Menstrual Cycle and Condom Use – Natural Family Planning Guide
This guide is based on a typical 28-day menstrual cycle. The ability to get pregnant (fertility) changes depending on the day of the cycle.
🔴 Days You Don't Need to Use a Condom (Low Fertility Days)
- Day 1 to Day 7 (Menstruation starts – bleeding days):
🟢 Very low chance of getting pregnant
✅ Condoms are not necessary (if the cycle is regular) - Day 21 to Day 28:
🟢 Low chance of getting pregnant
✅ Condoms are not necessary
🟠 Days You Should Use a Condom (High Fertility Days)
- Day 8 to Day 20:
🔴 High chance of pregnancy (this includes ovulation period)
⚠️ Use condoms during this time if you want to prevent pregnancy
🧾 Summary Table:
| Cycle Days | Fertility Risk | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 – 7 | Very low fertility | No condom needed |
| 8 – 20 | High fertility | Use a condom |
| 21 – 28 | Low fertility | No condom needed |
Important Notes:
- This method is called Natural Family Planning (NFP) or the Calendar Method.
- It only works well if the woman has a regular 28-day cycle.
- If the cycle is irregular, pregnancy can still occur on so-called “safe” days.
- For better protection, it's recommended to use condoms or other birth control methods.