MYTHBUSTER - Spontaneous ovulation

The moment when the egg gets released from the ovary

   I have heard it from different people that "Yeah, yeah, this Fertility Awareness Method sounds very good for contraception, but what about when ovulation happens spontaneously and therefore the egg does get fertilized?".
   The fact is that the ripening of the follicle and the releasing of the mature egg is the result of a very long and complex process. When, at the end of the cycle, the progesterone level drops and bleeding begins, in the brain the hypothalamus starts producing GnRH (Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone) that activates the Pituitary gland. The Pituitary gland releases FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) that travels with the blood circulation to the ovaries where it kicks in the process of ripening the follicles and the eggs inside. The follicles produce estrogen that is responsible for the occurring fertility signs (cervical mucus, changes in the position of the cervix) and for building up the uterine lining. 
   There is continuous connection and communication between the ovaries and the brain via hormones. As the estrogen produced by the ripening follicles (and later the dominant follicle only) reaches a certain level in about 1-2 weeks' time, this will give green light to the Pituitary gland to release LH (Luteinizing Hormone). Ovulation happens 12-24 hours after the LH level peaks, we see this exact moment in the picture above. (The light purple in the background on the left is the ovary, the pink is the protrusive ripe follicle and the red is the egg.)
   We have discussed before that whatever has an effect on the brain (grief, travelling etc.) can influence the hormone production, causing ovulation to occur earlier or later than usual, but this does not happen in a minute. The process is so long and so complex that a long awaited meeting with a loved one, a good sex, a huge orgasm, a big fright, an argument etc. will not cause spontaneous ovulation out of the blue. And in case the process has already started, estrogen level is rising, cervical fluid is being produced, it will show up on the cycle chart immediately and those who use the method for contraception avoid unprotected vaginal intercourse in this period anyway, so an accidental spontaneous ovulation (if such thing exists at all) will not cause unplanned pregnancy!

   I hope we have managed to clear any doubts in this topic. The Natural Family Planning Teachers' Association (where I was trained) does not accept the existence of spontaneous ovulation but the theory could be proven or refuted only if we could examine each and every woman's each and every cycle in the world.
   I leave it up to you to decide if you believe in it or not. Nevertheless, the Fertility Awareness Method is a very effective and safe solution for contraception! 😉