For teaching purposes, when does ovulation usually occur in relation to menstruation?

Ovulation typically occurs approximately two weeks before the start of the next menstrual period. This timing is based on the average 28-day menstrual cycle, where ovulation usually happens around day 14. Understanding this timing is crucial for recognizing fertile windows for conception or identifying signs of ovulatory dysfunction.

In a standard cycle, counting begins on the first day of menstruation. As the follicular phase leads up to ovulation, hormonal changes prepare the body for the release of an egg. If fertilization does not occur, the body will then progress to the luteal phase, culminating in menstruation about 14 days later. Recognizing this ovulation-timing relationship helps provide a clearer understanding of the menstrual cycle and the physiological processes involved.