Family Planning Plus

Anytime you have unprotected intercourse, there is the risk of pregnancy. The risk of pregnancy does not depend on the length of time your period bleeding lasts.

There are certain times during the menstrual cycle when a woman is more fertile or less fertile. This is part of the basis for the natural family planning, or rhythm, method. This method requires diligent record keeping of when your period begins. It also requires keeping track of anything than may alter your period. Things like illness, medication, stress, change in diet, exercise or sleep pattern can all cause changes in your cycle.

A menstrual cycle is calculated from the beginning (day 1 of bleeding) of one period until the beginning (day 1) of the next period. It may take several months of recording before you have a good idea of how long your cycle is. Most women have about a 28 day cycle. This means that there are about 28 days from the beginning of one period until the beginning of the next period.  A normal cycle can range from 28 to 32 days.

When determining fertility, it helps to know the average length of your cycle. If you have a 28 day cycle, you would most likely be ovulating around days 12-15. If your cycles are shorter or longer, your fertile time will be sooner or later. The time when you are least likely to become pregnant is usually the week prior to and during your period.

There are several online websites that have helpful information about natural family planning. When used correctly and consistently, this method is about 70 to 90% effective. However, a woman and her partner must be committed to this: keeping a calendar and abstaining from sex during fertile times, especially if they are not planning a pregnancy.