Understand Your Menstrual Cycle

Menstrual cycle is a series of hormone changes that happens in women (once they hit puberty). Understanding how your menstrual cycle works will help you to better plan and try for a baby.

It can typically be divided into four phases: menstruation, follicular, ovulation and luteal phase.

Menstruation: It is the start of a new menstrual cycle which commences from the first day of menstrual bleeding. It can typically last between 3-7 days for most women.

Follicular: During first few days of the cycle, follicle stimulating hormones (FSH) will gradually increase which stimulate a few ovarian follicles. As these follicles mature, the level of 2 hormones namely estradiol and estrogen will increase.

Ovulation: As the ovarian follicles mature, the levels of estradiol will increase to a level whereby luteinizing hormones (LH) will be produced. The surge of LH will release the matured ovarian follicles which in other words, ovulation has occurred. The egg is swept into the fallopian tube whereby it waits for sperms to fertilize it. After 24-48 hours, the unfertilized egg will disintegrate into the fallopian tube. If fertilization occurs, the development of embryo will takes place and it will take about 3 days to reach to the uterus and another 3 days for implantation.

Luteal phase: Luteal phase which is better known as 2 weeks wait is the period from ovulation til the start of the next menstrual cycle. Corpus luteum is developed from an ovarian follicle and formed once ovulation has occurred. It produces progesterone which is important to support implantation and early pregnancy. Typically, if an egg is not fertilized, the corpus luteum will stop producing progesterone (in about 14 days). The uterine lining will disintegrate without the support of progesterone which starts a new menstrual cycle.

Fertile Period for TTC
A woman is most fertile from 5 days before ovulation and 2 days after ovulation. During this 7 days window period, having unprotected sexual intercourse will result in highest likelihood of pregnancy. For TTC ladies, it is important to try to have sexual intercourse during this fertile window to increase chances of trying for a baby.