Day 10 of the menstrual cycle
In short: what happens on day 10?
Day 10 of the menstrual cycle falls within the fertile window. The dominant follicle reaches about 15 mm, and rising oestrogen makes cervical mucus more slippery. In a 28-day cycle, sperm from sex on this day can survive until ovulation, so there is a real chance of pregnancy.
Day 10 of the menstrual cycle – animated explainer
Day 10: cycle dial, uterus and ovaries, hormone levels (illustrative animation).
What the animation shows
- FSH
- Follicle-stimulating hormone: starts the growth of follicles in the ovary
- LH
- Luteinising hormone: its sudden surge triggers ovulation
- E2
- Oestrogen (oestradiol): thickens the lining of the uterus
- P4
- Progesterone: prepares the uterus for a possible pregnancy
- BBT
- Thermometer and dots below: basal body temperature
- RING
- Coloured ring: the 28-day cycle and its phases; the green arc marks the fertile days
- MM
- The measurement in the uterus shows lining thickness; in the ovary it shows follicle or corpus luteum size
Phase
Follicular phase
Chance of pregnancy
Moderate
Uterine lining
7.5 mm
Follicle
15 mm
FSH
31
LH
20
Oestrogen
57
Basal body temperature
36.32°C
What is happening in your body today?
The uterine lining is about 7–8 mm. The cervix softens and opens slightly.
Hormones
Oestrogen keeps rising; LH is still low.
How you might feel
You may feel energetic and sociable; discharge increases.
Chance of pregnancy
The chance of pregnancy is moderate.
Tips for today
- A good day to start ovulation tests
- Managing stress and sleeping regularly support hormone balance
- If you do not want to get pregnant, use reliable contraception
When to see a doctor
See your doctor if you have unusual pelvic pain, a fever or foul-smelling discharge.
Menstrual cycle day by day: table
| Day | What happens | Fertile window |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | First Day of Your Period | — |
| Day 2 | Heaviest Bleeding Day | — |
| Day 3 | FSH Rises, Follicles Grow | — |
| Day 4 | Bleeding Eases, Oestrogen Rises | — |
| Day 5 | Last Day of Your Period | — |
| Day 6 | Follicular Phase Begins | — |
| Day 7 | Dominant Follicle Is Selected | — |
| Day 8 | Oestrogen Rises, Fertile Window Nears | Low |
| Day 9 | Fertile Window Begins | Moderate |
| Day 10 | Fertile Window, Higher Pregnancy Odds | Moderate |
| Day 11 | 3 Days Before Ovulation | High |
| Day 12 | Oestrogen Nears Its Peak | High |
| Day 13 | LH Surge: Ovulation Is Near | Highest |
| Day 14 | Ovulation Day | Highest |
| Day 15 | Luteal Phase Begins | Moderate |
| Day 16 | Progesterone Rises | Low |
| Day 17 | Luteal Phase and Increased Appetite | — |
| Day 18 | Breast Tenderness May Start | — |
| Day 19 | Implantation Window Opens | — |
| Day 20 | Implantation Bleeding Possible | — |
| Day 21 | Progesterone Peak (Day 21 Test) | — |
| Day 22 | Mid-Luteal Phase | — |
| Day 23 | PMS Symptoms May Start | — |
| Day 24 | Hormones Start to Fall | — |
| Day 25 | Late Luteal Phase and PMS | — |
| Day 26 | Progesterone Drop and Cramps | — |
| Day 27 | 1 Day Before Your Period | — |
| Day 28 | Last Day of Your Cycle | — |
Frequently asked questions
Can you get pregnant on day 10 of your cycle?
Yes. In a 28-day cycle, day 10 is in the fertile window and the chance of pregnancy is moderate.
When should you start taking ovulation tests?
In a 28-day cycle, testing usually starts on day 10–11. The tests detect LH, which rises 24–36 hours before ovulation.
Can you ovulate on day 10?
In short cycles (e.g. 24 days), ovulation may happen around day 10. In a 28-day cycle it is usually on day 14.
Gynaecology check-ups and follow-up at SoftCare Clinic
Book an appointment with our specialist doctors for irregular periods, painful periods or pregnancy planning.
The information on this page is general guidance based on a typical 28-day cycle and does not replace a medical examination. It should not be used as a method of contraception.
Medical content editor: Op. Dr. Şükrü Sanus