How to Calculate Menstrual Cycle

A menstrual cycle consists of three phases, namely, follicular phase, process of ovulation, and the luteal phase. In order to know how to calculate a menstrual cycle, it is important to know the above-mentioned phases.

The follicular phase covers the time between first day of period till the time ovulation starts. It is during this phase that the egg develops inside a sac called the follicle. Ovulation, or the second phase, begins on the 14th day of the menstrual cycle. This process is stimulated by the luteinizing hormone. The luteal phase is the time between the time of release of the egg to the first day of periods.

A woman is most fertile from about 5 days before ovulation to 2 days after ovulation. In order to calculate a menstrual cycle, one must remember the first day of the last period. This is the first day of a woman’s menstrual cycle. This cycle ends on the last day before the next period. In most women, a menstrual cycle consists of 28 days, though it may vary slightly. Ovulation takes place on the 14th day of the menstrual cycle. This means that a woman with a 30-day menstrual cycle is likely to ovulate on the 16th day.

Another way of calculating ovulation is by checking the basal body temperature of a woman. The basal body temperature is the lowest temperature attained by the body while it is at rest. It is usually measured right after a person wakes up from sleep. The basal temperature will be about half a degree Celsius higher than usual after ovulation has occurred. Ovulation can also be determined by observing the vaginal discharge. On the day ovulation occurs, the discharge is likely to be thick and wet. After ovulation, it will be somewhat sticky.

Photo From: wikipedia