Pregnancy, Menstrual Cycle, and Contraception
The placenta is like your body's ultimate life support system during pregnancy. It's got villi that create a massive surface area for exchanging nutrients, oxygen, and waste between mum and baby. The umbilical cord acts as a two-way highway - the vein brings good stuff in, whilst the artery takes waste products out.
Your menstrual cycle runs on a roughly 28-day schedule controlled by oestrogen and progesterone. Day 14 is ovulation - when pregnancy can actually happen. If no fertilisation occurs, hormone levels drop and menstruation begins around day 1.
When couples struggle with infertility, IVF (in vitro fertilisation) offers hope. Doctors collect eggs, mix them with sperm in a petri dish, then transfer healthy embryos back into the uterus. It's brilliant science, but raises ethical questions about spare embryos.
Contraception gives you control over when (or if) you want children. Options range from barrier methods like condoms (which also prevent STIs) to hormonal pills that stop ovulation, and permanent surgical methods like vasectomy.
Remember: Understanding contraception methods helps you make informed choices about your sexual health and future planning.