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In this blog, we want you to know about the importance of tracking your fertile days and provide a step by step guide on what to do if you had unprotected sex on non-fertile days and/or ovulating days. Let’s begin with:
How to identify your fertile days?
To understand your fertile days, it’s important to get familiar with your menstrual cycle. A typical menstrual cycle lasts around 28 days, though it can vary from 25 to 35 days and still be considered regular. The key is to start counting from the first day of your period (day 1 of bleeding).
To make it easier to understand, the menstrual cycle can be divided into three main stages:1
1. Pre-Ovulation (Follicular Phase)
This phase begins on the first day of your period and ends with ovulation. It’s marked by menstrual bleeding and the release of two key hormones: Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing Hormone (LH). These hormones help an egg mature inside the ovary.
2. Ovulation and Fertile Days
Ovulation typically occurs around the middle of a regular 28-day cycle—often on day 14. However, if your cycle is longer or shorter, ovulation won’t fall on the 14th day. For example, with a 34-day cycle, ovulation may happen around day 20 (34 – 14 = 20). Fertile days usually span from about five days before ovulation to one day after (e.g., days 15–21 in a 34-day cycle).
Signs of ovulation include increased sexual arousal and the presence of clear, stretchy cervical mucus, similar to egg whites. For the highest chance of conception, focus on the 2–3 days before and after ovulation.
3. Post-Ovulation (Luteal Phase)
This phase starts after ovulation and ends the day before your next period. During this time, progesterone rises to prepare the uterus for a possible pregnancy.
Tracking Your Cycle
Understanding your cycle helps you recognize physical changes and estimate your most fertile days. You can track your period manually using period tracking mobile apps (many free or low-cost). Track:
- Start and end dates of your period
- Duration of bleeding
- Predicted fertile days
What to Do After Unprotected Sex
If It Was During Non-Fertile Days
Pregnancy risk is lower but not zero. Consider emergency contraception.
Emergency Contraception
Take the Morning After pill as soon as possible after unprotected sex. Despite the name, you shouldn’t wait until the next morning. The sooner, the better. The Morning After Pill works by delaying ovulation and reducing the chance of fertilization.
Things to consider while taking the Morning After Pill:
- Must be taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex. Effectiveness decreases over time.
- Some types, like Ulipristal acetate, work up to 5 days after.
- Copper IUDs can also be used as emergency contraception (though not their primary use).
- If you get a 2-pill version, take the second pill 12 hours after the first, or both at once (if advised).
If the emergency contraception method fails, you can choose a safe abortion service. No scientific evidence points out any contradictions between the previous use of contraceptives and the abortion access or success. If this is your case and it’s not in your plans to continue the pregnancy, non- profit organizations like Telefem can help you, as they contact you with professional physicians who can guide you through the process.
Before you contact Telefem’s service there are some things you should consider before accessing this service:
1. Take a Pregnancy Test
- Use urine or blood tests.
- Best time: 1 week after a missed period or 3 weeks after unprotected sex.
- Testing earlier may result in a false negative.
2. Know Your Rights
Everyone capable of becoming pregnant has the right to choose whether to continue a pregnancy.
In several states in Mexico, abortion is legal up to 12 weeks of pregnancy. This can be done:
- In clinics
- Via telemedicine
- Through guided self-managed abortion with online medical support
The self-managed method is carried out with the support of a trained specialist, who will review your medical history, explain any potential side effects, provide detailed dosage instructions, and discuss all available treatment options. Most importantly, they will guide you step-by-step on how to take the medication safely from your home—or any place where you feel comfortable and secure.
This service is especially helpful for women and people who can become pregnant who are unable to visit a clinic, lack access to local services, or simply prefer the privacy of at-home care. It ensures safe, professional, and confidential access to safe abortion, no matter your circumstances.
To receive online, expert guidance before, during, and after an abortion, you can turn to Telefem. We connect you with trained specialists who will support you every step of the way, and provide you with a Telefem Kit that includes everything you need for a safe and informed process.
A safe abortion should never be faced in isolation or uncertainty. Staying connected to experienced professionals can make all the difference. That’s why Telefem is here for you from beginning to end.
You’re not alone.
With Telefem, you’re informed, supported, and safe.
Send us a WhatsApp message — we’re ready to help.
References:
1. Mieres P, et al. Guía de Salud Menstrual. La Tribu. [Internet]. 2022. [Visit in April 2025]. Available at: https://minmujeryeg.gob.cl/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Guia-de-Salud-Menstrual-la-tribu.pdf
2. CONAPO, ChildFund y CONFIO. Calendario Menstrual ¡Yo Decido! [Internet]. 2021. [Visit in April 20025]. Available at: https://www.gob.mx/cms/uploads/attachment/file/668982/Calendario_Menstrual_Yo_Decido.pdf
3. Planned Parenthood. ¿Los anticonceptivos de emergencia sirven aun cuando estás ovulando? [Internet]. 2023. [Visit in April 2025]. Available at: https://www.plannedparenthood.org/es/blog/los-anticonceptivos-de-emergencia-sirven-aun-cuando-estas-ovulando#:~:text=Dicho%20todo%20esto%2C%20la%20%C3%BAnica,haber%20tenido%20sexo%20sin%20protecci%C3%B3n
4. SEGOB. Lineamiento Técnico para el aborto seguro en México. [Internet]. 2022. [Visit in April 2025]. Available at: https://www.gob.mx/cms/uploads/attachment/file/779301/V2-FINAL_Interactivo_22NOV_22-Lineamiento_te_cnico_aborto.pdf