When a woman ovulates, she releases a mature egg from one ovary (or two eggs if she is having twins). The egg is released into the adjacent fallopian tube and can survive in the woman's body for around 12 to 24 hours. Sperm needs to reach the egg before this time lapses. When a woman ovulates, she releases a mature egg from one ovary (or two eggs if she is having twins). The egg is released into the adjacent fallopian tube and can survive in the woman's body for around 12 to 24 hours. Sperm needs to reach the egg before this time lapses.An egg is most likely to be fertilised to conceive a baby if the sperm are already present, waiting in the fallopian tube, so they reach the egg soon after it is released.

The start of the bleeding phase (or period) is Day 1 of the menstrual cycle. Bleeding patterns are very individual for each woman and can last from 2 to 8 days but on average are 4 to 6 days.

This is the time from when the bleeding finishes and when the fertile phase begins. During the pre-fertile phase, the lining of the uterus starts to thicken, regenerating after the period has finished. At the same time, a group of eggs in the ovaries start to ripen.

The time after ovulation is the post-fertile phase of the menstrual cycle. The post-fertile phase lasts for about 14 days (ranging from12-16 days) until the bleeding starts again.

Pregnancy can often result in changes in a womens menstrual cycle. Read about the 5 stages and changes that can occur here.

Understand what your cervical mucus is and why it is important.

The female menstrual cycle is still one of the most misunderstood human biological processes! Find out what myths are being spread and the truth behind them.

Before you start trying for a baby, here are a few things you may want to think about and talk to your doctor about.

Whether you have a boy or girl the main hope is that they're healthy and happy, but if you're wanting to try to influence the sex of your baby here are a few methods and techniques that you could try at home.