What does late ovulation mean in cycle 28. Is late ovulation a variant of the norm or a hindrance to motherhood? Signs of late ovulation

Many women do not pay attention to, especially if this process occurs without painful signs.

Exact dates usually become necessary for those women who begin or for some reason cannot conceive a child for a long time.

The ovulatory period occurs in the body of every healthy woman, but it can be timely or late.

    Phases of the menstrual cycle

    To understand what “late” means, you need to remember that the menstrual cycle consists of the following phases:

  1. Menstrual- starts from the first days of menstruation, the same day is the beginning of a new cycle. During this period, the functional layer of the endometrium is rejected.
  2. Follicular phase - the growth of follicles occurs under the influence of an increase in the hormone estrogen. The dominant follicle is determined, from which the mature one will subsequently emerge.
  3. The shortest phase ovulatory, lasts about three days. During this period, the amount of estrogen reaches a peak and luteinizing hormone begins to be produced, the follicle bursts and comes out ripe and ready for, which is 12-24 hours, in rare cases it reaches 48 hours.
  4. The cycle ends luteal phase. During this period, due to the formed corpus luteum in the body, the hormone progesterone is produced, under the influence of which it increases, this is necessary for successful implantation to the uterine wall. If it does not happen, the corpus luteum resolves, respectively, the production of the hormone progesterone stops, which leads to the destruction of the endometrium. And the cycle starts over.

The phases of the menstrual cycle have their own duration. For example, the follicular phase can range from 7 to 22 days, with an average of 14.

REFERENCE! In a healthy woman, the length of the luteal phase has a certain framework and lasts 12-16 days (mostly 14 days), if the period is less than 12 days, then this may be a deviation from the norm and speak of possible pathologies.

What does late ovulation mean?

If the luteal phase, which differs in its constant duration, then we get a day with normal . For example, if the menstrual cycle is 32 days, then minus the luteal phase (14 days), it will be on day 18 +/- 2 days. Such a process is timely.

But if, with a 32-day cycle, the output occurs on day 21 or later, then this species is considered late. An important role in determining the timing of the ovulatory process is played by the duration of the cycle, which can range from 24 to 36 days.

ON A NOTE! If the cycle is 36 days, and occurs on the 20-24th day, this is not a deviation, but is a natural feature of the body.

With a cycle of 28 days

In women with a stable 28-day menstrual cycle, the output occurs in its middle - on day 14 +/- 2 days. Late for this cycle will be if comes after 17 days and later.Individual moments of a belated exit do not always indicate some deviations in the female body, sometimes this happens even in perfectly healthy girls.

With a 30 day cycle

Late with a cycle of 30 days comes after the 19th day of the cycle. If this period fluctuates between 14-18 days, then this is the norm for such a cycle length. If the cycle is unstable, and the ovulatory period begins closer to its end, then it is recommended get tested and identify the causes of violations.

Late ovulation and missed periods

Delayed menstruation in most women is associated with the onset of pregnancy, but conception in this case may not be. Induce a late ovulatory period can: taking medications, contraceptives, certain diseases, as well as frequent stressful situations. Late in combination with a delay in menstruation can occur even in healthy girls, but this phenomenon should not be permanent.

ON A NOTE! Even frequent colds and drugs that are taken during treatment can disrupt the frequency. In this case, this factor indicates the excessive sensitivity of the body and is an individual feature.

Causes of late ovulation

Most of the factors that cause a late ovulatory period can be corrected with special drugs or lifestyle changes. It suffices to identify the circumstances that caused a disruption, and eliminate them. Difficulty can arise in the presence of diseases of the reproductive organs. In this case, it will be necessary to undergo a full course of treatment.

The reasons for the delay may be the following factors:

  • recent medical abortion;
  • taking certain potent drugs;
  • the consequences of a miscarriage;
  • recent childbirth;
  • constant stress or deviations in the functioning of the nervous system;
  • infections of the reproductive system of the body;
  • a sharp change in hormonal levels;
  • taking contraceptives;
  • approximation menopause;
  • changing climatic conditions;
  • transferred infectious or viral diseases.

Signs of late ovulation

You can detect later at home. The most effective method is to special test, which is sold in pharmacies. If a woman regularly measures her basal temperature, then determining the time of onset for her is also not difficult.

