SEX, FERTILITY AND CONCEPTION

“Safe period” is a method of temporary contraception. It is a part of Natural Family Planning (NFP).

Safe Period is also known as “Calendar Method” first described by Ogino in the year 1930. This method is based upon the fact that ovulation usually occurs from12 to 16 days before the onset of menstruation. Ovulation means the release of an egg, which can be fertilized by a sperm, from the ovary.

“Safe period” can be used both to achieve and to avoid or postpone pregnancy.

The days on which pregnancy (conception) may occur is calculated are-

One should know her shortest and longest days of menstrual cycle. The shortest cycle minus 18 days denotes the first day of fertile period. The longest cycle minus 10 days denotes the last day of the fertile period.

Say for an example, a woman’s cycle varies from 25 to 32 days. The fertile period during when she may get pregnant if intercourse is done without obtaining other contraceptive methods is 7th day to 22nd days of her regular menstrual cycle.

However, the cases where such type of calculation is not possible, the couple are advised to avoid intercourse from 8th to 22nd day of the menstrual cycle, counting from the first day of the menstrual period.

To avoid Pregnancy (DRAWBACKS)

“Safe Period” is not entirely safe. The drawbacks of “Safe Period” are-

· A woman’s menstrual cycles are not always regular. When the cycles are irregular, it is extremely difficult to predict the safe period.

· This method is acceptable and applicable only to the educated, responsible and dedicated couple. A high degree of motivation and cooperation is needed.

· Compulsory abstinence of sexual intercourse for nearly one half of every month-may be called “programmed sex”.

· “Safe sex” method is not applicable during the post-natal period when there is no menstruation.

· There is a high failure rate- about 9 per 100 woman-years.

The failures are due to wrong calculation, inability to calculate on her own, irregular use, lack of motivation and “taking chances”.

Tow medical complications are reported to result from the use of safe period; Ectopic pregnancies and embryonic abnormalities. Ectopic pregnancies may lead to conception late in the menstrual cycle and displacement of the ovum; embryonic abnormalities may result from conception involving either an over aged sperm or over aged ovum.

If this is correct, the safe period may not be an absolutely safe period.

To achieve pregnancy

· Abstain from sex on Day 1 of the cycle until you have the more-fertile mucus.

· Have sexual intercourse every other day up through Peak Day plus 2.

· Keep taking your morning temperature. A recording of increase of temperature of 21 days provides you with a 99% probability that you are pregnant.

· To estimate you due date, determine the first day of sustained thermal shift, subtract seven days, and add nine months.