Phases of the menstrual cycle and female hormones. What are the phases of the monthly cycle of the day

  • Date: 17.04.2019

To plan a conception, you need to study your menstruation process for quite a long time, keep a monthly calendar, know the start of the cycle, how long it lasts, when the most favorable time for fertilization comes and how to calculate it.

What day to start counting the menstruation cycle

To begin, we recall that the menstruation cycle is a complex process in the body of beautiful women, proceeding under the influence of hormones. The latter contribute to the development of the egg cell, its merging with the sperm, attachment and development of the embryo in the uterus, or, if this event does not happen, contribute to the rejection of the endometrium for the beginning of the next menstrual period.

The day of the beginning of the cycle is the beginning of menstruation bleeding, indicating the death of the female cell and the need to re-start the work on growing like her.

Monthly lasts 3-5 days and is not quite a pleasant time, because during this period the uterus is strongly reduced, trying to get rid of the already unnecessary mucous layer, which causes painful cramping sensations in the lower abdomen.

On the day of the beginning of the menstruation cycle, new follicles are already preparing for growth and are approximately 2 mm in diameter. The first half of the cyclic period begins. At the end of the bleeding, the fluid bubbles increase in size. On day 7, one leads, continuing to grow, while the others began their reverse development. At the same time, the endometrium is restored.

This is controlled by estrogen, it leads in this time span. On the day of the beginning of the monthly cycle it has its minimum value, gradually rising towards the end of this stage and reaching a maximum at the moment when the dominant follicle reaches 20-25 mm, that is, full maturity.

This peak of estrogen provokes the release of luteinizing hormone (hereinafter referred to as LH), on the basis of which the tests for determining ovulation act. LH warns of the imminent exit of the cell.


Start of ovulation

The LH surge indicates that after 24 hours there will be an onset of ovulation, and on which day of the cycle it will occur, depends on its length. Usually this event happens in the middle of a regular cycle.

With a 28-day cycle, follicle rupture occurs on day 14. With a shortened or extended period, this date is calculated by subtracting 14, the constant value of the second half of the cycle, from the expected day of the next menstruation. Ovulation lasts a day and is the optimal time for the onset of pregnancy.

If you want to give birth to a son, the act of love should be held directly on the day of ovulation. If you prefer to have a daughter, sexual contact is recommended 2-3 days before the planned exit of the sex cell.

This is due to the different length of life of the sperm: the male chromosome carriers live only 24 hours, and the female owners are more hardy and can last up to 5 days in the female genital tract.

Methods for its determination

Ovulation is a sign of a normal, regular process in a healthy woman. Therefore, much attention is paid to the definition of this moment. Experts offer a sufficient number of ways to calculate it.

Calendar method

Most girls cost calendar method. Here, from which day to consider the beginning of the cycle is clear: the first day or all days of the month are marked. After ovulation is counted by taking away from the cycle length 14. Two days before and after are also noted in the calendar as favorable for conception.

Basal Temperature Graph

You can also apply the measurement of basal temperature and drawing up its schedule, where, thanks to a surge in LH, you can fix the necessary date 24 hours before its occurrence.

How to determine the beginning of ovulation

Ovulation test

There are also tests for ovulation, a sufficient choice of which is available in pharmacies with detailed instructions on how to use them. For this purpose, special devices are used, indicating the growth of the hormone in the study of saliva smear.

Ultrasound monitoring

After release, the egg cell is sent to the fallopian tube, where either its fertilization takes place or not. At the site of the rupture of the bubble begins to function yellow body, producing progesterone. It supports conception, the desired thickness of the mucous layer of the uterus, controls the attachment of the ovum and its further growth and development.

All these moments are calculated without difficulty in women with regular cycles. In case of failure of their rhythms, ultrasound can be used to track the maturation of the follicle and ovulation - monitoring. From what day of the cycle to start this study decides gynecologist. Usually, 3-5 days after the end of the critical days. The analyst repeats 3-4 times until the fact of ovulation is confirmed.

