Day 14 of the menstrual cycle
In short: what happens on day 14?
Day 14 of the menstrual cycle is ovulation day in a typical 28-day cycle. Triggered by the LH surge, the mature follicle ruptures and the egg moves into the fallopian tube. The egg survives for 12–24 hours, so ovulation day and the 2 days before it carry the highest chance of pregnancy.
Day 14 of the menstrual cycle – animated explainer
Day 14: cycle dial, uterus and ovaries, hormone levels (illustrative animation).
What the animation shows
- FSH
- Follicle-stimulating hormone: starts the growth of follicles in the ovary
- LH
- Luteinising hormone: its sudden surge triggers ovulation
- E2
- Oestrogen (oestradiol): thickens the lining of the uterus
- P4
- Progesterone: prepares the uterus for a possible pregnancy
- BBT
- Thermometer and dots below: basal body temperature
- RING
- Coloured ring: the 28-day cycle and its phases; the green arc marks the fertile days
- MM
- The measurement in the uterus shows lining thickness; in the ovary it shows follicle or corpus luteum size
Phase
Ovulation
Chance of pregnancy
Highest
Uterine lining
11 mm
Follicle
22 mm
FSH
68
LH
100
Oestrogen
72
Basal body temperature
36.29°C
What is happening in your body today?
The follicle, now about 20–24 mm, ruptures. The egg is caught by the finger-like fringes at the end of the fallopian tube and starts moving towards the uterus.
Hormones
LH peaks; oestrogen starts to fall and progesterone begins to rise.
How you might feel
Some people have one-sided pelvic pain (mittelschmerz), light spotting, breast tenderness and a higher sex drive.
Chance of pregnancy
The chance of pregnancy is at its highest. It drops quickly in the 24 hours after ovulation.
Tips for today
- If you are trying to conceive, today is one of the best days to have sex
- A warm compress may help with ovulation pain
- Expect your basal body temperature to rise from tomorrow
When to see a doctor
See your doctor if ovulation pain lasts more than a few hours, gets worse, or comes with a fever or feeling faint.
Menstrual cycle day by day: table
| Day | What happens | Fertile window |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | First Day of Your Period | — |
| Day 2 | Heaviest Bleeding Day | — |
| Day 3 | FSH Rises, Follicles Grow | — |
| Day 4 | Bleeding Eases, Oestrogen Rises | — |
| Day 5 | Last Day of Your Period | — |
| Day 6 | Follicular Phase Begins | — |
| Day 7 | Dominant Follicle Is Selected | — |
| Day 8 | Oestrogen Rises, Fertile Window Nears | Low |
| Day 9 | Fertile Window Begins | Moderate |
| Day 10 | Fertile Window, Higher Pregnancy Odds | Moderate |
| Day 11 | 3 Days Before Ovulation | High |
| Day 12 | Oestrogen Nears Its Peak | High |
| Day 13 | LH Surge: Ovulation Is Near | Highest |
| Day 14 | Ovulation Day | Highest |
| Day 15 | Luteal Phase Begins | Moderate |
| Day 16 | Progesterone Rises | Low |
| Day 17 | Luteal Phase and Increased Appetite | — |
| Day 18 | Breast Tenderness May Start | — |
| Day 19 | Implantation Window Opens | — |
| Day 20 | Implantation Bleeding Possible | — |
| Day 21 | Progesterone Peak (Day 21 Test) | — |
| Day 22 | Mid-Luteal Phase | — |
| Day 23 | PMS Symptoms May Start | — |
| Day 24 | Hormones Start to Fall | — |
| Day 25 | Late Luteal Phase and PMS | — |
| Day 26 | Progesterone Drop and Cramps | — |
| Day 27 | 1 Day Before Your Period | — |
| Day 28 | Last Day of Your Cycle | — |
Frequently asked questions
What day of your cycle do you ovulate?
In a 28-day cycle, ovulation usually happens on day 14. If your cycle is a different length, ovulation takes place about 14 days before your next period.
How long does an egg live after ovulation?
After ovulation, the egg can be fertilised for 12–24 hours.
What does ovulation pain feel like?
It is a mild, sharp or cramping pain on one side of the lower abdomen that lasts from a few minutes to a few hours. Not everyone experiences it.
Gynaecology check-ups and follow-up at SoftCare Clinic
Book an appointment with our specialist doctors for irregular periods, painful periods or pregnancy planning.
The information on this page is general guidance based on a typical 28-day cycle and does not replace a medical examination. It should not be used as a method of contraception.
Medical content editor: Op. Dr. Şükrü Sanus