Stupid question about periods vs ovulation

[tweener]

I appreciate this is probably a ridiculous question but my last/first child 12 years ago was a surprise so I've never been in the position to actively try and get pregnant.

I understand people can still ovulate without necessarily having a period, so I'm not quite sure the what the link is between the two, and how a delay in one affects the other (if at all?).
Due to a few medical issues I had day patient surgery last month and every time I have a general anaesthetic my period is delayed a couple of weeks.

Does this mean my ovulation days would be delayed as well?

I promise I'm a fairly bright person in real life but I have nobody other than Mumsnet to reach out with my stupid questions so I'm appreciative of any advice. Thank you!

No such thing as a stupid question nobody is born knowing this stuff!

After ovulation, the part of the ovary that released the egg releases the hormone progesterone which helps prepare the lining of the uterus. If you don't get pregnant the levels of progesterone drop and that causes the period. So if you're having a late period it's likely your ovulation is delayed as you can have a breakthrough bleed but don't really get periods without ovulation or at least attempted ovulation!

Honestly it’s not a stupid question at all. It can be so confusing. My understanding is that the time between ovulation and your period (luteal phase) tends to be pretty consistent in terms of days. Mine is usually 13 days. My ovulation was 4 days late this month and my period came 4 days late too. So my understanding is that if your period is late then your ovulation was likely late which isn’t that uncommon especially if you’ve had surgery.

It's very common for ovulation to be delayed (stress, diet, medication) but once you've ovulated you will get your period within 10-14 days (unless pregnant).

You can get random bleeding, or even regular bleeding, even if you're not ovulating though.

Thanks all. Really appreciate it.
I guess we'll just keep going and see what happens!