Completion of the menstruation cycle

The menstruation cycle has two options for completion: fertilization of the egg and, as a consequence, the appearance of the embryo and pregnancy, or the rejection of the endometrium, if fertilization has not occurred.

Fertilization

After fertilization, the embryo is lowered into the uterus and inserted into the endometrium. This journey takes 5-7 days. If a week or later after a confirmed exit of the egg, there is a release of a few drops of blood from the vagina or a slight smear of it, and there is also a feeling of pain in the lower abdomen, this is further confirmation of the occurrence of pregnancy.


This state lasts until the day and passes without a trace, and the fetus continues to develop safely. If the monthly delay is 7-14 days after the expected date of their arrival, you can safely do a pregnancy test to confirm the occurrence of an interesting situation.

Endometrial rejection - monthly

Well, when the confluence of the female and male cells did not occur, by the end of the second phase the level of progesterone decreases. The corpus luteum ceases to produce it, since the need for it has disappeared. A thick layer of the endometrium, without waiting for the ovum and deprived of the support of its hormone, dies and begins to reject.

At the same time, the walls of the vessels are destroyed, and together with the mucosal epithelium, blood from them is mixed. Discharges are pushed by the uterus into the vagina, and monthly menstruation begins and a new cycle begins with the repetition of all monthly phases.

Conclusion

Thus, on what day the beginning of the cycle is due depends on the rhythmic processes of the woman. The first day of the cycle is considered the day of the onset of menstruation. Ovulation occurs on day 14, if you count from the end of the cycle. Every girl should start a calendar and mark the days of the onset of menstruation. Based on this, it is easy to calculate the length of your cycle and identify ovulation and days favorable for conception.

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The menstrual cycle is a process of changes in the hormonal background and the work of all organs, the purpose of which is to prepare a woman for and carrying a fetus. The egg cell leaves the follicle approximately in the middle of the menstrual cycle, but for each woman the cycle has its own duration.

It is possible to conceive a child in several days in the middle of the menstrual cycle, but not necessarily on the day of ovulation. Sometimes it happens that a woman becomes pregnant as a result of sexual intercourse, which occurred 3-4 days before the release of the egg. But not everything depends on the woman!

If the sperm die too quickly, fertilization will not occur even after intercourse the day before ovulation.

About the approaching moment favorable for conception shows:

  • Aching pain in the abdomen
  • Appearances of abundant, viscous
  • Increased sexual desire

When calculating the day of release of the egg, it should be taken into account that the duration of the second phase is 12-16 days (regardless of the total duration).

The duration of the phase before ovulation depends on the length of the cycle - the longer it takes, the longer it takes the egg to mature. If we take 16 away from the cycle time, we can determine the possible day of ovulation. If the cycle is 34 days, then the egg can go out on the 18th day of the cycle.

However, for more accurate calculations of one cycle is not enough, you must have information about (at least) six. From the shortest, subtract 18, from the longest - 11. The result reflects the period in which the release of the egg is most likely. But keep in mind that it does not happen every time.

An ovulation test, a blood test for progesterone and LH, and a saliva test can help clarify the numbers. The best results are achieved when using all the methods in the complex.

  Why do I need to measure the basal temperature?

Every month a woman's hormones change cyclically. At the beginning of the second phase of the menstrual cycle, the amount of progesterone rises, the egg cell leaves, and the basal temperature index rises by 0.4-0.8 degrees.

At the beginning of the cycle, the basal temperature index does not exceed 37 degrees. Before the release of the egg, it decreases, then rises again (during ovulation).

If the difference reaches 0.5 degrees, the probability of conception is high enough. In the absence of pregnancy, the rate before the next menstruation decreases. If the temperature consistently kept at 36.5-6.9, there was no ovulation.

Basal temperature should be measured every morning (immediately after waking up, at the same time). Even in the evening you need to set the alarm and cook a thermometer. The evidence is most reliable if the woman slept well at night.

It is necessary to remove temperature indicators within several months, without stopping and during periods. Information about the basal temperature must be noted and saved.

For conception, the most favorable days before leaving. Analysis of basal temperature graphs compiled over several months makes it possible to determine the time of ovulation, therefore this information is used for diagnosis and its treatment.

