Pre-ovulation - the second phase of menstrual cycle

As we talked about in previous posts, the menstrual cycle is a biological process that is repeated regularly in a woman body, starting from the first menstruation (menarche) until the last menstrual period (menopause). It has a periodical character.The menstrual cycle begins with menstruation. After this phase, follicular or pre-ovulation phase occurs.

Follicular phase

There are two hormones involved in the first phase of your menstrual cycle, and it is follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and estrogen. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) induces maturation of ovarian follicles and eventual production of estrogen. It initiates follicular growth, and stimulates the maturation of ovarian follicles. This phase before the release of the egg is also called Follicular phase. When the follicle matures and reaches 8–10 mm in diameter it starts to secrete significant amounts of estradiol. Which leads to ovulation.

Normally one follicle becomes “dominant” and the egg ripens within the follicle as that follicle gets bigger. At the same time, the increasing amount of estrogen in your body makes sure that the lining of your womb is thickening with nutrients and blood necessary for the expected fertilized egg. High estrogen levels are also associated with the appearance of cervical mucus that is fertile.

If you are measuring your basal body temperature, this phase is part of the first phase of bi-phasic temperature pattern. Temperatures are lower (below the cross-line) during this phase. If you are trying to get pregnant, fertile window openes at the end of this phase.

Can you get pregnant in this phase?

The follicular phase leads to the release of the egg, ie ovulation. Since sperms can live in your body up to 5 days (some sources say eve 7), it means that you can be fertile up to 7 days before your ovulation. If you are trying to get pregnant and have regular cycles of 28 days, you can try to conceive since day 7 up to your ovulation around day 14. Every second day would be enough. If your cycles are irregular, learn more about how to determine your fertile days.