Dear freshdaddy,

Ovulation — the release of an egg by an ovary — usually occurs about 14 days before a woman's period begins. That's why it can be difficult to predict. It may occur on day 14 of a regular 28-day menstrual cycle, but most women do not consistently have 28-day cycles. (Day one of the menstrual cycle is the first day of bleeding.) Also, women who have regular menstrual cycles may not always ovulate on the same day each month.

In total, a woman has a good chance of becoming pregnant from unprotected vaginal intercourse over the course of about seven days of her menstrual cycle — as long as six days before ovulation, the day of ovulation, and, possibly, the day after ovulation. She is less likely to become pregnant from unprotected intercourse in the day or two following ovulation, but it is possible.

Teens should not rely on predicting ovulation as a method of birth control because it may be very difficult to do accurately. Young women often have irregular cycles — each cycle may be of a different number of days. To learn about other birth control methods, check out Birth Control Choices for Teens.

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.