If conception has occurred, it remains elevated for about 4 months. A decrease may indicate a threatened miscarriage. This means that basal temperature indicators are important not only for determining the time of ovulation, but also for preserving the fetus.

  Hwhat makes women beautiful and easy, does not allow her to grow old? What allows a woman to be a mother? These are hormones, fluctuations in the level of which sometimes depend on our mood, attractiveness, desire, and performance. It is about hormones that is described in this Passion.ru article.

The hormonal background of men has no sharp fluctuations. From here their purposefulness, reliability, constancy and maximalism.

In women, everything is different: every day the menstrual cycle hormone production changes. This is where inconsistency, windiness and suddenness come from.

Probably almost every one of us is a “fury” for a couple of days a month. However, mood swings are not the only “natural calamity” that can be foreseen, knowing how our cyclical fluctuations of hormonal levels are reflected in our lifestyle.

Week 1

1 day

The first day of the cycle is usually considered the day of menstrual bleeding. At the background of reducing the concentration of the main "female" hormones (progesterone and estrogen) begins the retraction of the endometrium - a thick layer of mucous membrane, "feathers", prepared by the body in case of possible pregnancy.

Concentration of prostaglandins - pain mediators, stimulants of uterine contractility is increased. For the body it is good - the matt is contracted, throwing out the old endometrium and compressing the bleeding vessels. And for us - one disorder: pain and heaviness in the abdomen.

Removing discomfort will help spasmolytics: “No-shpa”, “Belastezin”, “Papaverine”, “Buscopan”. But "Aspirin" is advisable not to take, as this may increase blood loss.

In the ovaries, the most “advanced” follicle begins to develop, bearing the cell. Sometimes "advanced" turns out to be more than one, and then after a successful fertilization, a few babies can appear immediately.

2 day

So you want to be beautiful, but today the hormones are working against us. As a result of low estrogen production, the activity of the lumps and sebaceous glands is enhanced.   We have to spend an afternoon in the shower, devote more time to the face and more often correct makeup.

2 week

8 day

It's time to make yourself a beauty plan for the next week. Every day, the concentration of blood in estrogen increases - the main hormone of beauty and femininity. Which means skin, hair, nails and body become the most susceptible to all sorts of cosmetic procedures and simply shine with health.

After the depilation performed on these days, the skin remains smooth and delicate longer than usual. The reason for this is not at all the newest cremampil formula after depilation, but a change in hormonal levels.

9, 10, 11 days

A few days before ovulation. Usually, the 9th is considered dangerous in terms of child but if you are dreaming of being a girl, your time has come!

There is a theory according to which sperm with the X chromosome (determining the female sex of the baby) can “wait” for others to “leave” the egg from the ovary in the female's genital tract. Therefore, you have about 4-5 days left. And in de-ovulation and immediately after it the opportunity to conceive a boy increases.

12th day

To this day, thoughts about work and everyday difficulties are becoming more and more distant, and about love, passion and tenderness - literally absorb all your consciousness! The main hormones responsible for female sexuality and occupy a leading position.

The woman anxiety increases, the sensitivity of erogenous zones, and even a special smell appears that can attract men's attention,   like pheromones. Therefore, some experts believe that the use of perfume in these days can even somewhat weaken our attractiveness for the stronger sex.

13 day

The body accumulates the maximum amount of estrogen. This serves as a signal for the production of another hormone - luteinizing, which very quickly reaches its peak concentration and stops the growth of the follicle.

Now it contains a mature, ready-to-covulation and fertilized egg.

14 day

Under the action of estrogen and luteinizing hormone, the wall of the mature follicle bursts, the egg cell enters the abdominal cavity. In this case, a small amount of blood is poured into the abdominal cavity.

Some women may even feel tenderness in the lower abdomen on the right or on the left (depending on which ovary the ovulation occurred in).

Once in the abdominal cavity, the egg is immediately seized by the fallopian tube and starts to meet the “masculine principle”.

