When am I Most Likely to be Fertile?
QUESTION
Dear Midwife,
Last night I had sex with my boyfriend and he ejaculated inside of me. I had just finished my period the day before and I was wondering what are the chances that I could get pregnant due to this action.
My periods are usually pretty regular, this one lasting from July 10 until the 15, and I was also wondering when it is that I would most likely be fertile. I'm not on the pill or anything and I would just like to know what my chances are of being pregnant. Thank you for you time.
ANSWER
Women usually ovulate about 14 days before their next period. If you know when that is likely to be, you can figure it out. Also figure that sperm can last up to 7 days.
If you are not ready to be a parent, and you are not willing to be abstinent, then it sounds like it's time to get some effective contraception.
-- Cynthia, CNM. PhD.
Cynthia Flynn
Cynthia Flynn, CNM. PhD, is the General Director of the Family Health and Birth Center which provides prenatal, birth, postnatal, gynecological and primary health care to underserved women and their families in Washington, D.C. Recently Cynthia served as Associate Professor of Nursing at Seattle University. There she not only taught, but remained in full scope clinical midwifery practice at Valley Medical Center where she cared for pregnant and birthing women, and practices well-woman gynecology, family planning, and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases.
Cynthia founded Columbia Women's Clinic and Birth Center, where she took care of pregnant women and infants up to two weeks of age and attended both birth center and hospital births. Before Cynthia earned her CNM, she worked as a registered nurse in labor and delivery and postpartum and is a certified Doula and Doula trainer.
