The human menstrual cycle

• The menstrual cycle is a sequence of changes in the female reproductive system, controlled by hormones. It generally lasts around 28 days, though it can vary from person to person.

• The main stages of the menstrual cycle are:

  • Day 1: If the egg has not been fertilised, the body detects this and the uterus lining breaks down, and bleeding begins. This is known as a period, or menstruation. Most girls start experiencing during puberty. Blood and tissue from this lining leave the body through the vagina. Each period usually lasts from three to seven days.

  • Days 1-5: The lining of the uterus starts to grow back, becoming thicker and spongy to prepare for a possible pregnancy.

  • Day 14: An egg is released from one of the ovaries in a process called ovulation. The egg travels down the oviduct toward the uterus.

  • Day 28: If the egg isn’t fertilised, the uterus lining will break down again, and the cycle will restart.

Contraception