On the day of ovulation a woman has a maximally high libido and is able to experience the most vivid sensations of intimacy with her lovers. Sexologists claim that if a woman regularly abstains from sex in dovovulyulyatsii (fearing an unwanted pregnancy) and does not test orgasm, then her libido with time can steadily decline.

In order for the spermatozoa to be easy to reach the egg, the cervical mucus liquefies (the mucus plug that covers the entrance to the uterus, protecting it from infection) occurs.

On this day there is a high probability of conceiving twins.   If during ovulation, the women go “free” to several cells at once (there is usually a genetic predisposition for this), then with successful coincidence of circumstances all of them can be fertilized.

3 week

15 day

In the ovary in place of a bursting follicle, a yellow body begins to form. This special education, which, regardless of whether fertilization has occurred or not, will prepare the body for pregnancy for 7-8 days.

The corpus luteum begins to produce hormone progesterone - the main hormone of pregnancy. The goal is to turn an active and carefree girl into the future mother, carefully preserving her pregnancy.

16 day

Progesterone begins the preparation of the mucous membrane (endometrium) for implantation of the egg, each day the concentration of this hormone increases.

In this phase of the cycle appetite increases, weight gains faster. Be especially careful with carbohydrates. As a result of complex hormonal interactions, the body begins to demand more sweets and put them “in reserve” because of fat.

17 day

Under the action of progesterone, a decrease in the smooth muscle tone occurs. As a result, peristalsis (undulating movement) of the intestine slows down. This may lead to bloating and constipation.

Therefore, try to enrich the diet coarse cellulose, dairy products.

18 day

In case of a possible hunger strike, the body accumulates nutrients in all forces in the program, as a result of which the fat metabolism also changes. There is an increase in cholesterol and harmful (atherogenic) fats.   And their excess not only spoils the figure, but also creates an extra burden on the heart and the vessels.

Therefore, in this phase of the cycle, try to increase the proportion of vegetable fats in the daily diet and avoid gastronomic exploits. In addition, it is useful to eat garlic and red fish, it helps reduce cholesterol.

19 day

Despite the fact that ovulation has already occurred, during the second phase of the cycle in organism, a rather high level of testosterone, which increases our libido, is maintained. Especially its production is enhanced in the morning.

This can be used to fill the dawn hours with passion and tenderness.

20 day

To this day, the blooming of the corpus luteum occurs. The concentration of progesterone in the blood reaches a peak value. The ovum travels through the tubing and approaches the uterus. To this moment, it is practically incapable of fertilization.

It is believed that from this day begin relatively safe days for fertilization.

21 day

The concentration of luteinizing hormone decreases, and the reverse development of the yellowstone in the ovary begins. The concentration of estrogen and progesterone gradually decreases.

However, the level of progesterone and all its effects will be quite pronounced until the beginning of the next cycle.

4 week

22 day

The metabolism slows down, which is typical for the entire second phase of the menstrual cycle. Progesterone acts as an antidepressant: it has a calming effect, relieves tension, anxiety, relaxes.

These days we are becoming "impenetrable" for senior officials, troubles and other stressful situations.

23 day

Lowering levels of estrogen and increased progesterone, possible bowel problems, carbohydrate abuse these days are all reflected on the face, especially if there is a tendency to acne.

The activity of the sebaceous glands increases, the pores expand, the process of augmentation in the skin increases. Therefore, these days it is necessary to pay more attention to diet and proper cleaning of the face.

24 day

Under the action of progesterone, changes occur in the structure of the connective tissue: the ligaments become more stretchable, and hypermotility appears in the joints. There may be nagging pain in the spine and large joints.

The greatest number of injuries, especially those associated with sports, women get exactly these days. One awkward movement can lead to stretching or dislocation, so be careful with yoga, gymnastics and other types of physical activity.

25 day

Scientists have proven that these days a woman has a special smell, which makes it clear to the man that there is a forced period of rest ahead.

Perhaps it is this fact that is the cause of the synchronization of cycles in several women living for a long time together.

26, 27, 28 days

Often the most difficult days for women and her close. As a result of fluctuations in the level of hormones, the woman becomes sensitive and vulnerable, at this time she needs sensitive support.

