The menstrual cycle is a process which is regulated by hormones and is a complex process.

It usually lasts between 21 and 35 days with an average of 28 days. It is necessary to understand its phases if you are trying to conceive.

Are you trying to conceive and want to know more about the menstrual cycle? Then this blog is perfect for you.

Keretrip is here to make you understand the different phases of the menstrual cycle and when is the best time for you to conceive.

This blog covers all the information about the menstrual cycle so that your journey for family planning becomes easy. Let’s ive in.

What is Menstrual Cycle?

There are four phases of the menstrual cycle. We should know what happens during each cycle so here it is as follows: 1. Menstrual Phase (Days 1-5): This phase is the beginning of the menstrual cycle. It usually lasts between 3 to 7 days.

2. Follicular Phase (Days 1-13): During this phase only one follicle matures fully. With the formation of estrogen, which helps to rebuild the uterine lining that was shed during menstruation.

3. Ovulation (Day 14 for a 28-day cycle): The mature egg travels down the fallopian tube, where it can be fertilized by sperm. This is Ovulation which usually happens about 14 days before the start of the next menstrual period, but this may vary.

4. Luteal Phase (Days 15-28): This phase lasts for around 14 days. The progesterone formed during this phase prepares the uterine lining for a pregnancy by thickening it. If there is no fertilization, the uterine lining sheds and the next menstrual cycle begins.

Let’s understand the Fertile Window

It is that specific period during the menstrual cycle when a woman has the highest chance of conceiving. You should understand the timing of the fertile window if you are planning for a family.

For a standard 28-day cycle, ovulation usually happens on day 14. The exact day of ovulation can be different depending on the length of the menstrual cycle.

A sperm can live inside the female reproductive tract for up to 5 days. This means that intercourse during ovulation can result in fertilization, that is, if sperm are present and the egg is released.

To increase the chances of conception, intercourse is advisable during the five days before ovulation and on the day of ovulation itself. If the egg is not fertilized for about 12 to 24 hours of this time, the egg disintegrates.

Short Menstrual Cycles

• This cycle lasts less than 21 days. It can affect the timing of the ovulation and the fertile window.

• The menstrual phase in short cycles involves the shedding of the uterine lining. Menstrual bleeding usually lasts 3 to 7 days. Here the follicular phase is much condensed.

• Ovulation might occur around day 7, which is much earlier. So the fertile window shifts closer to the end of the menstrual phase.The luteal phase usually remains consistent at around 14 days. If there is no fertilisation, the uterine wall drops.

• Women with short cycles have high chances of conceiving earlier after their period ends due to the early onset of ovulation.

• You should monitor your menstrual cycle using different techniques such as basal body temperature (BBT, if you are trying to conceive.

Irregular Menstrual Cycles

During this, the cycle length is different. This difference can make the prediction of ovulation more challenging.

Menstrual cycles can range from very short (less than 21 days) to very long (more than 35 days). Ovulation can occur at different times each cycle, making it difficult to identify the fertile window. The flow of menstrual blood can also vary.

Conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and thyroid disorders, can cause irregularity of menstrual cycles. Stress, excessive exercise, and poor nutrition can also affect menstrual regularity.

For women trying to conceive, intercourse during the detected signs of ovulation increases the chances of pregnancy. They should also manage stress, maintain a healthy weight, and have proper balanced nutrition.

Factors Affecting Ovulation Timing

There are various factors affecting the ovulation timing. It is dependent on various factors as follows:

• PCOS is a common disorder which can affect ovulation.
• Thyroid disorders can also affect the menstrual cycle.
• Chronic stress can lead to elevated levels of cortisol, a stress hormone that can hinder the balance of reproductive hormones, preventing ovulation.
• Overweight or underweight can also affect the menstrual cycle.
• Poor nutrition and extreme diets, too much exercise, can affect hormone production and overall reproductive health, disrupting ovulation timing.
• As women approach menopause, their cycles become more irregular, and ovulation occurs less frequently until it stops entirely.