There are a number of ways for couples to avoid or plan a pregnancy. For families that opt to naturally prevent pregnancy or do not believe in medical birth control methods for moral reasons, periodic abstinence is the best choice. Also, referred to as “fertility awareness,” this method is all about timing. Once a woman knows when she ovulates each month, she can naturally control pregnancy.

How it Works
According to WebMd experts, a woman is usually able to get pregnant for about 5 days each month, around the days when ovulation occurs. On average, ovulation occurs 12 to 16 days before the menstrual period begins. Therefore, ovulation would occur on about day 10 of a 24-day menstrual cycle, day 14 of a 28-day cycle, or day 21 of a 35-day cycle. Since sperm can live for three to five days in a woman's reproductive tract, it is possible to become pregnant if sex occurs two to three  days before ovulation.

Periodic abstinence is not considered the most effective way to avoid pregnancy, so experts suggest using a condom or diaphragm for eight to 16 days of every menstrual cycle. However, if a woman is trying to become pregnant, periodic abstinence makes sense, as it helps to know when the body is in ready-mode to fertilize an egg. If a couple has an idea of when pregnancy is most likely to occur, it’s much easier to conceive.

Think you want to try periodic abstinence? Consult with a family planning expert or obstetrician to explore the varied options of how to do it most effectively.