In the blood increases the level of prostaglandins, the pain threshold is reduced, the mammary glands become painful, the headache, constant daytime sleepiness, anxiety, apathy, and irritability complement the picture.   Is this not enough to spoil the mood?

Experts believe that sex and chocolate can be a wonderful cure for these days. However, with the sex matter more complicated than with chocolate. Premenstruation reduces the level of all hormones that arouse passion in a woman. According to doctors, in the premenstrual days, the libido of the woman tends to zero.

But at the end of the cycle, some of the representatives of the beautiful women, on the contrary, desire arise, sensitivity and acuteness increase. An explanation found by psychologists. They think that these days women are not afraid of the thoughts of possible pregnancy, which is why sex fantasies become bolder and feelings brighter.

Of course, for every woman, the “hormonal clock” goes differently: for someone, they are slightly in a hurry, shortening the cycle to 20-21 days, for others they slightly slow down to 30-32 days. The 28-day cycle is the most widespread, therefore, it is impossible to create an accurate and universal hormonal calendar.   Every woman will have to adapt it for themselves.

However, the general patterns of fluctuations in the hormonal background and the associated changes in the body persist. Without knowing these features, we sometimes start to fight with our own hormones: we sit on the strictest diet, when the body tries to save everything by itself, forget about the face when it needs the most intense care, or scold ourselves with excessive coldness with a loved one when our sensuality is on “forced release” .

Having made some changes in the usual way of life, it is possible to make the hormones work as a judicial force, making us more attractive, vigorous, cheerful and desirable!

Phase cycle in women

Reproductive system   women is a cyclical process by which fertility is performed. It is based on the menstrual cycle. It is usually divided into phases.

What are the phases of the menstrual cycle?

Average menstrual cycle has a duration of 28 days. But the parameters of the norm can vary from 21 to 35 days. Minor deviations occur on the background of stressful situations, malnutrition, the influence of the disease, etc. Serious violations   may indicate a serious illness.

The cycle is conventionally divided into two phases: and, they are separated). Each of them has its own characteristics. During it is very important to be able to identify each of the phases. It will increase probability of conception   and help determine the nature of the problem if pregnancy does not occur.

REFERENCE!   The most reliable way to determine the phase of the menstrual cycle is ultrasound diagnosis.

In most cases, the first two weeks prevail in the woman’s body. But depending on the duration of the cycle, it can have a duration of 7 to 22 days. Its beginning is considered the first day of menstruation, and the end is the moment of exit from the ovary. This period combines a number of significant features. These include the following:

  • Increased endometrium.
  • The growth of follicles.
  • Estrogen boost.
  • Change the nature of discharge.

The first days of the woman observed bloody discharge. Out of the womb is torn away. During this period may be present painful sensations   lower abdomen. Then begins the growth of follicles under the influence of estrogen. gradually changing its structure. Closer to its thickness should be in the range from 10 to 15 mm.

There may be several follicles, but dominant, most often, one. A mature follicle is considered at a size of 18 mm. When he reaches optimal sizeshappening. At this stage ends.

It is at this stage of the cycle that you can get pregnant. This stage is characterized by the process of liberation and its falling into abdominal cavity. It occurs under the influence of two hormones - FSH and LH. They are inextricably linked with each other. If there are problems with one hormone, they will lead to violations of the level of another. in this case it will be impossible.

1-2 days before and after the release date are called the period increased fertility. At this time, the woman appears characteristic signs. Among them are:

  • The appearance of mucous secretions resembling egg white.
  • Changes in mood and perception.
  • Uncomfortable tingling in the lower abdomen.
  • Increased sexual desire.
  • Basal temperature downturn 1-2 days before and on the day of onset.

ON A NOTE!   The procedure that most accurately determines the release date is called folliculometry.

Lack of ovulation is the most common form of infertility. It is considered normal if a woman has a lack of ability to conceive up to two times a year. If this figure is higher, then the body needs immediate treatment.

