When does ovulation take place?

Ovulation occurs for most women 11 to 21 days after the first day of menstruation, according to the American Pregnancy Association. This is based on a woman with a menstrual cycle of 28 to 31 days. Ovulation is when an egg is released from the ovary, making the woman fertile.

Many women experience mittelschmerz, or middle pain, when ovulation is occurring, according to What to Expect. This pain is likened to twinges or cramps in the abdomen. A woman's basal body temperature also dips just prior to ovulation and rises sharply when she ovulates. A change in vaginal discharge, which makes it similar to an egg white consistency, is also common during ovulation.