Menstrual Cycle Basics Quiz
Menstrual Cycle Basics Quiz
Test your skills with fertility awareness by taking this Menstrual Cycle Basics Quiz.
All you need to play is something to write down your answers.
Find the correct answers at the bottom!
What is the proper order of the four phases of the menstrual cycle?
a. follicular phase, menstrual phase, luteal phase, ovulation phase
b. menstrual phase, ovulation phase, follicular phase, luteal phase
c. menstrual phase, follicular phase, ovulation phase, luteal phase
d. luteal phase, menstrual phase, follicular phase, ovulation phase
2. Can ovulation occur more than once in a cycle?
a. Yes
b. No
c. No, except in the case of fraternal twins
3. Can you get pregnant on your period?
a. Yes
b. No
4. Which rising hormone triggers the release of the egg?
a. luteinizing hormone
b. follicle stimulating hormone
c. estrogen
d. progesterone
5. Which part of the endocrine system controls ovulation?
a. pineal gland
b. hypothalamus
c. thyroid
d. ovaries
6. Which fluid is most important for the sperm to meet the egg?
a. cervical fluid
b. seminal fluid
c. arousal fluid
d. vaginal fluid
7. Ovulation occurs in the same window of time every month.
a. True
b. False
8. Ejaculated sperm in the vagina always have access to the uterus.
a. True
b. False
9. A rise in progesterone signifies when you are ovulating.
a. True
b. False
ANSWERS & EXPLANATION BELOW
1. [C] Menstrual phase, follicular phase, ovulation phase, luteal phase.
In fertility charting, we always consider the first day of a bleed to be ‘Day 1’. The menstrual phase ends when you stop bleeding.
The follicular phase is what follows, this phase is dominated by the rising presence of estradiol, which stimulates the cervix to produce fertile quality cervical fluid. This phase can be a variable amount of time. It also triggers the formation of new endometrium. The follicle stimulating hormone level also rises during this phase, secreted by the pituitary gland to help select which egg will make it to maturation this cycle
Ovulation phase follows, the shortest phase in terms of time. Estrogen levels peak during the follicular phase and begin making their dissent during ovulation. At the same time, luteinizing hormone spikes, triggering the release of the egg(s). The event of ovulation occurs for only 24-36 hours. This short period is the only chance of conception all month.
During the luteal phase, the egg will travel through the fallopian tubes and enter the uterus. If it has been fertilized it will attempt to implant there. If it has not, it will die. This phase is also dominated by the presence of progesterone and is entirely infertile. This phase is much more fixed, around 12-16 days long before the next bleed.
2. [B] No.
Ovulation is an event that only happens once per cycle. In the case of fraternal (dizygotic) twins, two eggs are released instead of one during the 24-36hr ovulation period. In the case of PCOS, fertility signs may become present more than once in a cycle, but the event of ovulation will only happen once.
3. [A] Tricky. Technically, yes. Here are a couple examples of when this is possible.
- What is a ‘period’ vs ‘spotting’ ? The majority of the population does not chart their fertility, so it may be hard to tell the difference. If you are experiencing some bleeding, it does not always signify the end of the cycle (many bleed when ovulating). This blood can sometimes mask or mix with cervical fluid. One way to learn if you are truly starting a new cycle is by charting your temperature. The drop in progesterone & temp will signify menstruation.
- If you have a fertility charting history, you can begin to identify if you have shorter cycles. If you have sperm in the vagina in the last days of menstruation, and an early ovulation is common for you, sperm may be able to survive if cervical fluid is present.
- Those that chart their fertility know their range of cycle lengths. In most cases, fertility before day 10 is remote. Watching cervical fluid is the best daily diagnostic indicator of fertility. If you have a few dry days after the end of menstruation these days may be considered safe for unprotected sex
4. [A] Luteinizing hormone.
Luteinizing hormone is produced by the pituitary gland, and is responsible for the release of the egg(s). Measuring its presence in urine is the science behind ovulation predictor kits. People with PCOS may experience several LH spikes in a cycle before ovulation occurs.
5. [B] Hypothalamus.
The hypothalamus located in the brain is the driver of ovulation. Most importantly it connects the nervous system to the endocrine system via the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland is essential to reproductive function. Also note that the reproductive system should never be discussed in a vacuum, as it is intimately connected to these other bodily systems, which are involved in most functions in the body.
6. [A] Cervical Fluid.
Fertile quality cervical fluid is essential to conception. It’s only present as you approach ovulation. Fertile quality seminal fluid can be present in the vagina during 80% of the cycle without ever being able to pass through the cervix because it closes & plugs.
7. [B] False.
The follicular phase is a variable amount of time. ‘Ovulation on day 14’ is simply a MYTH. Sometimes people have longer cycles and delayed ovulation due to stress or illness. Even people with normal overall cycle length may ovulate on different days. The best way to tell when you are ovulating is to overlap fertility signs
8. [B] False.
During the fertile window is the only time the cervix dissolves its mucus plug, rises, softens, and opens to allow sperm to enter. The majority of the time sperm cannot bypass the cervix.
9. [B] False.
Progesterone rise is only present after ovulation has already occurred. Progesterone is produced by a temporary endocrine structure in the ovaries called the corpus luteum. It is what remains of the follicle after it released an ovum that cycle. Progesterone has many jobs, such as recreating the cervical mucus plug after ovulation, converts the endometrium to prepare for implantation, and helps the body accept a pregnancy. Progesterone levels will drop before your next menstruation, or remain high if you become pregnant and drop when you go into labor, this also helps you begin lactating.