In addition, every woman of childbearing age knows how signs accompanied by an ovulatory period Therefore, it is possible to identify its beginning by changing the general state of the body. Exit symptoms are:

  • resizing and increasing its sensitivity;
  • characteristic;
  • increased sexual desire;
  • discomfort in the area, or.

What to do with late ovulation?

It is possible to determine the presence of deviations in the operation of internal systems that caused the lateness with the help of some types of examination. In this case, it is better not to engage in self-diagnosis. Otherwise, available diseases will progress and lead to complications, which will be much more difficult to get rid of in advanced stages.

  1. examination by a gynecologist;
  2. blood and urine tests.

If the delayed exit is due to reasons such as abortion, miscarriage, or recent childbirth, then there is no need to take any drugs. It is enough to wait a while and cycle recover.

REFERENCE! Violation of the timing of the ovulatory period can also occur in a healthy woman due to the negative impact of environmental factors or as a result of a restructuring of the body. The main problem of this condition is the difficulty in calculating favorable days for conceiving a child.

The situation is different if such violations were caused by internal diseases or hormonal disbalance. In this case, it is better to consult a specialist and choose special methods for restoring natural processes in the body.

Late ovulation and Duphaston

One of the most commonly used drugs appointed by experts at later, is Duphaston.

The drug is available in the form of tablets and is taken in a special course, which is calculated by the doctor based on the results of the tests. Its main property is recovery a woman must find out why it arose. It is necessary not only to seek help from a specialist, but also to take measures to change lifestyle: it is important to control your emotional state and eliminate stress, sex life should be regular, a banal change and the rejection of bad habits can improve the condition of the body.

Most physiological processes in a woman's body occur imperceptibly if they do not cause discomfort and are the norm. This also applies to the reproductive area. Thoughts about what late ovulation is with a 28-day cycle usually visit women who cannot fulfill the dream of motherhood. When hearing this medical term for the first time, many experience anxiety. How justified is this excitement?

What is late ovulation?

The menstrual cycle in women lasts between 21-35 days. These figures are the absolute norm. The "gold standard" in gynecology is recognized as a cycle of 28 days, in which the release of the egg occurs on the 13-14th day. However, with a cycle of 30, 32, 34 days, ovulation is observed 2, 4, 6 days later. And this is also considered a sign of the norm. A longer maturation of the egg is due to the influence of external and internal factors, and does not always indicate pathology.

Each woman has an individual hormonal background that regulates the process of maturation and release of the egg. For example, if the menstrual cycle lasts 32 days and ovulation occurs on the 16th day all the time, then this indicates the normal functioning of the reproductive sphere. If, with a normal cycle of 28 days, ovulation is delayed by 5-10 days, then this is exciting, and requires a consultation with a gynecologist.

Late ovulation is a common occurrence in gynecological practice. The true reasons for this circumstance can be very diverse. A complex of diagnostic measures using laboratory and instrumental research methods will allow to exclude the physiological feature of the organism.

The diagnostic complex includes the following procedures:

  • blood test for hormones (progesterone, testosterone, prolactin, FSH, LH);
  • folliculometry (ultrasound diagnosis of the dynamics of egg development over 3 menstrual cycles);
  • ultrasonic pelvic examination ;
  • special tests to determine ovulation;
  • basal temperature measurement body (for 3-6 months).

After reviewing the patient's history, the doctor can explain why there is a delay ovulation.

Diagnosis can be carried out independently at home:

  1. Measurement of body temperature in the rectum. Before ovulation, a slightly lower temperature is noted, which increases to 37 degrees when the egg leaves the follicle.
  2. Minor pulling pains in the lower abdomen may indicate the onset of ovulation. This process is often accompanied by the appearance of clear mucous discharge from the vagina and droplets of blood on the underwear.
  3. Change in the character of the cervical mucus. The vaginal secret becomes viscous, thick, similar in consistency to egg white.
  4. Moderate pain in the lateral parts of the abdomen (on the side of the release of the egg).

The above signs are relative. They can be caused by other reasons, therefore, an examination of the body in a specialized medical institution is recognized as an objective diagnostic method.

Late ovulation is not the cause of female infertility. A thorough diagnosis of the body will reveal the true reason why the reproductive function is impaired.

