The woman’s menstrual cycle is divided into two phases: the follicular phase and the luteal phase. In the middle is ovulation. What do shorter or longer phases mean? What are the consequences when you want to get pregnant?
An ovarian follicle is a small sac-shaped ovary element in which the oocyte develops: the female reproductive cell female gamete which allows reproduction. Ovarian follicles are formed during intrauterine life. At birth, a little girl has several million. At puberty, fewer than 500,000 persist in both ovaries, and of these, only 300 to 400 will ever mature. The menstrual cycle is divided into different phases called the follicular phase and the luteal phase. What is their normal duration? What are the consequences in the event of abnormal duration?
What is the follicular phase?
There first phase of the menstrual cycle is the follicular phase which lasts on average between 10 and 18 days from the first day of menstruation. During this phase, also called the pre-ovulatory phase, the ovary produces estrogen which causes thickening of the endometrium (mucosa lining the internal wall of the uterus) in order to accommodate a future embryo. At the same time, an oocyte matures inside a follicle (a sort of small bag present on the ovary), until it becomes a fertilizable egg. Its release, at the time of ovulation, when it has reached maturity, marks the end of the follicular phase. Just before ovulation, cervical mucus changes and becomes translucent and much less thick. to allow sperm to pass more easily and reach the egg. It is therefore the ideal time to try for a child.
What is the luteal phase?
The second phase of the menstrual cycle is the luteal phase. During this period, which also lasts between 10 and 18 days on average, the follicle which released the oocyte degenerates. It transforms into the corpus luteum and secretes a hormone, progesterone, whose essential role is to prepare the uterine mucosa (endometrium) for implantation of the embryo. In the absence of fertilization, the corpus luteum, which lasts about ten days, disappears and the progesterone level drops, which triggers periods.
How long are the luteal and follicular phrases?
The menstrual cycles, which punctuate the sexual life of women and which result in the appearance of periods, are divided into two phases separated by ovulation. It allows a woman to produce an egg every month in order to become pregnant. From a average duration of 28 days, it starts with the first day of the period (day 1), regardless of the duration of the bleeding. The follicular phase, during which the ovaries prepare to release an egg, lasts on average from the 1st to the 14th day. L’ovulation takes place on the 14th dayand marks the transition to the luteal phase. The luteal phase also lasts 14 days on average and ends with your period. The length of the menstrual cycle is a important indicator of fertility. Knowing the duration of the different phases allows you to know when to protect yourself or have intercourse if you want to conceive.
What are the consequences of abnormal follicular and luteal phases?
► In case of follicular phase of less than 10 daysthere is a risk of releasing an immature egg that cannot be fertilized or has chromosomal abnormalities.
► In the event of a follicular phase lasting more than 25 days, there is a risk of multiple ovulation due to hormonal imbalances as in the case of PCOS, stress, intense physical activity, travel or jet lag for example.
► In the event of a luteal phase of less than 10 days, the chances of conceiving can be reduced due to low progesterone levels which do not allow the uterine lining to be ready for implantation of the fertilized egg.
► In case of luteal phase of more than 16 days, there is a risk of pregnancy because the endometrium has most likely accommodated a fertilized egg. In the event of a negative urine pregnancy test more than 16 days after confirmed ovulation, a blood test is necessary.
What to do in case of luteal and follicular phase disorders?
A couple’s infertility is proven after 2 years of unprotected sex. However, it is recommended to seek medical advice and do an infertility assessment after one year in those under 35 and after six to eight months after this age. About 80% of pregnancies occur within the first six months of trying, so there’s no need to worry beforehand. The gynecologist is the first contact who may or may not refer you to an infertility specialist or a treatment center. During the interview, the doctor is first interested in the frequency of sexual intercourse, particularly around ovulation. Then, he inquires about possible sexual problems in the couple (vaginismus, impotence) and on the regularity of menstrual cycles. For men, the consultation concerns possible past genital infections. A temperature curve can then be requested to evaluate the duration of each phase (taken every morning before getting up for three months) and on ovulation. Other additional tests can complete the assessment in women: blood test of ovarian hormones, ultrasound on the third day of the cycle and hysterosalpingography (to check the absence of abnormalities in the uterus and tubes). The Hühner test, which is performed just after sexual intercourse using mucus taken from the cervix., makes it possible to measure the quality and abundance of the mucus as well as the number and mobility of the spermatozoa present, and therefore their ability to ascend into the uterus and the tubes. In man, a spermogram is necessary to evaluate the number, quality, motility and morphology of spermatozoa in vitro.