If she is taught that menstruation is part of the process of growing up and achieving adulthood, along with the capacity for child-bearing, she may have a much more positive attitude. Also, some women have longer or shorter cycles than these, and they are also considered normal as long as there is no excessive bleeding and the cycles are fairly regular. Numerous factors involving either physical or emotional stress can cause menstrual irregularities. The secretory phase, which usually lasts for 14 days, after which the menstrual flow starts and the cycle begins again Menstrual flow usually amounts to 4 to 6 tablespoons of vaginal and cervical secretions of tissue and blood. Some women, particularly after lying down, pass clumps of menstrual tissue that look like clots.
Menstrual fluid has no odor until it comes in contact with air and vaginal bacteria.
The ova normally alternate ovaries and fallopian tubes each month. This process is called ovulation. If fertilization occurs, it usually does so in the fallopian tubes. The uterine glands secrete nutrients to nourish the egg. For the first three days after it enters the uterus, the minuscule egg, a single cell barely visible to the naked eye, floats freely.