Menstrual CycleDuring the follicular phase of the
menstrual cycle, the lining of the uterus thickens to prepare for pregnancy. An
egg becomes ready to be released inside a sac (follicle) on the surface of an
ovary. During the luteal phase, the egg is released (ovulation). If the egg is
fertilized by sperm, it may attach to (implant in) the lining of the uterus,
and pregnancy begins. If the egg is not fertilized or does not implant, the
lining of the uterus is shed as blood
during the menstrual
period (below), and the cycle starts over. ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerSarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine
Martin J. Gabica, MD - Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical ReviewerKirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology Current as ofOctober 13, 2016 Current as of:
October 13, 2016 Author:
Healthwise Staff Medical Review:
Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine & Martin J. Gabica, MD - Family Medicine & Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine & Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology |
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