Dear isabelle,

A woman becomes able to be pregnant when she ovulates for the first time - about 14 days before her first menstrual period. This happens to some women as early as when they are eight years old, or even earlier. Most often, ovulation begins before women turn 20. On average, it first happens when a girl is between 12 and 13.

It is important for young women to know that their first ovulation will happen before their first period. This means that a young woman can become pregnant from vaginal intercourse before her first period.

Ovulation stops happening in women's lives when they when they are older. The last ovulation in a woman's life is called menopause. Menopause can happen as early as when a woman is 40. But the average age for menopause is 51.

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.