Dear fendi,

Actually, ovulation usually occurs about 14 days before a woman's period begins — that's why it's so difficult to predict. It may occur on day 14 of a regular 28-day menstrual cycle (day one is the first day of bleeding), but most women do not have 28-day cycles. In fact, most young women have irregular cycles (each cycle may be of a different number of days), and women who have regular menstrual cycles may not always ovulate on the same day each month.

There are some women who believe they can tell when they are ovulating, based on a change in discharge or a slight pain in the back, which is called mittleschmerz. However, it is not advised to try to predict ovulation based only on these symptoms, because they can be caused by factors other than ovulation.

Some women chart their fertility patterns to predict when they will ovulate, in order to plan or prevent pregnancy. Pregnancy is most likely to occur from having unprotected vaginal intercourse during the six days leading up to and including ovulation. However, it takes a minimum of 6-12 months of training and record keeping with professional guidance before a couple can try to use the most common of these methods.

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.