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Question

How can the scientific understanding of menstrual cycle help as contraceptive measure ?

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Solution

Once an egg is released from your ovaries, its life span is very short. Conception can only occur if it’s fertilized 24 to 48 hours after the time of actual ovulation. However, male sperm can remain alive and viable in your body for up to five days after ejaculation. So, it’s possible to have intercourse up to five days before you ovulate and get pregnant as a result.

These biologic realities mean the actual period of viable fertility can last anywhere from five to eight days for most women. In general, women are most fertile during the following times:

  • the five days before ovulation
  • the day of ovulation
  • within 12 to 24 hours after ovulation

You’re less likely to get pregnant if you’ve accurately identified your fertile period and avoid unprotected sex on those days each month. Theoretically, this will prevent viable sperm from being present in your fallopian tubes at the same time as a viable egg. In turn, this will prevent fertilization and conception.

That being said, fertility awareness is among the least reliable methods of contraception. Multiple methods of collecting information are necessary. Use the calendar method, the temperature method, and the cervical mucus methods to increase the effectiveness of FAM.(fertility awareness method)


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