The period of possible conception typically lasts from 2 days before ovulation through 1 day after it, or 3 days in all; during these days if conception is to be prevented the woman must abstain from coitus. The other days of the cycle constitute the so-called "safe period."

In practice, however, the safe period is considered to be shorter. Ovulation generally occurs between the twelfth and sixteenth days of the cycle, so that any of these days must be counted as days of possible conception (the first day of the cycle is the first day of menstruation.). To calculate the fertile period, it is necessary to keep an accurate record of menstrual cycles for 8 to 12 months.

The length of the longest and shortest cycles must be carefully noted over this time. To find the first day she is likely to be fertile, subtract 20 days from her shortest cycle. To find the last day she is likely to be fertile, subtract 10 days from her longest cycle. It is also possible to determine when ovulation takes place by daily readings of body temperature since the temperature is elevated after ovulation takes place. With love and happiness,

Jacqui

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