Ovulation occurs how many days before the first day of the menstrual period?

• A. 12
• B. 10
• C. 21
• D. 14

Answer: (D)

Ovulation is the release of an egg and generally happens mid-cycle. The part of the cycle after ovulation, the luteal phase, is typically about 14 days long, so ovulation occurs about 14 days before the start of the next period. In a typical 28-day cycle, this places ovulation around day 14, roughly two weeks before bleeding begins. That’s why the standard answer is about 14 days before the period starts. Keep in mind cycle length can vary, so the exact day can shift a bit, but the general rule is mid-cycle, about two weeks before the next period.