There may be several reasons. One of the main ones are hormonal disorders. The follicle in this case does not burst, but turns into a cyst. This phenomenon leads to problems with the following stage of the menstrual cycle. Difficulties with the release may occur against the background of the development of the following diseases:

  • Multifollicular ovaries.
  • Pituitary tumor.
  • Polycystic.
  • Inflammatory diseases.
  • Violations functioning of the thyroid gland.
  • Diseases of the adrenal glands.

It is called the period of the corpus luteum, which is formed at the site of the bursting follicle and is responsible for the production of the hormone progesterone. This stage follows when the corpus luteum is almost formed. Every day its volumes increase. Along with this, getting higher progesterone level   which, in the case of conception, helps the ovum to attach to the uterus.

It is of great importance at. With hormone deficiency at this stage, the embryo will not be able to take the right place. This is fraught with ectopic or biochemical pregnancy.

IMPORTANT!   The main cause of ectopic location of the ovum is poor patency of the fallopian tubes. Before it is recommended to check the probability of this phenomenon using an ultrasound machine or x-ray.

In the absence of conception, the yellow body gradually becomes smaller. Along with it, the amount of progesterone becomes less. it provokes the arrival of menstruation. Unfertilized leaves the woman's body along with bleeding.

The duration of the final stage of the menstrual cycle should reach 14 days +/- 2 days. If there are deviations, then we can talk about the presence of serious diseases, oppressive reproductive function. Can prolong cystic education. Its main symptom is delayed menstruation.

In the case of the corpus luteum is used hormonal treatment. Together with him, physiotherapy, acupuncture and visiting a sanatorium are prescribed. The course of treatment of diseases of the sexual sphere involves taking vitamins, proper nutrition and the absence of stressful situations.

REFERENCE!   If there is a shortage of hormones in the last phase of the cycle, medication containing progesterone, such as or Duphaston, is prescribed.

Any deviations in the work of the reproductive system give the woman signals in the form menstrual disorders, atypical discharge and pain. Each sign must be notified to the attending physician. Early diagnosis contributes to the most successful treatment.

Now back to the issue of maturation of female germ cells, to know when a woman can become pregnant and when not. The monthly cycle, that is, the period from the first day of menstruation (always from the first day) to the first day of the next menstruation, is divided into two phases, separated by the egg maturation day and the days of menstruation: estrogenic (first phase, proliferation phase) and progesterone (luteal, second phase, secretion phase), depending on the production of certain female hormones - estrogen and progesterone. The second phase is always more stable and usually lasts 14-15 days. This stability is due to the fact that at this time the egg was ripe, and further, if it was not fertilized and the pregnancy did not occur, the female body quickly prepares for a new cycle, freeing the uterus from the old lining (endometrium) by rejecting it in the form of menstruation. Therefore, when some doctors diagnose a failure of the progesterone phase, it is often a very erroneous diagnosis made only from one blood test result. And many women "chew" progesterone, he's duphaston, he's urozhestan, he's other names, believing that this particular drug will help them get pregnant.

You must understand that the second phase depends entirely on the quality of the first phase.. The first phase can be very short, and vice versa, long, so the monthly cycle can normally be from 14 to 40 days, although most often we are talking about normal cycles of 21-35 days. There are no classic “little flute” periods when a woman menstruates every 28 days, in real life, as there are too many factors that influence the duration of the cycle. Variations of a cycle of 7 days in both directions are considered normal, or in other words, menstruation can begin a week earlier or later compared to the previous cycle. Many women cling to their heads and immediately run to a doctor in a panic if their menstruation was delayed by 2-3 days, or, on the contrary, started a little earlier.
In this way, in the first phase, egg maturation occurswhich is located in the ovary in a special vesicle (follicle). Usually, several follicles begin to grow in both ovaries, but after the 7-8th day of the cycle, only one (less often two) follicle grows further, so that between 13-16 days (on average, on the 14th day) to burst, which is called ovulation .

