Even if you are using birth control methods, there is always a chance of becoming pregnant when you are sexually active.

However, there are times during your reproductive cycle when you are least likely to become pregnant.

Keep reading to learn more about your reproductive cycle, and if you think you may be pregnant, contact Salem Pregnancy Care Center for a free and confidential pregnancy test.

Your Cycle and Pregnancy

If you are sexually active, the start of your period is the traditional method of confirming you are not pregnant.

The day you start your period is considered the start of your cycle, and during the week of your period is the time you are least likely to become pregnant.

The other times you are considered the least likely to be pregnant are a few days after you have ovulated, as well as at the very end of your cycle, typically 20 days after the start of your cycle and up to the start of your new cycle.

Your Fertility Windows

Understanding your cycle and the times you are fertile is an important part of knowing when you are least likely to become pregnant.

While women’s bodies are not all the same, the average time that a woman is most fertile is the 5 days leading up to ovulation, the day you ovulate, and then 2-3 days after ovulation.

This time frame is based on two primary criteria: the 12-24 hours an egg remains viable after you ovulate and the 3-5 days that male sperm can survive after sex.

To determine their fertility window, some women track indicators that they are ovulating. These indicators can include the presence of cervical mucus and a change in the body’s basal body temperature.

Another simpler, but less accurate method used by some women is to track their period and estimate their fertility window based on the number of days in their cycle.

Keep in mind that despite these methods or the use of birth control, there is no guaranteed way to completely remove the chance of getting pregnant if you are sexually active.

Confirming a Suspected Pregnancy

If you have missed your period or are experiencing symptoms that make you suspect you are pregnant, we are here to help.

Salem Pregnancy Care Center provides free pregnancy test confirmation using our medical-grade pregnancy tests.

We also provide a complimentary ultrasound scan in the event of a positive pregnancy test to provide you with valuable information regarding your pregnancy.

Contact us today to schedule your free and confidential pregnancy test.