How can Women Monitor their Cycles and Determine when Ovulation Occurs?
- Author Lisa Olson
- Published November 8, 2010
- Word count 518
In order to get pregnant (or to reduce the risk of pregnancy if no form of contraception is being used), it is important for a woman to understand the different phases in her menstrual cycle, and what they represent physiologically.
It is relatively easy for a woman who has regular periods to monitor her menstrual cycle, and understand when she is experiencing each of the three main phases. However, if periods are irregular, these phases can be more difficult to gauge.
Menstrual cycles tend to last between 26 and 34 days, with the average being 28 days. The stages of the cycle are as follows:
Phase 1, the follicular phase.
This phase is when the lining of the womb thickens in preparation for a fertilized egg. It is also the phase when estrogen and other hormone levels rise and stimulate follicles in the ovaries. The largest of these follicles will develop and become the egg, which is then released in phase two. Menstruation occurs during the follicular stage.
Phase 2, Ovulation.
This is when an egg is released by one or both of the ovaries. The egg then travels through one of the fallopian tubes, where, after a day or two, if unfertilized, the egg will dissolve. During ovulation, it is not uncommon for some women to feel slight pain in the pelvis area, and due to hormone fluctuation, mid cycle blood-spotting can occur. Women who experience this can generally ascertain that ovulation is occurring.
Phase 3, Luteal phase.
This phase is when the ovaries continue to secrete corpus luteum, which is a thick substance that grows after the egg has been released. This substance will then line the womb, creating thick mucus, perfect for a fertilized egg to develop on.
The most fertile period of a woman's monthly cycle generally runs from five days before ovulation until one to two days after an egg has been released. This is when a woman is most likely to get pregnant.
Women with regular cycles can monitor dates using a calendar-based method, ascertaining when ovulation occurs by considering the following general guidelines.
-
The start of menstruation is considered day 1 of the menstrual cycle.
-
In a 28-day cycle, there is a 14-day luteal phase, which happens at the end of the cycle.
-
Ovulation generally happens approx 12 days into the average menstrual cycle.
-
The most fertile period of the cycle tends to be at the end of the 2nd week/at the beginning of the 3rd week, just before and immediately after ovulation.
Keeping a diary of menstruation and ovulation symptoms is an ideal way for a woman to monitor the phases of her cycle. There are books and online calendars that make this clear and easy, requiring just a small amount of data.
Other ways of monitoring the menstrual cycle include plotting basal body temperature (which lowers just prior to ovulation), and checking the consistency of cervical mucus and the position of the cervix, both of which change during certain times of the month. Home ovulation kits are also available. These are kits that indicate when ovulation is occurring by measuring hormone levels present in the urine.
Lisa Olson is a fertility expert, a health consultant, and a nutritionist with many years of experience in helping infertile couples to naturally get pregnant. If you are struggling to have a baby, please visit Pregnancy Miracle for help.
Article source: https://articlebiz.comRate article
Article comments
There are no posted comments.
Related articles
- The Cost of Birthing Life
- Top 12 Pregnancy Guides for New Mothers
- Common Pregnancy Complications and How to Lower Your Risk
- Prenatal Care Importance
- Tips to Getting Pregnant: Fertility Boost for Women Trying to Conceive
- Your newborn baby brings you happiness, so how to save the most beautiful moments of your life?
- Healthy recipes to make when pregnant
- Smiling for Two: How Your Oral Health Affects Your Unborn Baby
- 3 Ways Pregnancy Can Affect Your Smile
- How Coronavirus Pandemic Affecting the Surrogacy Facilities?
- Secure Pregnancy with pregnancy prediction horoscope free
- An Economic Solution to America’s Abortion Dilemma!
- How CBD May Interact With Birth Control
- Midwifery Annual Congress 2019
- Gender Reveal Party Ideas With Color Powder
- So You Don't Sleep Well During Pregnancy? Read This Tips!
- The Naked Truth Now Exposed! "You Are Not The Only Person Concerned About The 5 Fat And Pregnant Childbirth Defects?"
- What is Laparoscopy and Hysteroscopic Surgery Methods - Simpler Operations
- Can You Take Tums While Pregnant?
- A List Of Healthy Food To Eat While Pregnant
- Making a Wise Choice with Free Printable Baby Shower Games
- PUPPP Treatments
- About PUPPP
- What is PUPPP?
- Different Baby Bottle Nipples
- Different Baby Bottle Brands
- Tips To Help You Enjoy Your Pregnancy!
- 5 Nutritional Foods to Eat When Pregnant
- How to Prepare for First Pregnancy
- 3D vs 4D Ultrasound