Expert: Ramona Quilter - 5/4/2007

Question
Hi Ramona,

I've done some very basic reading up on the female menstrual cycle and what I read was this. During the week (or so) of menstruation, as well as the few days after menstruation and before the ovulation date (meaning before the "five days before ovulation date" that you're not supposed to have sex) the egg develops within the ovary. It is only actually released into the fallopian tubes on the day of ovulation.

If I am right in assuming that sperm cannot swim into the actual ovary, then wouldn't it be true that it would be safe to have unprotected sex on the day right after your period ends, and any of those few days until five days before you ovulate? After all, the egg is still in the ovary and is not "available" for fertilization in the fallopian tube.

Furthermore, since menstruation has just occurred, the uterine lining would have been just discharged and so even if the egg was fertilized, would the embryo be able to implant itself in the uterine lining?

Basically what I am asking is: Isn't it completely safe to have unprotected sex on the day right after your period ends, and every day from then until five days before your ovulation date?

This is just a theory of mine (I am no med student) so please give me your thoughts.

Answer
That is the basic theory and you are correct.  However, when does ovulation occur?  Therein lies the difficulty.  When you are anticipating an event in the future, there are variables that must be accounted for.  Such as:  sperm life - which can be up to 7 days under optimal conditions; egg life - which is only a day but if ovulation is a day early or a day late, then what?

NFP teaches couples to recognize the signs of fertility and ovulation and to engage in sexual activity only in the times of infertility based on those observations.  It is a wonderfully freeing and empowering knowledge, too, and often helps you monitor other health or illness conditions.

So, because of the variables, if you are not practicing NFP, the only truly safe time would be after ovulation plus a couple of days to be safe until your period starts and during it.  Fertility can start as soon as day 6 or 7 (counting day 1 as the day you start your period.)

You are on the right track and I commend you for your brilliance.  Check out this website for further details on NFP:  www.ccli.org

Thanks for asking the question.