Glossary

Waking temperature or basal body temperature is the temperature measured immediately after waking up.

Menstruation, bleeding or period are all synonyms for the same process. In every cycle the uterus builds a layer of mucus that functions as a nest for a fertilised egg. If pregnancy doesn’t occur, this layer of mucus is ejected during menstruation.

The ovaries contain immature eggs.

Ovulation is the release of eggs from the ovaries. The mature egg “jumps" into the fallopian tube and makes its way into the womb and can now be fertilized.

Fertilization is the fusion of egg and sperm in which a new human being is created.

The follicular phase is a phase of the cycle. It starts on the first day of menstruation and ends on the day of ovulation.

FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) is controlled by the pituitary gland.

Cervix is the lower part of uterus that can be found in the vagina. Like cervical mucus, the cyclical change of the cervix is another symptom for cycle observation.

The calendar method, also known als rhythm method, is a method of natural family planning.Ovulation is calculated based on the length of the cycle.

The luteinizing hormone (LH) is controlled by the pituitary gland and is responsible for the production of corpus luteum.

Menstruation, bleeding or period are all synonyms for the same process. In every cycle the uterus builds a layer of mucus that functions as a nest for a fertilised egg. If pregnancy doesn’t occur, this layer of mucus is ejected during menstruation.

NFP stands for Natural Family Planning and is the generic term for all methods of natural family planning.

The pearl index assesses the safety of contraceptives. The lower the pearl index, the safer the method of contraception.

PMS (premenstrual syndrome) refers to the emotional and physical complaints associated with the cycle.

The vagina is a muscular tube that connects the uterus to the vulva.

Testosterone is a sex hormone that can be found in both men and women, but in varying concentrations.

Cervical mucus is formed in the glands of the cervix. It is influenced by the hormones estrogen and progesterone and changes its appearance and consistency during the cycle.

The cycle begins on the first day of menstruation and ends on the last day before the next period.

Fertilization is the fusion of egg and sperm in which a new human being is created.

After ovulation, corpus luteum is formed in the ovary. The hormone progesterone is produced in the corpus luteum.

Implantation refers to the implantation of the fertilised egg into the endometrium.

The egg cell or otherwise known as ovum is the female germ cell. It carries genetic information.

The follicle is the cell envelope of the maturing egg

Fertility window, or fertile window, is the period during cycle in which you can become pregnant. This period begins five days before ovulation and ends three days after ovulation.

The uterus is part of the female reproductive system. After conception the fertilized egg is implanted into the womb, where it grows until it is born.

The luteal phase is a phase of the cycle. It starts a day after ovulation and ends on the last day of cycle.

Intermenstrual pain is a short cramping pain in the left or lower right abdomen, which is triggered by ovulation. It is one of the secondary signs of fertility and can only give additional clues about the fertile period.

Estrogen is a female sexual hormone. It is produced in the maturing egg cell. Among other things, estrogen causes changes in the cervical mucus. More estrogen causes the cervical mucus to be clearer and more elastic.

Menstruation, bleeding or period are all synonyms for the same process. In every cycle the uterus builds a layer of mucus that functions as a nest for a fertilised egg. If pregnancy doesn’t occur, this layer of mucus is ejected during menstruation.

Core body temperature is the temperature measured in the body. The core body temperature increases after ovulation due to the influence of the hormone progesterone.

Progesterone is a sexual hormone which is produced by the corpus luteum. Among other things, progesterone causes the body core temperature to rise.

The temperature method is a method of natural family planning. The hormone progesterone causes the temperature to rise after ovulation. This rise in temperature is observed and used to determine ovulation.

Contraception refers to the prevention of conception. There are essentially three different types of contraception: hormonal, mechanical or natural contraception. Testosterone is a sex hormone that occurs in both men and women, although in varying concentrations.

Intermenstrual bleeding or ovulation bleeding is a bleeding which is connected with ovulation. It is a secondary sign of fertility and can only give additional clues about the fertile period.