MENSTRUAL FACTS

During ovulation, the egg is released from a mature follicle in the ovary and travels down the fallopian tube toward the uterus. This is the time when fertilization can occur if sperm is present in the fallopian tube.

The timing of ovulation can be influenced by various factors such as stress, illness, changes in weight or exercise habits, and certain medications. Knowing your cycle and tracking your ovulation can be helpful if you are trying to conceive, as it can increase the chances of successful fertilization.

Additionally, understanding the menstrual cycle can help individuals make informed decisions about birth control methods and family planning. It can also aid in the early detection of potential reproductive health issues, such as irregular periods or abnormal bleeding. By having a basic understanding of the menstrual cycle, individuals can take control of their reproductive health and make informed choices about their bodies.

This is because prehistoric women had shorter life spans and would often become pregnant and breastfeed for much of their reproductive years. Additionally, their diets and lifestyles may have been different, which could have impacted their hormone levels and ovulation patterns. It's important to note that while ovulation can vary among individuals, understanding the factors that impact ovulation can help women make informed decisions about their reproductive health.

additionally, age can also play a role in ovulation. As women age, their ovarian reserve and hormonal balance change, which can impact the regularity and quality of ovulation. Certain medications and medical procedures, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy, can also affect ovulation.

Overall, ovulation is a complex and delicate process that can be influenced by a variety of external and internal factors. Maintaining overall health and wellness, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress management, can help create optimal conditions for ovulation to occur. Seeking medical attention and treatment for underlying conditions can also improve ovulation and overall reproductive health.

his dominant follicle continues to grow and develop, eventually reaching a size of about 20mm in diameter. At this point, the follicle is ready to release its egg.

The release of the egg from the follicle is called ovulation, and it typically occurs around day 14 of a 28-day menstrual cycle. Ovulation is triggered by a surge of luteinizing hormone (LH) from the pituitary gland.

After ovulation, the remnants of the follicle (known as the corpus luteum) continue to produce hormones, primarily progesterone. These hormones help to prepare the uterus for the possible implantation of a fertilized egg.

If fertilization does not occur, the corpus luteum will begin to break down and hormone levels will drop, leading to the shedding of the uterine lining and the start of a new menstrual cycle.

During the follicular phase, the hormone estrogen rises, causing the lining of the uterus to thicken in preparation for a potential pregnancy. At the same time, the hormone FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) stimulates the growth of follicles in the ovaries, each containing an egg. The mature follicle eventually releases its egg during ovulation, marking the end of the follicular phase and the beginning of the luteal phase.

During ovulation, the egg becomes surrounded by a protective layer called the zona pellucida. The follicular cells, which were once surrounding the egg, become the corona radiata. The corona radiata and zona pellucida work together to protect the egg and facilitate sperm penetration.

The egg is only viable for fertilization for about 12-24 hours after ovulation. If sperm are present in the fallopian tube during this time, fertilization can occur. The fertilized egg will then travel down the fallopian tube towards the uterus, where it will implant into the uterine lining and begin to develop into an embryo.

If fertilization does not occur, the egg will disintegrate and be released through the menstrual cycle. The follicle that released the egg will also change and form the corpus luteum, which produces progesterone to thicken the uterine lining in preparation for possible pregnancy. If pregnancy does not occur, the corpus luteum will eventually disintegrate, leading to the start of a new menstrual cycle.

During pregnancy, the corpus luteum is responsible for producing progesterone, which helps to maintain the lining of the uterus and support fetal growth and development. As the placenta starts to form and grow, it gradually takes over the role of producing hormones, including progesterone, and the corpus luteum eventually shrinks and disappears.

Overall, the follicle and the corpus luteum both play critical roles in the female reproductive cycle, including ovulation and preparation for pregnancy. Understanding these processes can help individuals better understand their menstrual cycle and fertility.