should be taken into account to evaluate ovulatory status, the first two are responsible for 95% of the evaluation. However, the only 100% effective method of proving ovulation is pregnancy.