Often women mistakenly think that the ovaries work alternately. Many doctors often also have a very mistaken idea of \u200b\u200bthe work of the female reproductive system. Two ovaries always work, and the growth of follicles with the onset of menstruation occurs immediately in both ovaries. And only approximately on the 7th day of the cycle (usually it is the 3rd day after the completion of menstruation) follicle growth begins to dominate in one of the ovaries, which will end with ovulation. But the ovaries continue to work, just as they did, because they need to get rid of those follicles that began to grow, but did not become dominant.

During ovulation, the mature egg cell, the female reproductive cell, ready for fertilization, leaves the ovary and enters the abdominal cavity, but it is immediately “absorbed” into the fallopian tube, one end of which has a funnel with special processes. The egg cell is capable of fertilization just 12-24 hours, and then it just dies and resolves, if there was no conception of the child. So, couples planning a pregnancy should understand that the time when a baby can be conceived is very limited. If we consider that the egg ages from the moment of ovulation, and some may start aging before ovulation, the window of successful conception is very, very narrow.

Heading to the ampulla part of the fallopian tube (the widest), the female reproductive cell meets here with male reproductive cells (spermatozoa), which begin to actively attack the egg, dying themselves, but not without a goal - as their contents dilute the thick wall of the egg. And then, finally, one "lucky" manages to get inside the egg, which practically absorbs it. The sperm most often loses its tail in the process of conception.
Thus, the statement that one spermatozoon is enough to conceive a child is not entirely accurate. Under natural conditions, there should be millions of actively motile spermatozoa, which play a very important role in conception, but here the egg cell is directly fertilized with just one spermatozoon.
Then the fertilized egg moves along the fallopian tube to the uterus, passing through several divisions - this is how an embryo arises. The process of this movement takes 4 to 6 days. Approximately 30 hours after fertilization of the egg by the spermatozoon, its first division occurs, on which the course of the whole pregnancy will largely depend. Scientists involved in reproductive technologies that allow artificial embryos to be created have found that if the very first division occurred poorly, unevenly, the fertilized egg may be poorly quality, which will lead to poor implantation, and this pregnancy will in most cases end in its natural ( natural) interruption.

Cells that arise from the division of a fertilized egg are called blastomeres, and the embryo in this state is called a zygote. First, division occurs without the growth of these cells, that is, the size of the embryo remains the same. When the embryo has reached the 16-cell structure, its cells differentiate and increase in size. At this stage of the division, the embryo is called a morula, and in this state it enters the uterine cavity. The division continues and as soon as a fluid appears inside the morula, the embryo is called a blastocyst. The blastocyst contains primitive villi - chorion (hence the name of the hormone - "chorionic gonadotropin"), through which the implantation process begins in the uterus.
What happens in the female body while the fertilized egg moves through the fallopian tube? Preparing the uterus to receive the ovum. If in the first phase the inner lining of the uterus, which is called the endometrium, increases (the cells divide and grow), then in the second half of the cycle, after ovulation, they are saturated with nutrients - this phase is also called the secretion phase, while the first phase of the cycle is called the phase proliferation. Although the thickness of the endometrium plays a certain role in the attachment of the ovum to the uterus, the quality of the endometrium plays a large role, which is achieved during the second phase of the cycle due to the increase in progesterone level. Many women run on endless ultrasounds to measure endometrial thickness. Normally, in most women of reproductive age, the endometrium is 5–8 mm thick (average).

And now we will continue our journey through the female body not in the direction of movement of the fertilized egg, but talk about pregnancy hormones, or rather, about those substances that may appear in the blood and other fluids of women with the appearance of pregnancy. Very often women ask me what is their chance of getting pregnant during one month's cycle? This question is related to another: how can you find out that a woman is pregnant?
So, I remind you that the egg matures in the first half of the cycle, but while it is inside the follicle, fertilization is impossible. However, it is always important to remember that spermatozoa can be in the fallopian tubes for up to 7 days and maintain fertility for up to 5 days. This means that the closer the sexual intercourse to the time of ovulation, the greater the chance of pregnancy. And since no one knows when exactly ovulation will occur - that is, the moment (not a period of time!) The release of an egg, then with serious planning of your pregnancy it is not worth speculating with a precise definition of this moment.

