Menstrual Cycle

What’s Normal for You Is Normal… Period!

Get the Facts About Your Menstrual Cycle

What exactly is a “menstrual cycle?”

The amount of time from the first day of your period until the day before your next period.

Why is it important to know about your period?

The scary truth is that 50% of pregnancies are unplanned. Get to know your cycle so you can know when you are most likely to become pregnant. That way YOU decide when you want to avoid pregnancy and when you’re ready to become a mom.

Is there such a thing as a “normal” period?

Every woman’s body is different, so the definition of a “normal period” changes for each woman. Health experts say that a “regular” menstrual cycle is between 26 and 32 days, but the reality is that 50% of all women are not “regular!” So don’t be alarmed if your cycle has a schedule of its own.

Which menstrual situations are cause for concern?

Extremely heavy bleeding and clotting, cramps that hurt so badly you can’t do your daily activities, unusually long periods, or never getting a period are all things you should talk about with your doctor.

What does it mean to ovulate?

Ovulation is the time in your reproductive cycle when your ovary releases eggs, usually within 10 days to 3 weeks after your period starts. When you ovulate, you are fertile and can become pregnant. This “window of fertility” lasts about 5 or 6 days per menstrual cycle. But remember! This 5 or 6 day window may “open” at different times during your cycle.

Let’s Talk About Sex, Ovulation, and Your Period

If you are having unprotected sex and do not use any kind of birth control, you need to know when you are ovulating in order to avoid an unplanned pregnancy. There are ways to track your ovulation time: You may keep a calendar, use cycle beads, or take your temperature (during ovulation, body temperature rises).

How do your cycle and birth control work together? Watch this cool video to find out!

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Check out these tips to control your PMS.