Infertile period is characterized by the interval between two menstrual ovulations. When you are outside of the ovulation period, it means you are in the infertile period. Although theoretically there is no chance to get pregnant during this time, doctors warn that getting pregnant can happen anytime in the menstrual cycle, if you have unprotected sex.
The menstrual cycle is characterized by several changes that occur monthly in the woman’s body. It usually takes 28 days and is calculated from day 1 of the first period to day 1 of the next menstruation. Its duration varies from one woman to another; not all have regular menstrual cycle of 28 days, but cycles between 21 and 35 days are considered normal.
Menstrual cycle phases
There are several phases of the menstrual cycle:
- During menses (vaginal bleeding that lasts between 2 and 7 days);
- Follicular phase (during this period the ovarian follicle develop egg ready to be removed during ovulation corresponding with the non fertile period);
- Ovulatory phase (lasts about three days every month, of the ovarian follicle is releases an ovum, which if not fertilized to obtain a task, is removed is also considered the fertile period);
- Luteal phase (beyond 3 days after ovulation, your chances of getting pregnant are almost zero, but there is still a small risk of becoming pregnant if there is a second ovulation, which happens quite often).
Determination of nonfertile period
Infertile period or follicular phase begins from the first day of the menstrual cycle (ie the onset of menstruation), and ends at the start of a woman’s ovulation period (around the 14th day, if you have a regular cycle of 28 days).
Calculation of fertile period, or ovulation, is essential for establishing the non fertile period of the menstrual cycle.
- The stable cycle of 28 days, ovulation occurs on the 14th, considering as the first day of the menstrual cycle day 1;
- The stable cycle of 29 days, ovulation occurs on the 15th;
- The one of 30 days, ovulation occurs on the day of 16th, and so forth.
Importance of non fertile period
Identifying non fertile period in the menstrual cycle is essential to avoid unwanted pregnancy. Many women use the “rhythm method” as a way of contraception. This is based on unprotected sex outside the fertile period, ie ovulation. However, it is one of the rather risky contraceptive methods, because there is the possibility of obtaining the load throughout the menstrual cycle in all 3 phases of it.
Chances of getting pregnant in infertile period
A pregnancy during this time is quite difficult to happen and depends on several important factors:
- Male fertility (the partner is healthy and fertile, the sperm live longer in the vagina and can reach a woman ovulate, for example, if you have unprotected sex 3 days before the maximum ovulation time, if the man is extremely fertile, then sperm can survive 5-7 days and can fertilize the egg;
- The length of the menstrual cycle (if very short, then the infertile period is less);
- If your menstrual cycle is irregular (because detecting the ovulatory period is difficult to determine);
- In case of unprotected sex near fertile period;
- If you have abundant cervical mucus and partially open cervix.