Trying to Conceive (cont.)
Calendar method
This involves keeping a written record of each menstrual
cycle on a calendar. The first day of your period is Day 1. Circle Day 1 on the
calendar. Do this for eight to 12 months so you know how many days are in your
cycle. The length of your cycle may vary from month to month. So write down the
total number of days it lasts each time. To find out the first day when you are
most fertile, check your list for the cycle with the fewest days. Then subtract
18 from that number. Take this new number and count ahead that many days on the
calendar. Draw an X through this date. The X marks the first day you're likely
to be fertile. To find out the last day when you are fertile, subtract 11 days
from your longest cycle and draw an X through this date. This method always
should be used with other fertility awareness methods, especially if your cycles
are not always the same lengths.
Cervical mucus method (also known as the ovulation method)
This involves being aware of the changes in your cervical mucus
throughout the month. The hormones that control the menstrual cycle also change the kind and amount of
mucus you have before and during ovulation. Right after your period, there are
usually few days when there is no mucus present or "dry days." As the egg starts
to mature, mucus increases in the vagina, appears at the
vaginal opening, and is
white or yellow and cloudy and sticky. The greatest amount of mucus appears just
before ovulation. During these "wet days" it becomes clear and slippery, like
raw egg whites. Sometimes it can be stretched apart. This is when you are most
fertile. About four days after the wet days begin the mucus changes again. There
will be much less and it becomes sticky and cloudy. You might have a few more
dry days before your period returns. Describe changes in your mucus on a
calendar. Label the days, "Sticky," "Dry," or "Wet." You are most fertile at the
first sign of wetness after your period or a day or two before wetness begins.
This method is less reliable for some women. Women who are
breastfeeding, taking
hormonal contraceptives
(like the pill) using feminine hygiene products, have
vaginitis or
sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), or have had surgery on the
cervix should not rely on this method.
To most accurately track your fertility, use a
combination of all three methods. This is called the symptothermal method.
Next: Infertility »
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