Understanding Your Menstrual Cycle To Avoid or Attain Pregnancy

Often, teenage girls have a doubt regarding the menstrual cycle. Proper knowledge of menstrual cycle is required to avoid unexpected pregnancy risks. Also, it is rightful act to have a proper understanding of a body function to avoid any health risks or confusion.

When the topic of menstrual cycle arises, the very first thing that comes in mind of many people is ‘periods’. This period is a part of the menstruation cycle. It is regulated by the hormones of the body. The menstrual cycle begins during the teenage years (14-15 years) and continues until the menopause. The purpose of this cycle is to prepare the female body for the reproduction.

Normal Menstrual Cycle

The menstrual cycle can vary from woman to woman, for some woman the normal menstrual cycle lasts for 21 days and for others it may take 35 days to complete. The average menstrual cycle takes around 28 days. The ‘period’, a part of menstrual cycle lasts from 1 to 8 days, with the average of around 4-5 days for all women.  It means that the time of ovulation varies, but the average day of ovulation is considered to be on the 14^th day of the cycle.

A picture attached with the article will help to understand to get the insight of complete time period of menstrual cycle and ovulation day.

Causes of Irregularity of the periods

As, the menstrual cycle vary in a woman from time to time. This could result in the delay, or irregularity of the periods. The main causes of the irregularity of periods are illness, emotional stress, travel, change in body weight and use of medicines.

Sometimes irregularity of the menstrual periods induces the vaginal infection. Also, this could become the cause of infertility in women. It is recommended that, if a woman is facing irregularities than she must consult a doctor to understand the causes.

Problems Associated with the Menstrual Cycle

Many women experience period pain, premenstrual tension with the heavy periods (more bleeding than usual). These problems arise due to many reasons. If some problems persist than one must consult a doctor.

Pregnancy and Ovulation

A woman is most likely to get pregnant during the 8^th and 18^th day, which depends on when the ovulation occurs, and how long the male sperm stays active in uterus. According to the experts, the change in the vaginal mucus from jelly to watery fluid represents the ovulations. Intercourse during these days (Approx 2-3 days after this change) is considered to be the most likely days to cause pregnancy.  

If a couple is experiencing infertility problem than the first thing they must do is to conclude the ovulation day, for more chances of pregnancy. Those who want to avoid pregnancy, they should never try intercourse during this time.