The Menstrual Cycle and Pregnancy

This cycle occurs in females only and happens on a monthly basis. A typical
cycle is 28 days long and begins with menstruation (period). Changes in
hormone levels make this cycle possible. The two hormones involved
are oestrogen and progesterone.
NOTE: the menstrual cycle is not the same thing as menstruation.
Menstruation is a part of the menstrual cycle.
Menstruation is the period during which the lining of the uterus was shed
along with an unfertilized egg.
Ovulation the release of a mature egg from one of the ovaries monthly.
Menstruation often begins once a female begins to undergo puberty. It only
follows that ovulation would also begin at this point. Without ovulation,
fertilization cannot occur. Although the menstrual cycle seems to begin with
menstruation, a female may become pregnant without menstruating and
even before menstruation begins. Fertilization is the process by which male
and female sex cells fuse.
Oestrogen and Progesterone
The levels of oestrogen are highest around the time of ovulation as it
prepares the body for the release of an egg. It also helps to maintain the
lining of the uterus. Progesterone also helps to prepare the body for possible
pregnancy. This means that these two hormones are at their lowest during
menstruation.
Other hormones involved in the menstrual cycle are:
-FSH (follicle stimulating hormone)
-GnRH (gonadotrophin releasing hormone)
-LH (leutenizing hormone)
-Testosterone
Pregnancy
Once pregnancy occurs, there will be a disruption in the menstrual cycle.
This is because the lining of the uterus will not be shed as it is needed for
cushioning the developing embryo.
During pregnancy, the developing embryo is surrounded by a sac known as
the placenta. Attached to the placenta and the developing baby is
the umbilical cord. The placenta is responsible for supplying the baby with
oxygen and nutrients via the umbilical cord. The baby is also surrounded
by amniotic fluid which helps with support and protection of the embryo. It
is this fluid that is released just before a woman goes into labour. The
placenta then comes out after the birth of the baby and is referred to as
the afterbirth.
*Embryo first eight weeks after the formation of a zygote.
*Foetus developing baby after the first eight weeks of conception.

The term birth control (contraception) is quite self-explanatory. It involves

means by which individuals try to regulate the occurrence of pregnancy.
There are natural and artificial means of contraception.

Natural methods of contraception include:

-Rhythm method - sexual intercourse is limited to the safe period of the

menstrual cycle.
-Withdrawal method - no ejaculation occurs in the vagina during sexual
intercourse.

Artificial methods of contraception include:

-Condom - rubber sheath placed on the erect penis or inside the vagina
before sexual intercourse.

-IUD (intra-uterine device) - T-shaped device placed inside the uterus to

prevent implantation (attachment of the egg to the uterus wall) of a fertilized
egg.

-Contraceptive pill - pills taken daily to prevent ovulation. These pills often
contain some amount of hormones.

-Diaphragm (cervical cap) - rubber shaped dome placed over the cervix to
prevent sperm from entering the uterus. It is best used with spermicidal
cream which kills sperm.

-Sterilization - This is a very permanent procedure. In males it involves the

cutting and tying of the vas deferens and is called vasectomy. In females, it
is where the oviducts are cut and tied or burnt and is called tubal ligation.