total prevent pregnancy

I know the only way to totally prevent pregnancy is abstinence, however in my case, that may not happen. Is there a safer time to have sex with the period cycle? I heard that the safest times are right before your period and right after-is this true?

    A:

You are referring to what is called “The Rhythm Method” of birth control, which relies on fact that yes, there are certain days of the monthly cycle when you are less likely (safe days) or more likely (fertile days) to get pregnant. What you heard about the timing is basically correct. The days of the female monthly cycle are numbered. The first day of your period is Day 1. The typical menstrual bleeding ends on Day 5. In an average woman, the last day of her cycle will be around Day 28, and then the next period starts a new cycle with Day 1 again. The egg is usually released in the middle of the cycle, around Day 13 or 14. We used to think that sperm could live inside the woman’s reproductive tract for only about 3 days, and the egg could live 1 day. Therefore, the “fertile” period was between Days 9-16, when you should not have sex (to avoid pregnancy) or should have sex (if you are trying to get pregnant). Since we now know that sperm can live up to 7 days, and the egg for up to 3 days, the “fertile period” is more likely between Days 7-17. So the “safe” days are a couple of days right after your period (Days 5-7) and the week before the next period is due (Days 18-28). The huge problem with the rhythm method is that few monthly cycles are absolutely regular, especially in teenagers, and so the day the egg is actually released is unpredictable. It may happen earlier or later in the cycle than expected. (There are techniques to help predict the time of ovulation, involving taking daily temperatures and checking the stickiness of cervical mucous, but these are complicated and unreliable.) That’s why we say that to prevent pregnancy, NO time is safe for unprotected sexual intercourse. And as you know, condoms should always be used to help protect against sexually transmitted infections. Congratulations for thinking ahead about sexual intimacy and for planning on how to protect yourself. You are right that abstinence is the safest choice. If you are considering entering into a sexual relationship, we strongly recommend you visit your doctor or health clinic and get information about reliable methods of birth control.