[CC22]

Not too sure that this goes here but here goes: I've heard two diffrent dates about when it's safe to have sex and not get pregant. My good friend told me it's 7 days before your period and my co-worker said it's 14 days after your last period. I mean I'm going to ask my gyno next week anyway but I just wanted some heads up. Which is right? I don't want to have a kid now. I'm not financially ready and neither is my bf.

[shweedart]

Condoms

[Richard S]

You have to predict the start date of your next period and work backwards from there.

You could also read the Wikipedia page for "Fertility Awareness". That's a good place to start.

[CC22]

Thank you. Sometimes it's the 4th, 8th or 12th of the month. This may sound but how many days do I count backwards? I used condoms but I think I'm going to start using bc. That way I'm very safe.

[Richard S]

Depends on how regular you are. It you are 28 days like clockwork, then count back 14. If you fall into a range of, say, 26 - 30 days, you have to expand the range of "unsafe" days to match. A man's sperm can remain viable inside your body for approx. 48 hours. Now go do the math.

But this is absolutely not the sort of thing you should be seeking advice about on a public forum. The stakes are too high, and no one here is a professional. Do your own homework, then talk to your Ob/Gyn.

But, if you are not keeping a journal of your cycle, you should start doing that so you have accurate data to refer to. Then add to that journal by taking your basal body temp., checking your cervical mucus, etc.

Developing a sense of awareness about your own body is always the best place to start. Good luck.

[CC22]

Thank you very much. I was just asking for info. This never accured to me before I met my bf. If I use BC and a Condom than I should be safe with not getting pregnant????? Even if I don't caculate? I'm going to ask my Gyno next week anyway.

[Guest]

this is a young board......if your asking ovulation questions on when its safe to have sex.....i highly recommend a vist to your gyno and ask him or her that question

[miffed23]

my co-worker said it's 14 days after your last period.

14 days after your last period is when you ovulate. Ovulation = Pregnancy. Your co-worker is a little silly...the reason why i say that is because she/he made me question my own knowledge.

If I use BC and a Condom then I should be safe with not getting pregnant????? Even if I don't caculate?

Correct. You will be protected to the max... and there will be no need to calculate.

Good luck with your gyno... ask her all the questions you need to.

[Uneeklyme]

There is no real garentee. Sperm can live up to 7 days in the vagina under favorable (Favorable for sperm that is) conditions. Add to that the fact that from what you say, your cycle is not regular... your chances of getting pregnant while using the cycle/counting method of birth control are almost 100 percent. Using a condom AND birth control (like the pill or depo or norplant or similar, not the pull out or counting method) can decrease your chance of getting pregnant to almost zero.

Is it worth the risk?

[silvertae]

Read "Taking Charge of Your Fertility" by Toni Weschler. Seriously. You will learn so many cool new things about your body and you'll be able to educate your partner about it as well. Every woman should read this book.