There is much more to detecting your phase than just calendar dates. I think the best way to understand it is to go to Google Images and type "menstrual cycle chart". You will see one of the charts on the first row depicts the two phases, along with how they coincide with hormone levels, ovulation, basal body temperature, etc. Are you tracking these as well?
To know which phase you are in, understanding some of the mystery behind the phrase names is helpful. The Follicular Phase is just your follicle (egg) maturing to prepare for it to be released (ovulation). The released egg then is called a corpus luteum until your menstrual period begins, and this phase is thus called the Luteal phase. At the beginning of the luteal phase, you will see surges in LH and FSH, a dip in basal body temperature. Your endometrial lining is thickening during the luteal phase, to prepare for the egg to be fertilized; if it does not within a few days, it will be shed along with the thickened lining during your period about 14 days later.
I am not sure why you are focused on the exact length of time of your luteal phase? It really does not matter in trying to conceive, as it is the follicular phase that you actually want to have unprotected sex during. Most experts say to have sex every-other day leading up to ovulation, as sperm can live up to 3-5 days inside your body, and once an egg is released, it only lives up to about 24 hours.
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There is much more to detecting your phase than just calendar dates. I think the best way to understand it is to go to Google Images and type "menstrual cycle chart". You will see one of the charts on the first row depicts the two phases, along with how they coincide with hormone levels, ovulation, basal body temperature, etc. Are you tracking these as well?
To know which phase you are in, understanding some of the mystery behind the phrase names is helpful. The Follicular Phase is just your follicle (egg) maturing to prepare for it to be released (ovulation). The released egg then is called a corpus luteum until your menstrual period begins, and this phase is thus called the Luteal phase. At the beginning of the luteal phase, you will see surges in LH and FSH, a dip in basal body temperature. Your endometrial lining is thickening during the luteal phase, to prepare for the egg to be fertilized; if it does not within a few days, it will be shed along with the thickened lining during your period about 14 days later.
I am not sure why you are focused on the exact length of time of your luteal phase? It really does not matter in trying to conceive, as it is the follicular phase that you actually want to have unprotected sex during. Most experts say to have sex every-other day leading up to ovulation, as sperm can live up to 3-5 days inside your body, and once an egg is released, it only lives up to about 24 hours.
Does this help?
November 2, 2010 - 1:39pmThis Comment
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