The menstrual cycle of women is divided into two phases: the follicular phase and the luteal phase. In the middle is ovulation. What do short or longer phases mean? What consequences when you want to get pregnant?
An ovarian follicle is a little element of the bag -shaped ovary in which the oocyte develops: the female reproductive cell games female which allows reproduction. The ovarian follicles are formed during intrauterine life. At birth, a little girl thus owns several million. In puberty, less than 500,000 persist in the two ovaries, and among them, only 300 to 400 will one day reach maturity. The menstrual cycle is cut into different phases which are called the follicular phase and the luteal phase. What is their normal duration? What are the consequences in the event of an abnormal duration?
What is the follicular phase?
There First phase of the menstrual cycle is the follicular phase that lasts on average Between 10 and 18 days from the first day of the rules. During this phase, also called pre-ovulatory phase, the ovary produces estrogens that cause thickening of the endometrium (mucosa lining the internal wall of the uterus) in order to welcome a future embryo. At the same time, An oocyte matures inside a follicle (sort of small bag present on the ovary), until it becomes a fertile egg. His release, at the time of ovulation, when he reached maturity, marks the end of the follicular phase. Just before ovulation, the cervical mucus changes and becomes translucent and much less thick To allow sperm to pass more easily and reach the egg. So it’s the Ideal moment to try to have a child.
What is the luteal phase?
The second phase of the menstrual cycle is the luteal phase. During this period, which also lasts between 10 and 18 days on averagethe follicle that released the oocyte degenerates. It turns into yellow and secretes a hormone, progesterone, the essential role of which is to prepare the uterine mucosa (endometrium) for the impact of the embryo. In the absence of fertilization, the yellow body, which has a lifespan of ten days, disappears and the rate of progesterone falls which triggers the rules.
What is the duration of luteal and follicular sentences?
The menstrual cycles, which punctuate the sex life of women and which result in the appearance of rules, are divided into two phases separated by ovulation. It allows the woman to produce an egg every month to get pregnant. A Average duration of 28 daysit starts on the first day of the rules (day 1), regardless of the duration of the bleeding. The follicular phase, during which the ovaries are preparing to release an egg, lasts on average from the 1st to 14th days. L’Ovulation takes place on the 14th dayand marks the transition to the luteal phase. The luteal phase also lasts 14 days on average and ends during the rules. The duration of the menstrual cycle is a important indicator of fertility. Knowing the duration of the different phases allows you to know when to protect yourself or have reports if you want to design.
What are the consequences of abnormal follicular and luteal phases?
► In the event of a follicular phase of less than 10 daysthere is a risk of freeing an immature egg which cannot be fertilized or which has chromosomal anomalies.
► In the event of a follicular phase of more than 25 days, There is a risk of multiple ovulation because of hormonal disturbances as in the case of SOPK, stress, intense physical activity, travel or a jet lag for example.
► In the event of a luteal phase of less than 10 days, The chances of conceiving can be decreased due to too low progesterone levels which does not allow the uterine mucosa to be ready for the implantation of the egg-fucked.
► In the event of a luteal phase of more than 16 daysthere is a risk of pregnancy because the endometrium has most likely welcomed an egg-fucked. In the event of a negative pregnancy urinary test more than 16 days after confirmed ovulation, a blood test is necessary.
What to do in case of disorders of the luteal and follicular phases?
A couple’s infertility is proven after 2 years of unprotected sexual intercourse. However, it is recommended to take a medical opinion and make an infertility assessment after one year in those under 35 and after six to eight months after this age. About 80 % of pregnancies occur in the first six months of attempt, so there is no need to worry before. The gynecologist is the first interlocutor who can orient or not to an infertility specialist or a care center. During the interview, The doctor is first interested in the frequency of sexual intercourse, especially around ovulation. Then he inquires about possible sexual problems in the couple (vaginism, helplessness) and On the regularity of menstrual cycles. For humans, the consultation relates to any past genital infections. A temperature curve can then be requested to assess the duration of each phase (taken every morning before raising it for three months) and on ovulation. Other additional examinations can complete the balance sheet in women: blood dosage of ovarian hormones, ultrasound on the third day of the cycle and hysterosalpingography (to verify the absence of anomaly of the uterus and the tubes). The Hühner test, which is practiced just after a sexual intercourse from the mucus taken from the cervixhelps measure the quality and abundance of mucus as well as the number and mobility of the sperm present, and therefore their ability to go up in the uterus and the tubes. In humans, A spermogram is necessary To assess the number, quality, mobility and morphology of in vitro sperm.
