The term, “fertile window” generally refers to the time period in which a woman can become pregnant. This is based on her menstrual cycle, which lasts from the day that her period arrives to the beginning of her next period. An egg is released by the ovaries (ovulation) about halfway through this roughly 28-day process (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)). Around that time, pregnancy becomes a possibility.
Maybe this is new information, a refresher from health class, or a process that you already know much about. No matter how familiar you are with menstruation, you may be wondering how your own cycle and related factors could impact your fertility. Perhaps you’re taking steps to prevent pregnancy. Or, perhaps you’re scared that you might already be pregnant, and your mind is swirling with questions about the chances of this based on when you had sex. Avenue Women’s Center is here to offer reliable answers and unconditional support.
Avenue Women’s Center is a no-cost early pregnancy clinic with multiple locations in Chicagoland. Since 1981, we’ve been a valuable resource to women who are facing an unexpected pregnancy or the possibility of one. Our free and confidential services include medical-grade pregnancy tests, options consultations, limited medical ultrasounds, and more!
Call, text, chat, or email to speak with a compassionate helpline professional and schedule an appointment today!
Tracking Your Menstrual Cycle
Your own fertile window is important to know if you’re hoping to avoid or achieve pregnancy (which applies to the vast majority of us!). One approach is to use the “Standard Days method,” described by Mayo Clinic as, “a more modern approach to the calendar rhythm method.” It works best for women who have an average-length cycle (26-32 days). Here’s how it can be utilized to estimate ovulation and fertility (Mayo Clinic):
- First, you’ll need to count the days in your period cycle (from the start of your period until the beginning of your next cycle).
- Generally, women are not considered to be fertile on days 1-7. This is the time when you’re likely to be on your period.
- You’re likely to be fertile around days 8-19 (depending on the length of your cycle). Ovulation usually takes place about 14 days before the next menstrual cycle begins. You’re most likely to get pregnant starting about 4 days before ovulation until the day after ovulation (Mayo Clinic). Keep in mind that sperm can live inside your body for 3-5 days, and an egg can be fertilized for about 12-24 hours after it’s released (Mayo Clinic).
- From day 20 until the end of your cycle, you’re likely to be past your fertile window.
No form of birth control is 100% effective, and the rhythm method (without other types of birth control) is one of the least effective contraceptive tools (Mayo Clinic). So, it can’t be relied upon as a surefire way to avoid pregnancy. Still, it’s important for any sexually active woman to have a sense of where she stands in her cycle. Today’s women have more accurate tools available to track ovulation than any previous generation. These include hormone testing kits, devices that measure slight changes in body temperature, and cycle-tracking apps.
What Factors Can Affect Fertility?
Let’s get back to the question, “Can you get pregnant outside of the, ‘fertile window’?” You can only get pregnant during a period of fertility. However, every woman’s fertile window is unique. Certain conditions can also affect a woman’s fertility, making it harder for her to predict her chances of becoming pregnant. These include (but are not limited to) (Mayo Clinic):
- Hormone-related conditions, like polycystic ovary syndrome and thyroid conditions
- Polyps in the uterus
- Damage to the fallopian tubes caused by pelvic inflammatory disease
- Endometriosis
- Aging
Certain other changes can affect a person’s cycle or make her fertile window harder to estimate. It’s recommended that a woman speak to her doctor if she wishes to use the rhythm method for birth control and has recently had a baby, gone off hormone contraceptives, is breastfeeding, has irregular periods, or is at the very beginning or end of her childbearing years. (Mayo Clinic).
If you’re concerned that you might be pregnant, the best way to get clarity is to take a pregnancy test. Avenue Women’s Center provides highly accurate medical-grade pregnancy tests at no cost! Our expert pregnancy consultants understand how overwhelming it can feel when you think you might be unexpectedly pregnant, but aren’t sure. We aim to remove the confusion and uncertainty from your situation by providing reliable answers and ongoing support- regardless of the outcome. We’re in your corner no matter what!
If your test result comes out positive, we’re available to provide accurate information on all your options. Know that it is possible to cope well with these circumstances, and ultimately discover an outcome you feel confident in. Reach out to Avenue Women’s Center to begin your own process of finding clarity.
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References:
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). (2022, January). The Menstrual Cycle: Menstruation, Ovulation, and How Pregnancy Occurs. Retrieved from: https://www.acog.org/womens-health/infographics/the-menstrual-cycle
Mayo Clinic. (2024, January). Female fertility: Why lifestyle choices count. Retrieved from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/in-depth/female-fertility/art-20045887
Mayo Clinic. (2024, October). How to get pregnant. Retrieved from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/in-depth/how-to-get-pregnant/art-20047611
Mayo Clinic. (2023, March). Rhythm method for natural family planning. Retrieved from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/rhythm-method/about/pac-20390918#:~:text=On%20days%208%2D19%2C%20you,and%20can%20have%20unprotected%20sex.
Reviewed by Dawn Horn, RN.
The information provided here is general in nature. It is not a substitute for a consultation with a medical professional. Before any medical procedure, it is imperative that you discuss your personal medical history, risks, and concerns with your doctor. If you have questions during or after a procedure, your doctor should be immediately contacted. Avenue Women’s Center is not an emergency center. If you are experiencing severe symptoms, such as bleeding and/or pain, seek immediate medical attention. Contact your physician, go to an emergency room, or call 911.