When during the menstrual cycle can a woman get pregnant?

A Visitor Asks...

"Exactly when during a woman's menstrual cycle can she get pregnant, and does the rhythm method of birth control really work?"

You, like me, have probably heard a lot of different opinions on this subject. The truth of the matter is that a woman ovulates approximately two weeks before the start of her next menstrual cycle. A common misconception is that a woman ovulates two weeks after the end of the menstrual cycle. This can be the case, but only if the woman's cycle is 28 days long. Hopefully this article will shed some light on the issue. If you have any questions, please feel free to let us know!

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The Rhythm Method

The difficulty in planning around ovulation comes because not all women have the same cycle times, and the times can be unpredictable. There is a birth control method that's based on menstrual/ovulation timing called the "fertility awareness method"

Fertility Awareness birth control methods have worked for some people. It takes some work, and some planning, but it does work for some. Fertility awareness birth control can involve charting and being aware of your menstrual cycle, observing cervical mucus levels, and taking and recording your daily basal temperature.

That said…there are several birth control methods available that are more reliable than fertility awareness. With a failure rate of between 15% and 20% for the fertility awareness method, you might be better off trying condoms, birth control pills or contraceptive foams.

As always, we hope this information has helped you. If you still have questions please feel free to email us at questions@mybodyvibes.com.

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