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The monthly menstrual cycle in a women varies from 21-35 days.An average cycle is 28 days and 21-35 day cycle is considered normal.The menstrual cycle prepares women for a pregnancy each month.The day the menstrual cycle starts is counted as the the first day of a cycle and extends up to first day of the next cycle.
The menstrual cycle has 4 stages:
1.The menstrual phase

2.The pre ovulatory phase
3.The ovulation phase
4.The post ovulatory phase

The ovulation phase also known as the third phase occurs toward the middle of the cycle.A women with a 28 day cycle will have ovulation on the 14th day.A women with a 35 day cycle will have ovulation on 35-14= 21st day.A mature egg is released from either one of the ovaries during ovulation.Chances of conception increases with an intercourse close to ovulation phase.The egg or ovum has a limited life span of 12-48 hours.It lies in the fallopian tube for about 24 hours .If not fertilized by a sperm in this period,the ovum disintegrates.The sperm remains alive in the women's reproductive cycle for about 4-5 days.The fertile period is few days before and after ovulation.If the women's cycle is around 28 days,12-18 days are considered the most fertile period.

Menstrual cycle changes occur with lifestyle changes.The follicle stimulating hormone, estrogen , progesterone and leutinising hormone) and organs as hypothalamus & the pituitary gland located in the brain, and the ovary plays an important role in maintaining the length of the monthly cycle.
The reasons for irregular menstrual cycles include:
1.Changes in routine life
2.Heavy exercise
3.stress,tensions,anxi ety
4.Eating habits as anorexia and bulimia
5.Medicines
5.Thyroid diseases as hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism

Another reason for irregular cycle is irregular ovulation.The most common cause of irregular ovulation is polycystic
ovarian disease(PCOD).Bleeding in between cycles occurs
due to fibroid ,polyps and nonuterine
bleeding.Pituitary tumors
can affect the pituitary gland is also another reason for irregular cycles.

For knowing the Ovulatory phase, use ovulation calculators as http://www.4women.gov/pregnanc y/tools/ovulationcalc.cfm.
The other methods:
1.Calculating Basal body temperature:Usually the women's body temperature increases
during the ovulation phase.Ovulation can be detected with thermometer available in most pharmacies.Just plot a chart and observe the rise in body temperature.A 1/2* rise in temperature occurs after ovulation.

2.Observing the cervical mucus-This is not a very accurate procedure.The mucus becomes clear,slippery and stretches during the ovulatory phase.

Knowing your ovulatory phase and having an intercourse around this period is the key to get conceived!

Learn more about this author, Nisha Danny.
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