Factors that provoke late ovulation

Among the most common causes of late maturation of the egg, the following are distinguished:

  • Individual characteristics hormonal system. In most cases, there is a hereditary factor. If late ovulation was observed on the maternal side, then the daughter is assumed to have such a feature.
  • Increased levels of male hormones in the body. Androgens in excess of normal levels suppress ovulation and slow down the development of the egg.
  • Hormonal imbalance in puberty. Late maturation of the egg may continue until the full establishment of the menstrual cycle.
  • Postpartum and breastfeeding. After the birth of a child, an active hormonal restructuring occurs in the woman's body, which can cause late maturation of the egg. In nursing mothers, the menstrual cycle is often lengthened to 35-45 days due to late ovulation.
  • Premenopause is a common cause of late ovulation in women over 40. When the first signs of approaching menopause appear, gynecologists suggest this factor.
  • Infectious diseases of the pelvic organs. The most common cause of delayed ovulation. After elimination of signs of inflammation, reproductive function is usually restored.
  • Viral respiratory infections, including the flu, reduce overall immunity. A weakened body blocks the ovulation process in order to prevent a genetic mutation.
  • . This is a stressful situation for the body, which is trying to restore the lost function by prolonging the development of the egg. Thus, the body signals that it is not ready for conception.
  • Psycho-emotional instability after suffering stress also affects the female body. Many women do not pay due attention to this phenomenon. Constant thoughts about the impossibility of getting pregnant can cause the egg to mature.
  • The use of medicinal drugs. hormone therapy (including including oral contraceptives) dramatically changes the hormonal background. With prolonged use of contraceptives, the recovery period can last up to 6 months after discontinuation of the drug.
  • Surgical manipulations on the reproductive organs. Abortion (spontaneous or medical), curettage of the uterine cavity, surgical treatment of the cervix and body of the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries can shift ovulation for a long time.
  • Climate change provokes a shift in the menstrual cycle in one direction or another. However, this does not mean at all that a serious hormonal restructuring has occurred. When returning to the usual climatic zone, physiological indicators return to normal.

Hormonal correction

Late ovulation, depending on the cause of the appearance, may require correction of the ratio of hormones in the body. Women often have questions, can hormone therapy eliminate the delayed egg maturation and is there any benefit from this?

Hormone therapy really helps to restore hormonal levels. But the answer to the question of how to move the process of ovulation should be sought by the attending physician. The independent use of synthetic analogues of hormones can cause irreversible processes in the body.

A striking example of hormonal therapy are the drugs Duphaston, Utrozhestan and their analogues. These drugs are successfully used in the treatment of gynecological diseases caused by hormonal changes.

hormone therapy is recommended in violation of the menstrual cycle and infertility. The dose of the drug and the treatment regimen should be adjusted by the attending physician. Skipping just one tablet can provoke an early onset of menstruation.

The rationality of the use of hormonal agents should be justified by the results of the tests. The irrational use of Duphaston and its analogues causes a complete absence of ovulation.

Late ovulation in itself is not dangerous for a woman and does not create obstacles for motherhood. In the absence of gynecological pathology, it is possible to successfully conceive a child and carry a pregnancy. If late ovulation is caused by any diseases, you must first undergo a full course of treatment with a gynecologist.

Late ovulation can lead to unwanted pregnancy. When using the calendar method as a contraceptive, there is a high probability of making a mistake and taking fertile days for a safe period. Gynecologists recommend using the ERZ method (natural regulation of conception) or using other reliable methods of contraception (COC, IUD) to protect against unwanted pregnancy.

In order for physiological indicators to return to normal, it is necessary to adhere to the following recommendations:

  • timely treatment of systemic diseases;
  • elimination of infectious and inflammatory processes in the reproductive organs by the rational use of antibacterial and antiviral agents;
  • Immediate seeking of qualified help in the event of unusual symptoms;
  • limitation of physical and mental stress;
  • elimination of stress factors;
  • daily walks in the fresh air;
  • regular sexual life with a constant sexual partner, which promotes active blood circulation in the pelvic organs;
  • proper rest (including night sleep);
  • balanced nutrition, devoid of preservatives, carcinogens, food additives;
  • no bad habits (alcohol, smoking).

