Married student: How can I avoid pregnancy?

My menstrual period is twenty-two days. How do I know my ovulation period because I am a student and married and want to stay away from being pregnant now. I’m not interested in taking prior injections. I want to avoid pregnancy the natural way. - Anonymous

There are two phases in menstrual cycle: the proliferative phase and the secretory phase. The proliferative phase occurs before ovulation while the secretory phase starts from ovulation to the next menses. The constant one of the two phase is the secretory phase which is usually fourteen days. The proliferative phase varies with cycle length. In an average menstrual cycle length of twenty-eight days, ovation occurs on day fourteen. For those with longer than twenty-eight days cycle the secretory phase will still be fourteen days while the proliferative phase will be longer.

For those with shorter menstrual cycle length like you, the proliferative phase will be shorter. Since the menstrual length is twenty days removing fourteen days will remain eight days. You are likely to ovulate around the eighth day. In other to use safe period, is better to avoid intercourse between day 6 and day 13.

The limitation of this is the problem of variation in menstrual cycle length which cannot be predicted. It is usually retrospective. Therefore, the possibility of unplanned pregnancy is still there and high. Since you do not want pills or injections and also most likely IUD may not be acceptable, then you have to discuss with your spouse about barrier method as another option. The barrier method could either be for your spouse or for you. Condom for men, cervical cap and female condom for women too.