

The Difference Between Your Period & Ovulation
Do we blame Eve for biting the apple? Did God curse women with periods because Eve partook in the forbidden fruit? This word-of-mouth story has been passed down for generations by mothers to daughters and in this game of telephone it seems that we developed "The Miseducation of Cycles." Welp, it's time to spread the truth about the menstruation cycle and the two most important phases — menstruation and ovulation.
First things first, let's start with some misconceptions around our cycles:
- Using tampons as a virgin will break the hymen and take a woman's virginity.
- Hormones define women.
- Every woman gets PMS, and it always manifests as irritability and crankiness.
- Periods are shameful.
- You can't get pregnant if you have sex during your period.
- Having menstrual sex is unhealthy for the woman and can kill the man.
These myths and misconceptions around our cycles can be haunting especially around such a controversial topic. One of the things I love most about being a woman is the way our bodies create magic naturally. But I will be honest in saying that I am not extremely knowledgeable about the processes. One of the biggest blockades being menstruation vs. ovulation.
Photo Courtesy of Dr. Chi
To set the record straight, we had to ask our girl and Family Medicine Hospitalist Physician, Dr. Chinyere Okpaleke, more popularly known as Dr. Chi. When she's not saving lives, she somehow finds time to promote health and self-love AND teach free yoga to her diverse community. Read on as she explains the difference between your period and ovulation.
Why Do Women Have Periods?
"Your monthly period and the time of ovulation are both parts of the menstrual cycle. They are both crucial moments in a women's reproductive system that play vital roles each month."
Dr. Chi went on to say, "The menstrual cycle is made up of two major phases: the follicular phase and luteal phase. During the follicular phase, the cycle starts with a period, or menses, where the uterus sheds its lining, indicating that your egg was not fertilized for pregnancy. Most periods last on average 4-7 days."
Getty Images
What Is Ovulation & When Do Women Ovulate?
The Florida resident shared that after your period, the body is still basically preparing the ovaries to release an egg in the next phase, and this normally takes about 7-14 days. "This a very short time span where the egg is released from the ovary into the fallopian tube in hopes to meet its match with a sperm-mate."
She adds, "Now if this does not happen, we move on into the last phase of the menstrual cycle called the luteal phase where the hormone progesterone is in full effect preparing all over again for team period… say hello to pimples, cramps, and tender breasts."
Featured image by Getty Images
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Joce Blake is a womanist who loves fashion, Beyonce and Hot Cheetos. The sophistiratchet enthusiast is based in Brooklyn, NY but has southern belle roots as she was born and raised in Memphis, TN. Keep up with her on Instagram @joce_blake and on Twitter @SaraJessicaBee.
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Simone Biles Is Making A Major Comeback After A Much-Needed Mental Health Break
Simone Biles made a comeback to the world of gymnastics at the 2023 Core Hydration Classic, and it’s clear that she hasn’t missed a beat.
In a post-competition interview, Biles opened up about her focus on mental health during her time away from the sport, which in turn has allowed her to be in a better mental space overall.
“I feel really good about where I am right now, mentally and physically,” Biles shared with reporters after completing her event. While she expressed that she was “really nervous to compete” after her two-year hiatus, she notes that taking a mental break has had a positive impact on her recovery. “You kind of have to take that mental break because if not, obviously, your body will decide for you, and that’s kind of what mine did in Tokyo.”
During the 2021 Olympics in Tokyo, Biles expressed mental health concerns known as the "twisties," a phenomenon where gymnasts experience a disconnect between their mind and body — or spinal awareness — while performing complex aerial maneuvers, which can result in serious injuries.
“It was the worst timing, but obviously, I’m really happy with what happened because I got to go and work on myself,” the four-time gold medallist adds. “I’m still continuing to work on myself and go to therapy and make sure that everything is all in line so at that in the gym, we can focus on gym.”
Biles' decision to prioritize her well-being and safety over competition was met with both support and criticism online. A reality that caused her to preserve her peace and take a step back from online discourse. “I think I feel a lot better because I’ve found ways to manage that — like deleting Twitter, not trying to look at it,” she told reporters. “There are really nice comments — you have your supporters, you have your fans, like your day-ones. And then you have those really nasty ones that can get to you.”
Her withdrawal from the Olympics sparked a global conversation about the importance of mental health in sports and the immense pressure that elite athletes face. Biles' openness about her struggles encouraged a number of other athletes to share their own experiences and highlighted the need for better support systems for athletes' mental well-being.
“I feel grateful that I get this opportunity to come back out here and to compete in front of a crowd because I truly didn’t believe that I’d be back here competing at all,” she adds.
During her time off, Biles has kept herself busy by getting back on the mat, “trying to get fit again,” and focusing on her newlywed status with her NFL husband, Jonathan Owens.
While Biles says she’s not aiming to look too far ahead to the 2024 Paris Olympics, her current focus is on “living in the moment” and trusting herself in the sport again. “Right now, I think I should just embrace what happened today, be happy,” she says. “I think we’re just trying to take it one step at a time.”
“Kind of taking a fresh start in everything. Still going out there and talking about mental health and talking to all of the other athletes and supporting them on their journeys as well.”
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Feature image by Stacy Revere/Getty Images