During which phase of the menstrual cycle does ovulation typically occur?

Ovulation typically occurs during the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle. This phase begins on the first day of menstruation and lasts until ovulation. During this time, the pituitary gland releases follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which promotes the growth and maturation of ovarian follicles. As these follicles develop, they produce estrogen, which helps to thicken the endometrium and prepares the body for a possible pregnancy.

Around the midpoint of the cycle, usually around day 14 in a typical 28-day cycle, a surge in luteinizing hormone (LH) triggers the release of a mature egg from the dominant follicle in a process known as ovulation. This marks the transition from the follicular phase to the luteal phase, where the remnants of the follicle transform into the corpus luteum, which secretes progesterone to sustain the uterine lining in the event of fertilization.

The other phases, such as the luteal phase, menstrual phase, and pre-menstrual phase, occur before or after ovulation, making them irrelevant when discussing the specific occurrence of ovulation within the menstrual cycle.