Ovulation is release of single and mature egg from ovarian follicles. A mature ovum, still undergoing final mitotic divisions, is released by ovary every month which gets expelled into pelvic cavity and finally enters the fallopian tube. Once an egg is released, it is ready to be fertilized by the sperm. A fertilized egg rapidly undergoes cellular divisions and forms a blastocyst, an early stage embryo, which is implanted into uterus wall and that characterizes the pregnancy. If that unfortunate egg doesn’t meet its male counterpart and remains unfertilized, it is passed out from reproductive tract during menstrual bleeding. Ovulation tests detect the ovulation hormone - luteinizing hormone (LH), which rises or 'surges' 24-36 hours before a female ovulates. These tests are based on LH-specific antibodies labeled with specific dyes. The ovulation testing can also be done by examining saliva under microscope as during ovulation, saliva begins to form a distinct fern-like pattern due to an increase in salt and estrogen levels. In this test, a drop of saliva is taken onto a lens and the dried sample is seen through the microscope. A ferning, crystal-like pattern confirms that either the women is about to ovulate or the ovulation has already taken place.
DNA & Genetics
DNA & Paternity
