If you are looking for a pregnancy, it is important you know your fertile days and the stages of your menstrual cycle to maximise possibilities of success. It is during mid cycle, during ovulation, when it’s more possible to obtain a pregnancy. However, not every cycle is the same and for this reason it’s important to know about its duration so you know exactly when the most fertile days are happening.
To evaluate if the period appears in the same time frame it is necessary to carry out this control during 3-4 months
What are the stages in the menstrual cycle?
The menstrual cycle is formed by three phases: The follicular phase, ovulation and the luteal phase. The follicular phase starts on the first day of the cycle, that is, the first day of the period. It is called this way as the follicles develop until they mature. After this phase, ovulation occurs, where the egg is liberated and travels down the fallopian tube. After ovulation, the luteal phase begins; the luteal body develops and will last until a possible pregnancy is obtained or the arrival once more of the menstruation.
The luteal phase usually lasts from 12-14 days. However, the follicular phase can vary its duration. In those cycles that last between 26-30 days, the follicular phase can oscillate from day 12 to day 16 of the cycle.
If your cycle is regular, that is, of 28 days, ovulation should occur on day 14. However, if your cycle is longer, for example, of 34 days. Ovulation will not occur until day 20.
When are the fertile days?
The possibilities of a pregnancy vary depending on the days we have sexual relations. Once liberated, the egg can survive up to 24 hours and spermatozoids up to 5 days in the uterus. For this reason the most fertile days are the 4 days prior and after the ovulation.
On the contrary to what is believed, it is not recommended to maintain continuous sexual relationships during those days as the sperm could lose quality. The best option is to wait 24 hours between each encounter so the sperm can recuperate, therefor alternating days. For example, the recommended days for a 28 day cycle would be day 12, 14 and 16 of the cycle.