To calculate safe days in your monthly cycle or menstrual cycle, you first have to understand how to calculate your period dates, be familiar with the four stages in each of your cycle and factors that can alter the cycle.
Some Physicians researchers believe that there is absolutely no “safe” time of the month when a woman can have sex without contraception and not risk becoming pregnant.
Although, there are times in the menstrual cycle when women may be most fertile and are most likely to conceive. The fertile days may last for up to 3-5 days after the end of your period.
It is certain that you can fall pregnant after an unprotected intercourse within your most fertile days. You are most fertile at the time of ovulation (that is when an egg is released from your ovaries), which usually occurs 12 to 14 days before your next period starts.
The 4 Stages of Menstrual Cycle
A woman’s menstrual cycle is divided into four stages:
- Follicular phase
- Luteal phase
- Fertile Window
- Menstrual phase
However, the length of each stage can differ from woman to woman, cycle to cycle, and it can change over time.
The Follicular Period
Be reminded that the follicular period starts on the first day of your menstrual cycle, however, there is some overlap with the menstrual phase and it ends when you ovulate.
This stage starts when the hypothalamus sends a signal to the pituitary gland to release follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). This hormone prompt your ovaries to produce around 6 to 20 small sacs called follicles. Each follicle contains an immature egg.
Although, only the healthiest egg will eventually mature. ( on rare occasions, a woman may have two eggs mature which to could birth twin babies.) The rest of the follicles will be reabsorbed into your body.
The maturing follicle sets off a surge in estrogen that thickens the lining of your uterus. This is to create a nutrient-rich environment for an embryo to grow if fertilized.
Based on recent research, an average follicular stage lasts for about 16 days. It can range from 11 to 27 days, depending on your cycle.
The Luteal Period
The luteal period is the second half of your menstrual cycle. It starts after ovulation and ends with the first day of your period.
Once the follicle has released its egg, the egg travels down the fallopian tube, where it may come in contact with sperm and be fertilized
After the follicle releases its egg, it changes into the corpus luteum. This structure releases hormones, mainly progesterone and some estrogen. The rise in hormones keeps your uterine lining thick and ready for a fertilized egg to implant.
- bloating
- breast swelling, pain, or tenderness
- mood changes
- headache
- weight gain
- changes in sexual desire
- food cravings
- trouble sleeping
The luteal phase lasts for 11 to 17 days. The average length is 14 days.
The Fertile Window
The Rising estrogen levels during the follicular phase can trigger your pituitary gland to release luteinizing hormone (LH). This is what starts the process of ovulation or the fertile window.
Additionally, ovulation means when the ovary releases a mature egg. The egg travels down the fallopian tube toward the uterus to be fertilized by sperm during intercourse.
Ovulation happens at around day 14 if you have a 28-day cycle, or in the middle of your menstrual cycle. It lasts about 24 hours. After a day, the egg will die or dissolve if it wasn’t fertilized by a sperm.
Although, the male sperm can live up to five days, which means pregnancy can occur if a woman has sex as much as five days prior to ovulation.
The ovulation period is the only certain period during your menstrual cycle when you can get pregnant. You can tell that you’re ovulating by symptoms like these:
- a slight rise in basal body temperature
- thicker discharge that has the texture of egg whites
The Menstruation Period
The menstruation period is the first stage of the menstrual cycle. It’s also when you get your period.
This period starts when an egg from the previous cycle isn’t fertilized. Because pregnancy has not taken place yet, the level of the hormones estrogen and progesterone drop.
The thickened lining of your uterus, which would support a pregnancy, is no longer needed, so it sheds through your vagina. During your period, you release a combination of blood, mucus, and tissue from your uterus.
On average, women are in the menstrual phase of their cycle for 3 to 7 days. Some women have longer periods than others.
Things That can Affect The Menstrual Cycle
Any of these things can alter your menstrual cycle:
- Birth control: The birth control pill may make your periods shorter and lighter. While on some pills, you won’t get a period at all.
- Pregnancy: Your periods should stop during pregnancy. Missed periods are one of the most obvious first signs that you’re pregnant.
- Eating disorders: Anorexia, bulimia, and other eating disorders can disrupt your menstrual cycle and make your periods stop.
Disclaimer: The information published in this article is purely for informational and educational purposes only. The article does not intend to diagnose, treat or cure any disease and should not be treated as medical advice.
