When people talk about reproductive health, two words often come up: menstruation and ovulation. While both are connected to the menstrual cycle, they are not the same. Let’s break it down simply.

What is Ovulation?

• Ovulation is when a mature egg is released from the ovary.
• It usually happens around the middle of the cycle (day 14 in a 28-day cycle).
• The egg travels down the fallopian tube and waits for sperm.
• If sperm fertilizes the egg, pregnancy can begin.

What is Menstruation?

• Menstruation is the bleeding phase of the cycle, also called a “period.”
• It happens when the egg is not fertilized.
• The uterus lining, which was built to support a pregnancy, sheds away.
• This shedding comes out as blood through the vagina.
  

Key Differences

• Timing: Ovulation happens in the middle; menstruation happens at the end.
• Purpose: Ovulation is about releasing an egg; menstruation is about cleaning out the unused lining.
• Pregnancy link: Ovulation creates the chance for pregnancy; menstruation means no pregnancy happened.

Why People Confuse Them

• Both are part of the same cycle.
• Both involve hormones and the reproductive system.
• But one is about preparing for pregnancy, while the other is about ending that chance.