DTD During AF??

[lilcosmo]

Hi Everyone

I read on a TTC 'do's & dont's' sheet yesterday that you shouldn't DTD during AF. I have never heard this before and I was wondering if anyone knows why? DP & I don't do it often, but sometimes when AF is near her end we might DTD.

I won't be doing it anymore, but i'm just curious as to why you shouldn't?

Thanks

[Mel A]

Hi Lilcosmo
That's really wierd,I'm not a doctor, but after 18 months of charting and seeing FS, and OB, and.. well practically everyone, I've never heard this and can't fathom why it would be restricted.
If you find out why let me know..

[Heaven]

That is odd, I've never heard of that. I would think it would be fine. It's not near ovulation or anything so how can it cause any harm?
The only thing I can think of is that some people think there's a higher risk of infection when DTD when you have AF.

[JBM]

well heres something for you , our last child was conceived during af!!!
at the end when just spotting. used to do it often as didn't want to get preg and couldn't use pill. sometimes better without jacket on . anyway he's 5 now. doc told me theres a 2% change of get preg during AF and theres no harm, it;s personal and up to you. although if heavy could be messy
janet

[~Aveta~]

having used "natural" methods of contraception for many years because of PCOS among other issues, i can say i've never had a problem, i've never stopped because of AF and never an infection. tho sometimes a bit messy!!! i think it's a hangover from the 1950'2 way of thinking that it was somehow 'dirty"

[paradise lost]

lilcosmo is it possible the sheet meant you don't HAVE to DTD during AF as the chance of conception is slim?

If you have short cycles you might O right after AF so to have tip-top swimmers DP would need a day or two off before, maybe they mean that?

I think it's more likely the sheet means "don't expect to get PG from DTD during AF" is badly worded.

Bx

[{sarah}]

Sperm can live in the body for quite a while so if you ovulate very cose to the end of AF there is a good chance that there will still be live sperm hnging around waiting to catch the egg so to speak. The only "safe" time would be well after a confirmed ovulation.

[paradise lost]

Sperm can live, in the BEST conditions (a lot of good quality EWCM) for about 5 days, 72 hours is more normal. An egg lives about 24hours after ovulation. Conception occuring when either sperm or egg is reaching the end of its life often results in early m/c/chemical PG as the genetic material doesn't survive age well.

In general it would be only those with short cycles and long AF's, or those who have unusually long luteal phases (and ovulate early) who could concieve by having sex while they were having their period. The 2% risk thing is true - meaning sex on AF is a better contraceptive than condoms and almost as good as the Pill (1% risk).

I had a 28/9 day cycle for the 3 years we used natural contraceptive methods, i ovulated usually on day 13-15 and i bled for 5-7 days. I was ALWAYS safe when i was on AF. The month i fell pregnant (we weren't trying) i ovulated late due to a sinus infection.