[kdlynn (OP)]

if a woman is on a regular twenty eight day menstrual cycle, does ovulation always occur on the same day of each cycle, or does it vary?

[Karen W.]

I always thought it was the same day of the cycle, but I really don't know for sure as I was always way irregular.

[kdlynn (OP)]

OH and is it normal to feel it? i get slight cramps on one side for about a day when i'm guessing that i'm ovulating. usually the right side is more tender.

[Karen W.]

Yes i would say that could be accurate . your breasts tend to get tender also.Just keep an eye on it being one side more then the other and mention it to the doctor also.. sometimes Cists can feel a bit like that at least mine did! one side was way more tender then the other!

[MayoFlyFarmer]

i'm (obviously) no expert on the subject, but i don't think the cramping you feel is actually the process of ovulation, but a consequence of many changes that are happpening in that region of your body at the time, and the dramatic shifts in hormone levels.

in answer to the qquestion:  yes, in theory, ovulation should occur at the same point of the cycle eevery month.  however, i'm sure there is some wiggle room in the timing of things....  (just like for some women there is some wiggle room in the overall length of the cycle)

[yesha21dette]

   Well, I agree. I'm not an expert with this subject. However, as I know that ovulation should occur at the same point of the cycle every month. Somebody says that if your menstrual cycle is irregular you may have a problem to pinpointing your day of ovulation based on the calendar alone.

[MartinTheK]

The medical term for pain from ovulation (usually minor) is "Mittelschmerz". It usually lasts a few hours, but sometimes longer. It occurs in about 20% of women.

It should be pointed out that since a woman has always ovulated on a given day, there is no law saying she will in the current month. This can lead to a big surprise for a couple (or single woman).

Say you're about 35 and you have a couple of kids in their late teens. All of a sudden you could find out you're not going to be opening up that little B & B in the Alagarve after all.