Periods and fertility in the menstrual cycle (2024)

FAQs

What is the relation between fertility and menstrual cycle? ›

Fertility depends on the menstrual (ovarian) cycle, and in each cycle there is a “fertile window” during which women can conceive [1,4,5]. Studies on standard menstrual cycles suggest that the fertile window starts 5 days prior to ovulation and ends on the day of ovulation [4].

You ovulate about 12 to 14 days before the start of a new menstrual cycle. Your fertile window is the five days leading up to ovulation, plus the day of ovulation and the day after ovulation — so about seven days in total.

If your cycles are absent, shorter than 21 days, longer than 35 days or vary by several days per month, this indicates an irregular period, which may impact ovulation. If you aren't ovulating, you can't get pregnant. The key factor to keep in mind is whether or not cycles are consistent in length from month to month.

The menstrual cycle is a natural process. It is a complex cycle controlled by female hormones that cause regular bleeding (periods). The menstrual cycle has four phases: menstruation, the follicular phase, ovulation and the luteal phase. Some women may experience menstrual problems (e.g. heavy bleeding).

Irregular and long menstrual cycles have been linked to endocrine-related fertility problems such as reduced fecundability, pregnancy complications, and poor maternal health.

Short menstrual cycle lengths and early or late onset of menstruation are associated with reduced fertility, according to a new study led by Boston University School of Public Health (SPH) researchers.

Have sex regularly. The highest pregnancy rates occur in couples who have sex every day or every other day. Have sex near the time of ovulation. If having sex every day isn't possible — or enjoyable — have sex every 2 to 3 days a week starting soon after the end of your period.

The menstrual cycle is regulated by the complex interaction of hormones: luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and the female sex hormones estrogen and progesterone. The menstrual cycle has three phases: Follicular (before release of the egg) Ovulatory (egg release)

Shortened cycles can be an indication that the ovaries contain fewer eggs than expected. This is typically a pattern seen in women in the years leading up to perimenopause. Alternatively, a short cycle could indicate that ovulation is not occurring.

You can use a special thermometer to check your temperature every morning before you get out of bed. You're most fertile 2 or 3 days before your temperature rises. Your cervical mucus becomes clearer and thinner with a slippery consistency, like egg whites.

What helps female fertility? ›

Leutinizing hormone (LH), the other reproductive pituitary hormone, aids in egg maturation and provides the hormonal trigger to cause ovulation and the release of eggs from the ovary.

If you don't conceive, both estrogen and progesterone decrease. This can trigger symptoms of PMS. As you approach the end of your menstrual cycle, one of your progesterone hormones (prostaglandin) rises and triggers uterine contractions. This causes the lining of your uterus to shed and you get your period.

But when the egg has not fertilized, the endometrium of the uterus sheds down through the vagin*. This is known as menstruation or menstrual cycle. The menstrual cycle is a monthly change in the female body commonly observed in primates.

It's normal for menstrual cycles to vary from one person to another. But having very short, very long, or unusually erratic cycles can signal fertility concerns, says Jenna Turocy, MD, an OB-GYN and reproductive endocrinologist at Columbia University Fertility Center.

Can you still be infertile if you have a period? Yes. Having regular predictable periods is a good indicator that you ovulate regularly. In other words, it means an egg is being released from your ovaries on a regular basis.