A woman\u2019s menstrual cycle can be split into three phases:<\/p>\n
Let’s investigate further. <\/p>\n
Phase 1: Follicular \u2013 Maturing The Egg.<\/strong> Phase 2: Ovulation \u2013 Releasing The Egg.<\/strong> Phase 3: Luteal \u2013 Preparing For Conception<\/strong> So, if you\u2019re hoping to conceive, the best time to have sex is between days 12-14 of your monthly cycles – one to two days before and during ovulation.<\/p>\n For more information on world leading fertility specialists Genea, visit genea.com.au<\/a><\/p>\n To listen to Season 2 of the Modern Babies podcast by Genea visit genea.com.au\/podcast<\/a><\/p>\n
\n\tOvarian follicles are tiny little cases in the ovaries that hold immature eggs. Each ovarian follicle houses one immature egg (we’re born with approximately 2 million eggs, although numbers will have reduced to 400,000-500,000 by the time we’ve reached puberty).
\n\tDuring this first phase, follicle stimulating hormones trigger the growth of ovarian follicles. Typically, one dominant follicle will outgrow the others to release its egg \u2013 now fully matured. The growth of the follicles also stimulates the thickening of the walls of the uterus in preparation for a possible pregnancy.<\/p>\n
\n\tPhase 2 begins when the fully matured egg is released from the dominant ovarian follicle. The egg is collected by the fimbrial end of the fallopian tube and funnelled into the tube towards the uterus.
\n\tAn egg has a typical lifespan of a few hours. If it doesn\u2019t meet a sperm (which has a lifespan of two to five days once inside a woman\u2019s body) within this short window, it will die.
\n\tSome women will be able to tell when they\u2019re ovulating by recognising changes in their body. Breast tenderness, abdominal tightness or heavier and more opaque vaginal discharge are a few examples of physical responses to ovulation.
\n\tIf you\u2019re hoping to increase your chances of getting pregnant, it\u2019s important to understand your fertile window. Those looking to conceive may consider using apps, ovulation kits or temperature charts to track their cycle.<\/p>\n
\n\tThe third phase will typically last for 14 days. During this period, the lining of the uterus prepares itself to receive a fertilised egg (it thickens, as a result of the release of progesterone and oestrogen).
\n\tIf the thickened wall of the uterus doesn\u2019t receive a fertilised egg, levels of progesterone will reduce, causing the lining to shed. This in turn triggers menstruation \u2013 otherwise known as a period (usually around the 22-28 day mark).<\/p>\n