Basics of a woman's cycle
To date, all of our experience comes from the sympto-thermal method of Natural Family Planning (NFP) taught by the Couple to Couple League. Our explanation of a woman cycle will reflect some of their terminology.
A woman’s cycle may be broken down into three broad, but distinct, phases: Phase I, II, & III.
Phase I – is the time of infertility before you ovulate. With some exceptions, the first day of menstruation is the first day of Phase I.
If your temperature drops before flow begins you may have reduced levels of progesterone.
If your temperature remains high and you have spotting or flow, wait to start phase I until you temperature is lower. Both of these exceptions may be caused by nutritional deficiencies. Fertility, Cycles & Nutrition (available in the Amazon sidebar) is an excellent resource for understanding and potentially treating a nutritional deficiency. Please consider seeking medical assistance for professional diagnosis and treatment.
Phase II – is the fertile time of your cycle. Determining the beginning and end of the fertile time is based on observations of the lengths of previous cycles, mucus signs, and cervix signs. These signs are cross checked to try to determine when ovulation occurs.
If you are trying to avoid conception, you should abstain from sex and all genital contact. This may sound severe, but accidental ejaculation, and even the lubrication fluid from the penis has the potential for conception. So break our the ratty jammies, and find some other way to show your love.
If you are seeking pregnancy, this would be your queue.
Phase III – is the time of infertility after ovulation and before your next period. Phase III typically starts 3-4 days after ovulation as determined by peak fertility mucus, temperature shift, and cervix position.