Terms explaining menstruation and ovulation
Ovulation
Related terms · Time of egg release · Ovulation date
Ovulation is the process by which an egg is released from the ovary. Since the date can vary with each menstrual cycle, it is difficult to determine the exact ovulation date based on calendar calculations alone.
Reviewed by Korean Medicine Doctor Choi Yeon-seung · Last updated 2026-08-26
Meaning and Distinctions
What is ovulation?
Cycle changes, ovulation tests, basal body temperature, and ultrasound or hormone tests each provide different types of information. Ovulation is the process where an egg is released from the ovary. Menstrual cycleBecause the date can vary each time, it is difficult to determine the exact ovulation date through calendar calculations alone.
- Easily confused terms
- Having a period does not necessarily mean that ovulation occurred in every cycle; we distinguish between cases where ovulation is delayed and cycles where ovulation does not occur.
- Why this is checked during medical evaluation
- Irregular menstruation ·Polycystic Ovary Syndrome· It is the starting point for determining the cycle and pregnancy plans during consultations for infertility.
- What to record for your visit
- Please prepare the start dates of your periods for the last 3-6 months, ovulation test results, and a list of medications you are taking.
Women's Health Glossary
Compare similar terms here
You can check a brief definition before proceeding to a detailed explanation.Menstrual CycleThe menstrual cycle is the period from the first day of one menstruation to the day before the next menstruation begins.Polycystic Ovary SyndromePolycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a condition diagnosed by comprehensively evaluating irregular ovulation, signs of excess male hormones, and the morphology of the ovaries.AMHAMH is a blood test used to predict the response to ovarian stimulation by indirectly reflecting the population of follicles remaining in the ovaries.
Read More
Check guides where this term is used
- Condition GuideIrregular MenstruationThere is more than one cause of irregular menstruation. First, the possibility of pregnancy is checked, followed by polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) causing irregular ovulation, thyroid issues, significant weight changes, excessive exercise, stress, hormonal contraceptives, and changes during puberty or the menopausal transition. If the possibility of pregnancy coincides with one-sided pelvic pain, bleeding, or dizziness, or if heavy bleeding causes shortness of breath or a feeling of fainting, an immediate visit to an OB/GYN or emergency evaluation takes priority over a consultation regarding the cause.→
- Condition GuidePolycystic Ovary SyndromePolycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is diagnosed by synthesizing criteria among irregular ovulation and menstruation, symptoms of androgen excess such as acne and hirsutism, and ovarian morphology on ultrasound, while excluding other causes. It cannot be determined by a single finding of many follicles on ultrasound or by irregular menstruation alone. Treatment goals vary depending on whether immediate pregnancy is desired, whether menstruation and endometrial protection are the priority, or whether acne, hirsutism, and metabolic risks need to be managed. If there are pregnancy plans, the evaluation of ovulation and the fertility of both partners should not be delayed.→
- Medical Evaluation GuideWhat should I prepare before a consultation for women's health conditions?Please record the start date and bleeding dates of your last three cycles, the number of times you changed products on your heaviest day, the location of pain, and your response to painkillers. Regarding discharge and itching, please prepare your test results and previous treatment responses rather than self-diagnosing the odor and color. Please also provide full details on the possibility or planning of pregnancy, ultrasound or blood tests, and any hormone medications, contraceptives, infertility treatment medications, or supplements.→
- Women's Health ColumnMenstrual calendar: Besides the start date, what else should I track to help with treatment?→
Evidence and Update Information
The following materials were referenced to verify the basis and scope of the definitions and treatment explanations.