Timely diagnosis of diseases, a competent approach and adequate therapy contribute to the establishment of a regular cycle. Scheduled consultations with a gynecologist should become the norm for any woman who wants to experience the joy of motherhood.

Any woman knows what ovulation is and how important this phenomenon is for the process of conceiving a baby. With a regular menstrual cycle, the release of the egg into the abdominal cavity often occurs unnoticed by the woman herself, which is the norm. Therefore, often healthy women do not bother about ovulation, knowing that everything happens on its own as it should.


Women usually begin to think about the topic of timely ovulation during the period of planning a child. And rightly so, because on what period of the menstrual cycle ovulation occurs, it depends on how fast the conception will be.

Sometimes, after hearing the term “late ovulation” from the lips of a doctor, women planning to become mothers begin to panic. It seems to them that this can become an obstacle to conception. Are late ovulation and pregnancy really incompatible?

What is "late ovulation"?

Before torturing yourself with worries, it is worth understanding what late ovulation means and why it happens. Normally, the period of release of a mature egg falls in the middle of the menstrual cycle.

Usually, the duration of the menstrual cycle is always the same, therefore, ovulation occurs every time at the same time of the cycle. So, for example, with an ideal cycle of 28 days, ovulation should be expected on the 14th day after the start of menstruation. If it comes later, say, on the 19th day, it can be considered late.

If a woman's cycle lasts, for example, 34 days (while being regular and stable), then in her case, ovulation on days 17-18 is the norm.


In general, doctors say that the interval between ovulation and the next period should be at least 11-12 days. Everything that fits into this framework can be considered normal, since a one or two day shift in ovulation is quite acceptable.

But what about pregnancy?

Constant late ovulation is actually a rarity. If it takes place in a woman's life, this is a serious pathology that really interferes with getting pregnant and causes infertility. But this is not a hopeless situation. Experienced specialists in the field of reproductive medicine are able to help a woman in such a situation.

But, often, late ovulation occurs at a certain period in a woman's life and is not an ailment that accompanies her all her life. This problem is faced by many healthy girls and women who have a regular menstrual cycle. In this case, late ovulation does not mean at all that conception can now remain only a dream.

In women who have been diagnosed with delayed ovulation, the chance of getting pregnant easily is, of course, slightly reduced, as it becomes more difficult to calculate this time.


But the very likelihood of pregnancy is as high as with timely ovulation. At the same time, conception occurs absolutely normally, the pregnancy proceeds as usual, and there are no deviations in the development of the born baby.

Since late ovulation itself is quite infrequent, faced with it, it is important to identify the reason why it arose. Most of the factors that lead to delayed ovulation can be corrected to make conception more likely.

The causes of late ovulation can be both physical and psychological in nature:

  • infections of the female reproductive system;
  • hormonal imbalance;
  • stress and overexertion;
  • violation of the menstrual cycle;
  • abortion or miscarriage;
  • childbirth;
  • the period before the onset of menopause.

It is possible to identify signs of late ovulation at home. There are several ways to do this:

  • observation of basal temperature;
  • ovulation test;
  • health monitoring.

Women who regularly take their temperature in the rectum will notice a delay in ovulation quite easily. But this method is practically useless for those who do not conduct such observations.

An ovulation test can give a reliable answer, but not always. Its result may be untrue, in case of gynecological diseases, taking certain medications, etc. It is also important to take the test at the right time, which is difficult to calculate.

Some women during the period of ovulation experience mild malaise, pulling sensations in the lower abdomen, dizziness, and similar symptoms. Focusing on their physical condition, such women can determine when they ovulated. But this condition does not always indicate ovulation. These may be signs of some kind of disease, pregnancy, etc.

In general, the effectiveness of methods that determine the signs of late ovulation at home is quite low. For a more accurate picture, it is better to go to the hospital. Studies that will help identify signs of ovulation that did not occur on time:

  • gynecological examination;
  • folliculometry (ultrasound monitoring);
  • analysis of the level of pituitary hormones.

It is desirable to conduct research over several menstrual cycles, this will enable the doctor to more accurately see the signs of late ovulation. All these methods that help to detect signs of ovulation failure are most effectively used directly at the time when the conception of a baby is planned.

Is it necessary to be treated?

