Ovulation
An average menstrual cycle lasts 28 days. It starts on the first day of your period and ends the day before the following period. Ovulation occurs approximately 14 days before the beginning of your period. It takes barely 15 seconds for an egg to be released.
Go to fertilisation
After ovulation, the egg remains viable for a few hours. Sperm can sometimes live up a week. This means that the fertile period usually extends over seven days. Fertilisation has three times more chance of occurring in the 12 hours following ovulation than in the seven days preceding it.
Fertilisation
After the fusion of the egg and the sperm, the fertilised egg begins its migration to the uterus. In the meantime, the cells start to divide. The accumulation of liquid within the egg pushes the cells to the edge. A hollow mass forms, which attaches itself to the mucous membrane of the uterus. If it implants itself, a fine membrane will cover the fertilised egg, the placenta will form and food is supplied via the mother's blood circulation. If the fertilised egg is not implanted, it dies and the period starts. An egg measures 0.12 mm. It is 85,000 times bigger than a sperm. |
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Extended cycle
The time lapse between ovulation and the following period is relatively constant in women. However, the period separating menstruation from ovulation may vary, especially as a result of stress or illness. There is sometimes an extension of the cycle.
Menstrual cycle
Below is a diagram showing a 28-day cycle.
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