When is the fertile period: before or after menstruation

In women who have a regular menstrual cycle of 28 days, the fertile period begins on the 11th day, from the first day of menstruation and lasts until the 17th day, these being the best days to get pregnant. However, in women with irregular menstruation, the calculation of the fertile period must be done taking into account the last 12 months of the cycle.

Furthermore, in the case of irregular menstruation, it is important to know how to identify some signs and symptoms that may appear that are indicative of the fertile period, such as the presence of vaginal mucus similar to egg white and not very thick, a small increase in body temperature, increased libido and discomfort in the lower abdomen.

This way, it is possible to know that the fertile period is close and, thus, make the calculation to know the exact date, as well as the ovulation period.

Fertile period in regular menstruation

In women who have a regular menstrual period, ovulation occurs around the 14th day of a normal 28-day cycle, and the fertile period will occur between 3 days before and 3 days after this date.

For example, if menstruation came on the 10th, the woman’s fertile period after menstruation will be between the 20th and 26th, and the most fertile day will be the 23rd, as it will be the central date of the fertile period.

Fertile period calculator

Enter your data into the calculator below and find out when your next fertile period will be to increase your chances of getting pregnant:

Fertile period in irregular menstruation

The fertile period in an irregular cycle is difficult to determine and its calculations are not safe for those who are trying to get pregnant or for those who do not want to get pregnant, as menstruation does not always appear on the same days, the calculations can be wrong.

However, it is possible to get an idea of ​​the fertile period in the case of an irregular cycle, by writing down the duration of each menstrual cycle for a year and then subtracting 18 days from the shortest cycle and 11 days from the longest cycle.

For example: If the shortest cycle was 22 days and the longest cycle was 28 days, then: 22 – 18 = 4 and 28 – 11 = 17, that is, the fertile period will be between the 4th and 17th days of the cycle.

A more rigorous way to determine the fertile period for women who want to get pregnant is to take an ovulation test, which can be found in a pharmacy, and pay attention to signs of a fertile period, such as discharge similar to egg white and increased desire. sexual, for example.

Fertile period in women taking contraceptives

A woman who takes the contraceptive pill correctly does not have a fertile period and cannot become pregnant while taking this medication. However, if a woman forgets to take the pill, she can become pregnant if she has unprotected sex.