Are you wondering what happens between periods and when is a woman fertile? In this blog we share about the Menstrual Cycle Phases and Fertility Window

Here is a quick look at the female reproductive system which comprises fallopian tubes, uterus, ovaries, cervix, and vagina.

During ovulation each month, one egg is released from one of the ovaries. A few days before ovulation, fertile mucus is secreted from the cervix which is slippery, stretchy, and clear similar to raw egg whites. This produces a feeling of wetness and lubrication at the entrance of the vagina. This cervical mucus helps the sperm to travel to the uterus and fertilize the egg.

Before Ovulation (Fertile Period)

During Ovulation (Fertile Period)

 
If the egg is fertilized the woman gets pregnant and does not get her period. If it does not get fertilized, the egg disintegrates and the lining from the uterus sheds from the vagina. These are known as menses are periods. After periods the cervix releases yellow and pasty non-fertile mucus which makes the woman feel dry at the vaginal opening. This does not allow the sperm to enter the uterus and women do not get pregnant at this time.

Egg Is Fertilised

Egg Is Not Fertilised

After Periods

To sum up, here are a few facts about fertility:

• Men are always fertile
• Women produce one egg each cycle
• The egg can get fertilized in the next 24 hours
• Around six days before ovulation, the cervix opens and produces a fertile mucus
• This can keep the sperm alive for 3-6 days until the egg is released
• Due to this mucus, women are fertile for about six days before ovulation and around two days after
• The rest of the time, she is infertile because the cervix is sealed with a sticky, non-fertile mucus plug that blocks the passage of sperm.

You can also share this information with young girls in the form of a video at this link: Menstrual Cycle Phases and Fertility Window.