Ovulation is typically around which day in a standard 28-day cycle?

• A. 7
• B. 14
• C. 21
• D. 28

Answer: (B)

In a typical 28-day cycle, ovulation occurs around the midpoint because the surge of luteinizing hormone (triggered by rising estrogen) prompts release of the mature egg about halfway through. The first half of the cycle is the follicular phase, building up follicles, and the second half—the luteal phase—runs about 14 days after ovulation. So, around day 14 is the best estimate for ovulation in a standard 28-day cycle.

Early in the cycle (day 7, for example) is still in follicular development, not ovulation. Day 21 falls in the luteal phase after the egg has been released, when progesterone is rising. Day 28 is near the end of the cycle, just before menstruation would begin if pregnancy hasn’t occurred, so ovulation would have already happened earlier.