I do not understand why “the period” has gotten such a bad rep. Men think its something nasty, women think it’s shameful, and both think it is annoying. I personally don’t agree… Ok fine, I agree it can be annoying, especially if you are in a long distant relationship, going on a trip, etc. But I also think its something awesome and something amazing. First let me explain the whole cycle.
The menstrual cycle is exactly that… a cycle. It repeats itself every 21- 35 days, depending on your body and if you are on birth control. But for right now I am talking about a lady who is not on birth control.
The cycle starts with the first day of your bleeding. Bleeding can last from 4-8 days, but again this varies with each person. The blood is from the uterine lining. The uterine lining builds on the uterus wall every month in case an egg has been fertilized. However, when that fertilized egg is absent, your body discharges the lining since it is not needed.
Some time after the bleeding, again depending on each person, an egg is released from the ovaries. This is called ovulation. The egg only lasts 24 hours in the body until it too is discharged.
From the day of ovulation there is about 14 days, plus or minus a day, that you will start bleeding again.
There is one thing, you cannot count forward to find out when you will ovulate, you can only count backwards from the day of your first period 14 days and estimate when you HAD ovulated last month.
A few things can change the length of your period: stress, medication, diet, exercise, and weight. By change the length I mean, if you are under a great deal of stress, your period may be later or earlier then usual. It can happen when you change your diet, exercise routine or medication. So, no worries if you experience a change.
Yes, periods seem nasty, but understanding that it is the ability to have a baby is amazing and a blessing. Not every woman has her period, so remember that having one is special. It’s a part of being a woman and should be celebrated! Men should love it to, because with out the cycle we would have no offspring!
candidREL 