Expert: Ramona Quilter - 4/23/2007

Question
QUESTION: My girlfriend and I don't agree with the use of condoms or the pill. When is the safest time to make love without a risk of pregnancy? I've heard right after her period but I'm not quite sure. Thanks for your help!
ANSWER: Right after her period is the beginning of the "unsafe" time and the greatest risk for pregnancy.  The week before her period is the safest.  There is absolutely no risk during that week.

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QUESTION: Sorry for sounding completely ignorant, but the end of her period is when she stops bleeding right? This might be a stupid question but I just want to be on the same page.

Answer
A cycle begins with the first day of her period.  When her period ends (usually 4-7 days later) then the time of increasing fertility begins up to the day of ovulation (about day 15-16) and after ovulation then until the next period begins, there is no chance of getting pregnant.  So, days 1-6 are period days, days 7-18 are fertile days, days 19 to 28 are infertile days.  Those numbers are approximations as there are variables depending on the individual woman's cycle.  But that's the ballpark you are working in.