Dear spryer51,

Ovulation usually occurs about 14 days before a woman's period begins. So, if a woman has a regular 28-day menstrual cycle, ovulation may occur around day 14. But most young women have irregular cycles (each cycle may be a different number of days), and even women who have regular menstrual cycles may not always ovulate on the same day each month.

It is often very difficult for women to determine the day of ovulation in order to figure out when they are most at risk for pregnancy. It takes a minimum of 6-12 months of training and record keeping with professional guidance before a couple can try to predict ovulation in order to prevent pregnancy.

Grown women who have learned to predict ovulation may chart fertility by measuring changes in body temperature and cervical mucus, as well as keeping track of menstrual cycles.

Hope this information helps!

Take care,

teenwire.com^® Editors

This column is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a medical problem, please call toll-free 1-800-230-PLAN for an appointment with the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you.