If we talk about the chance of pregnancy in a healthy woman of young reproductive age (20-26 years old), then in several medical sources you will find a figure of 22% per month. How was this percentage determined? How truthful is he? What is meant by this chance?
To understand what kind of chance to get pregnant and have a baby in time is available to any healthy woman, let's talk about how early pregnancy can be diagnosed. Of course, many of you are immediately mentioned pregnancy tests. Quite right, these tests can determine pregnancy, when implantation has already occurred, and the level of the pregnancy hormone in the urine has reached those indicators, when tests can “catch” this rise in the hormonal level. But until this moment, is there no pregnancy? How can you still define it?

Let's start with the well-known pregnancy hormone (and not only pregnancy) - progesterone. Where does a woman get progesterone? It is produced by the ovaries, especially the area where ovulation occurred. The follicle burst, the egg came out, and the volume of the bursting follicle quickly filled with blood (which on the ultrasound may look like bleeding in the ovary and what is shocking some doctors, and they send such a woman for an urgent operation), and while the egg travels through the fallopian tube, two the main cell types in the bursting follicle, which becomes the corpus luteum. Some cells begin to intensively produce progesterone so that, while the egg cell travels, the uterus has time to prepare for its adoption. Other cells produce female sex hormones (estrogens) and in very small quantities male sex hormones (androgens). And thanks to the increase in the level of progesterone, the endometrium of the uterus becomes “juicy”, loose, filled with a large number of substances important for the implantation of the ovum.
The period of introduction and attachment of the ovum by doctors is called the implantation window. It is impossible to attach the ovum outside of this window! If this period is shortened under the influence of external and internal factors, or the staging of changes in the endometrium is disturbed, then the implantation can also be disturbed and end in miscarriage.

The peak level of progesterone in the blood is reached at about 5-7 days after ovulationand this is where the amazing rationality of feminine nature is manifested. Reaching the uterus at 4-6 days after ovulation and conception (this is the third week of pregnancy), the ovum (blastocyst) is in it from one to three days in "limbo", that is, not yet attached to the wall of the uterus. It turns out that pregnancy is already there, but, on the other hand, it is not there yet, because the fertilized egg can be removed by the uterus before its implantation, and the woman will not know about it. It is not as scary and terrible as some might think. Most often removed defective ovum, which can not be attached to the wall of the uterus.
During these 2-3 days of being in “suspended state”, the ovum releases special substances that suppress the protective forces of the mother, because it is a foreign body for her body. Progesterone, in turn, suppresses the contractility of the uterus muscles, that is, it calms its response to a foreign body, relaxes the uterus, allowing the ovum to be implanted. Thus, the process of implantation, or the insertion-attachment of the ovum to one of the walls of the uterus, begins.
The increase in progesterone level also leads to the fact that special formations appear in the endometrium - pinopods, which somewhat resemble tentacles (fingers). They appear between the 19th and 21st day of the menstrual cycle and exist only 2-3 days (with a 28-day cycle). Their appearance leads to the fact that the uterus is reduced in size, as if compressed due to these protrusions inward, and the cavity itself also decreases in size, bringing the uterus wall closer to the fetal egg floating in it - nature reduces the distance between the uterus and the fetal egg for its successful attachments. Until the fertilized egg is attached to the uterus, the source of its nutrition becomes intrauterine fluid secreted by endometrial cells under the influence of high levels of progesterone.
It is important to understand that the maximum increase in progesterone is observed not on days 21-22 of the menstrual cycle, but on days 5-7 after ovulation. Got a difference? With a 28-day cycle, this will be the 21st day, and with cycles shorter or longer than 28 days, the peak of progesterone increase will fall on other days of the menstrual cycle. Those doctors who do not understand or do not know the specifics of fluctuations in hormone levels in women send their patients to donate blood to determine hormonal levels on certain days of the cycle, and if progesterone levels are lower than they expect to receive on the 21st day, immediately A diagnosis of progesterone deficiency is made and treatment is prescribed in the form of progesterone, which is extremely wrong and can have many side effects for the entire female reproductive system. After all, progesterone inhibits ovulation! If you take it before ovulation, then do not expect pregnancy.