Since the occurrence of late ovulation is most often due to certain factors, in this case there is no treatment for ovulation itself. With medical help, you can correct the onset of ovulation, that is, make sure that it occurs at the right time. To do this, you need to see the signs and establish the cause of this situation.

For example, if the failure occurred due to a miscarriage, then you should just wait a few months and everything should recover on its own. If the cause is more complex, for example, the presence of an infectious disease, then you need to undergo a certain course of treatment, after which ovulation will return to normal, etc.

Treatment is usually required when disruptions in ovulation cause infertility. Some women may notice signs that they are not ovulating at all. This also makes conception impossible. In such serious situations, gynecologists prescribe ovulation stimulation. After such treatment, there is a chance that a woman will be able to become a mother and bear a healthy baby.

Actions to promote recovery

Women facing problems in the onset of ovulation need to follow certain rules that will help them recover faster:

  1. Obey the gynecologist and follow all his recommendations.
  2. Avoid stressful situations.
  3. Eat wholesome healthy foods (no diets).
  4. Quit smoking and excessive drinking.
  5. Move more, breathe fresh air.
  6. Live an active sexual life with one partner (do not use protection).

The main thing to remember is that the most important thing is not what the signs of the problem indicate, but how much a woman is ready to make an effort to get rid of her. Delayed ovulation is not a sentence. You can influence the situation, you just need to have a little patience and, perhaps, very soon the dream of a tiny little man will come true.

Ovulation is the period when the female body is maximally ready for conception. In order for the chances of the birth of a new life to be high, it is important to know exactly the date of ovulation. Unfortunately, even with an “ideal”, 28-day cycle, the process of an egg leaving the follicle may differ in different women, because menstrual cycles are a very difficult phenomenon. They start and end at different times, and the duration and onset of the fertile moment can vary under the influence of various factors:

  • stress and anxiety;
  • level of physical activity;
  • hormonal background of a woman.

Regardless of the regularity of the cycle or the frequent change of dates, it is important to accurately monitor when ovulation occurs. This is important not only for those who are planning the birth of a child, but also for fans of the calendar calculation as a method of contraception.

What is the process of ovulation?

The process of release of a mature egg from the follicle is a certain period of the menstrual cycle, which is called the “ovulation phase”. During this period, the egg, ready for conception, leaves the follicle, breaking it, and descends into the fallopian tube. This is accompanied by hormonal changes in the body, in particular, increased levels of estrogen and luteinizing hormone. The latter is responsible for fertilization at the time of the fusion of the sex cells of a woman and a man.

As for when conception can occur at the time of the release of the egg, it is difficult to predict anything here. The menstrual cycle can sometimes change in an individual woman. It is believed that the most common cycle is 28 days, when ovulation occurs at the equator of the cycle, however, fluctuations from 21 to 35 days are acceptable. The most difficult thing is for women with constant changes in the cycle, because then it is impossible to know which days are suitable for conception.

According to a common statement, ovulation usually occurs 14 days before menstruation. So, with a 28-day cycle, it should occur two weeks after menstruation. Unfortunately, such a schedule is not accurate, and the day of ovulation can occur both on the 10th day of the cycle, and 20 days after the end of menstruation. In order to prevent failures in the calendar, it is worth carefully monitoring the symptoms of the body, as well as using other methods of determination.

How long is the ovulatory period? The moment when the egg is most receptive to conception is 24 hours from the onset of the ovulatory period. However, a high probability of becoming pregnant remains 2-3 days after the egg has left the follicle.

Sometimes girls may not ovulate at all. There may be several reasons:

  • Gynecological diseases;
  • postpartum period;
  • recent abortion;
  • Strong stressful situations.

It should be understood that the female body is a rather fragile system that can fail under the influence of the above factors. The cessation of menstruation does not mean that the egg does not mature. If your periods are gone, and the reason for this is not pregnancy or the postpartum period, you should immediately consult a doctor. The cause may be a cyst, severe stress, or a sexually transmitted disease.

Why track ovulation?

It is important for every woman to know on what day her egg matures. There are many reasons and life aspects in which this is necessary.

With irregular periods, tracking ovulation will help to avoid surprises in the form of “red days” that have begun at the wrong time. This is especially necessary with an irregular monthly cycle, after an abortion, as well as polycystic or endometriosis.
The ovulation period is the most fertile for a woman. If you want to get pregnant, you need to know which days are most likely to conceive a child.

