A woman’s cycle can vary from month to month, and determining when you could become pregnant is difficult. Remembering that there is no completely “safe” time is essential. However, there are times in your monthly cycle when you’re less likely to conceive.
To learn more about your sexual health, schedule an appointment at PD. We want to help you understand your body so that you can stay healthy and safe.
Understanding Your Monthly Cycle
Although every woman’s cycle varies, a regular cycle lasts approximately 28 days. A woman’s menstrual cycle goes through four phases. Let’s take a closer look at each one:
- Menstruation: This phase begins on the first day of your period. It’s when the lining of your uterus sheds because pregnancy hasn’t occurred. Bleeding occurs at this time.
- Follicular Phase: This phase overlaps two others. It begins on the day you get your period and ends at ovulation. At this phase, follicles form a fully mature egg.
- Ovulation: This phase is when the egg is released (usually around day 14 in a 28-day cycle) from your ovary.
- Luteal Phase: The egg travels from the ovary through your fallopian tubes to your uterus. If the egg hasn’t been fertilized by sperm, your hormone levels drop, and your period starts again.
Knowing When You Ovulate
Your ovaries can release an egg anywhere from 10 to 16 days before the start of your period. Ovulation is when you are most likely to get pregnant.
Determining when you ovulate can be tricky. Some women feel cramping in their pelvic area when they ovulate. According to the Cleveland Clinic, the following are other symptoms you may feel during ovulation:
- Tender breasts
- Bloating
- Light bleeding or spotting
- Increased sex drive
- Mood changes
- Appetite changes
The Least Likely Time to Get Pregnant
As we said earlier, your monthly cycle is hard to predict, so there isn’t a time when you can guarantee 100% that you won’t get pregnant.
The time when you are least likely to get pregnant is during your period. You are less fertile because your period is the first day of your monthly cycle. However, for women with shorter periods, ovulation can occur earlier, making it possible for them to become pregnant during their period.
If your cycle is regular, another less fertile time is immediately after your period. Ovulation hasn’t occurred yet, and there’s no egg to fertilize, making pregnancy less likely.
Learning How to Track Ovulation
Various methods can be used to track ovulation. Understanding your body and the signs can help. We offer no-cost educational information and can help you learn the signs to look for.
Contact PD Pregnancy Resource Center to schedule an appointment. Whether you’re trying to understand your cycle, think you might be pregnant, or want to discuss your options, we’re here to help.