(HealthDay News) - Ovulation is part of a healthy woman's monthly menstrual cycle, and usually occurs in the middle of the cycle. Ovulation refers to the release of a mature egg that is available to be fertilized.

The American Pregnancy Association offers the following information about ovulation:

  • Once an egg has been released from the ovary, it can live for 12 hours to 24 hours.
  • Women are born with millions of immature eggs. Typically, only one egg that has matured is released each month.
  • Ovulation can be affected by factors such as stress, anxiety, illness, or an interruption of usual lifestyle and routine.
  • Ovulation may cause feelings of aching, tenderness or soreness in and around the ovaries.
  • Each egg that is unfertilized is absorbed by the uterine lining.