Women who do not want to become pregnant, who are sexually active, often take control of the days of the cycle in order to avoid an unplanned pregnancy. If you do not make love during the fertile phase, then the risk of seeing two stripes on the test this month will be significantly reduced.

Physiological signs of ovulation

Can a woman independently determine the beginning of the release of a mature egg? You can determine favorable days for conception by physiological signs:

  1. Increased sensitivity of the breast. On ovulatory days, women's nipples swell a little, the breasts harden and become more sensitive. Pain in the lower abdomen. The beginning of the process is evidenced by unpleasant, "pulling" sensations in the lower abdomen. These sensations last as long as the days of ovulation.
  2. Increase in basal body temperature. The release of the egg from the follicle is accompanied by a slight increase in temperature, which will help to accurately determine ovulation.
  3. Improvement of skin, hair and nails. In the middle of the cycle, nails and hair become stronger, and the skin is cleansed, small pimples disappear.

To confirm the onset of ovulation by 100%, it is better to do a test using a pharmacy indicator test, since information based on calendars and subjective sensations may not be accurate.

What causes late ovulation?

The situation is quite common: a cycle of 28 days, when menstruation occurs much later than 2 weeks after the end of menstruation. Many women begin to consider late ovulation as a deviation from the norm or a sign of a serious illness. It is worth understanding that 1 month of observations is not enough to set up late ovulation. If, for three or more months, ovulation can begin later than after 18 days, there is reason to talk about late maturation of eggs.

A shift in the timing of the maturation of female germ cells is not necessarily a symptom of the disease; this occurs for a number of other reasons:

  • chronic fatigue, nervous tension;
  • hormonal changes;
  • infectious diseases;
  • before the onset of menopause;
  • the period after abortion and miscarriage, as well as after childbirth.

Is it possible to get pregnant with late ovulation?

With signs of a late release of the egg from the ovary, you should not immediately panic. This symptom is not a mandatory sign of infertility, and pregnancy with late ovulation will not affect the development and birth of a healthy baby. The only exceptions may be infectious diseases or hormonal imbalances, so it is extremely important to do something as important as seeing a doctor. If necessary, undergo treatment.

You can detect late maturation of eggs using an ultrasound examination, analyzes of pituitary gland indicators, or using rapid ovulation tests. Usually, determining ovulation is most relevant for women who are planning a pregnancy soon. If any problems are found, complex treatment is required to eliminate the cause of this phenomenon.

If the delayed release of the egg is one of the symptoms of hormonal disorders or infectious diseases, this phenomenon is often accompanied by other complaints. This is hair loss, an increase in body fat in the waist area, the appearance of acne, irregular periods and a change in their nature, as well as discharge during the middle of the cycle. Having found several of the above symptoms, you should see a doctor for the necessary tests and prescribe therapy.

What to do if ovulation does not occur at all?

In some cases, ovulation can not only occur with a delay, but also not come at all. For women planning a pregnancy, this can be both a great hope and a big disappointment. Since the absence of ovulation is the main sign of pregnancy. But it may indicate the course of chronic diseases. If for some reason ovulation has not occurred, you should do the following:

  • Take a test to make sure you're not pregnant.
  • Make an appointment with a specialist to accurately determine the causes of this phenomenon with the help of tests and the appointment of complex therapy.
  • If ovarian dysfunction is detected, you should not be nervous - stress will only make it worse.
  • HCG injections will help to significantly increase the likelihood of becoming pregnant in the absence of the ovulatory phase.
  • One of the most radical ways is to stimulate ovulation with the help of Clomifel citrate. Before using the product, you should consult with your doctor. Ovulation induction has a number of contraindications, such as fever, pregnancy and lactation.

Delayed ovulation with a 28-day cycle is not at all a serious pathology, and it is quite possible to get pregnant in this case. However, it is undesirable to ignore this feature, since late ovulation can be a sign of a serious illness. You can increase the chances of conceiving and giving birth to a healthy child by giving up bad habits and minimizing the level of stress in life. This will help to correct the cycle in the absence of serious diseases. Do not forget about the timely determination of ovulation with the calendar planning method, and this will help to avoid unwanted pregnancy or see the cherished two stripes.