Day 11 of the menstrual cycle
In short: what happens on day 11?
Day 11 of the menstrual cycle falls about 3 days before ovulation in a 28-day cycle, so the chance of pregnancy is high. The dominant follicle reaches 16–17 mm, oestrogen rises rapidly and cervical mucus begins to turn slippery and clear, helping sperm travel towards the egg.
Day 11 of the menstrual cycle – animated explainer
Day 11: 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
High
Uterine lining
8.5 mm
Follicle
16.5 mm
FSH
31
LH
20
Oestrogen
78
Basal body temperature
36.32°C
What is happening in your body today?
The uterine lining reaches 8–9 mm and takes on a triple-line (trilaminar) appearance.
Hormones
Oestrogen climbs towards its peak; LH has not yet surged.
How you might feel
Sex drive may increase; discharge becomes noticeably more slippery.
Chance of pregnancy
The chance of pregnancy is high.
Tips for today
- If you are trying to conceive, today and the next 3 days are the most important
- You can take ovulation tests once or twice a day
- Avoid alcohol and smoking
When to see a doctor
See your doctor if you have severe one-sided pelvic pain or a fever.
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 11 of your cycle?
Yes. In a 28-day cycle, day 11 is within the fertile window and the chance of pregnancy is high.
What does a trilaminar endometrium mean on an ultrasound?
It means the uterine lining shows three lines as ovulation approaches; it reflects the effect of oestrogen and shows the lining is becoming receptive to pregnancy.
What if my ovulation test is negative on day 11?
This is normal; LH usually surges only 1–1.5 days before ovulation. Keep testing for a few more days.
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