Health Library
The menstrual cycle is a physiological process that typically lasts 28 days and consists of the follicular, ovulatory, and luteal phases. The regularity of the cycle is important when selecting a contraceptive method. For example, in women with irregular periods, combined oral contraceptives (COCs) are often used to regulate the cycle, while in regular cycles, natural methods such as the withdrawal method can theoretically be applied. However, natural methods have a high failure rate with typical use.