What is the menstrual cycle?
The menstrual cycle is the period from the first day of your last menstruation until the first day of your next menstruation. The average menstrual cycle is 28 days, but a cycle of 21–35 days is also normal. It is also normal for the cycle to fluctuate by a week. After the first menstruation, your cycle may be irregular for 1–1.5 years, and for some women, it may never become regular. However, if you are concerned about your cycle, consult your doctor.
Take a look at this video about menstruation:
What happens during the menstrual cycle?
Most people with a uterus will experience menstruation during their life as part of their monthly cycle. Your cycle begins on the first day of your period and ends on the first day of your next period, when a new cycle begins. Your menstrual cycle is the process in which your body prepares your uterus for pregnancy.
Once a month, usually 14 days before the next menstruation, an egg will mature. This is caused by the hormone estrogen, which is produced in the follicle. The membrane surrounding the egg ruptures and the egg is released from the ovary. This is called ovulation. The egg flows down into the fallopian tube, which grabs the egg with its fimbriae and carries it towards the uterus. From the moment a mature egg is released from the ovary, it is fertile for 24–48 hours. If the egg meets sperm, ie a spermatozoon, on its way to the uterus, fertilisation may occur.
The uterus is a safe place for a fertilised egg. As the egg matures in the ovary, the lining of the uterus prepares itself to receive it, making itself soft, rich in blood vessels and nourishing. If the egg is not fertilised, the lining is shed from the uterus with blood. This discharge is called menstrual blood and the process is called menstruation. It also has many other names: a period, that time of the month, moon time etc. Menstruation lasts around 3–6 days, after which the uterus starts to grow a new lining. And the cycle starts all over again.
Hygiene during menstruation
It is important to keep yourself clean and take care of your hygiene during menstruation. You have multiple products to choose from (tampons, pads) and it is up to you to decide which one is right for you. The best way to find out what you like is to try them all.
See also this video on hygiene during menstruation:
Sources:https://spunout.ie/ and www.seksuaaltervis.ee.
