The Female Ovulation Cycle
The menstrual cycle lasts approximately one month. It begins on the first day of menstrual bleeding and ends on the day before the start of the next menstruation.
A woman has around 500 periods over the course of her lifetime.
The classic 28-day cycle appears widely in medical literature and gynaecologists often use this cycle as the basis for their calculations.
Deviating cycle lengths are perceived by many women to be abnormal.
Women who take hormonal contraceptives also think they have a 28-day cycle. This is not a natural cycle, but rather a sequence controlled by the taking hormones.
Only about 13% of all natural cycles are 28 days in length. The trend is for longer rather than shorter cycles.
Every woman has her own individual cycle
Every woman has her own individual cycle. Cycle lengths of 23 - 35 days are normal – cycle fluctuations are likewise part and parcel of a fertile woman’s life.
Run the mouse over the picture to display the individual components of the female reproductive organs.
The 3 cycle phases:
- the non-fertile phase at the start of the cycle
- the fertile phase around ovulation
- and the non-fertile phase after ovulation until the next menstruation
An egg cell matures in each cycle
During each cycle, an egg cell matures inside one of the two ovaries. During ovulation it is released from the ovary and taken up by the Fallopian tube. If this egg cell is not fertilised, 12 to 16 days elapse after ovulation before the next menstrual bleeding and a new cycle begins.
Ovulation usually after the 14th day of the cycle
In half of all cycles, ovulation occurs only after the 14th day of the cycle. In every 5th cycle ovulation occurs on the 20th day or later.
Are there several ovulations in one cycle?
Several ovulations are not encountered within one cycle, only one ovulation occurs. There is one exception: non-identical twins, where two egg cells are released within a maximum period of 6 hours.
If the egg cell is not fertilised, the next menstruation always occurs 12 - 16 days after ovulation.
More information in these articles:
6 risky days
Intercourse can lead to pregnancy on roughly only 6 days in each cycle. On the remaining days she is infertile and can confidently have sex without having to use a contraceptive.
To learn about the risks of intercourse and pregnancy, click here
Cycle and hormones
Our cycles are controlled by the higher-level centres of the brain. The hormones LH and FSH released by the pituitary gland are particularly important here.
To learn about hormones and ovulation, click here
Cycle and skin
Many women suffer from bad skin shortly before they start menstruating. This is a result of sexual hormones. Read what you can do in this phase and what household remedies have proven effective.
To learn about how your cycle effects your skin condition, click here
Cycle and psyche
While the first half of the cycle is accompanied by enhanced ability and performance, the second half of the cycle is characterised by mood swings and exhaustion.
to learn about how and why your cycle really effects your emotions, click here
Cycle influencing factors
The cycle is easily influenced. There are numerous factors which delay ovulation or even ensure that a woman misses her period entirely.
To learn about factors which impact your menstrual regularity, click here
Cycle myths
Don’t believe everything you hear, especially when it comes to the subjects of cycle, ovulation and menstruation. There are many myths and half-truths out there which are difficult to dispel.
To learn about misconceptions about the female cycle, click here
