Nursing AND Pre-Menopausal
Question
My sister, age 41, is experiencing very long mucus patches (10-15 days) and is frustrated at trying to detect ovulation. She has experienced minor breakthrough bleeding around day 5, followed by several days (up to 2 weeks) of peak type mucus…though sometimes only once a day. She is trying to avoid another pregnancy at this time. She does seem to be experiencing some perimenopausal symptoms (ie. occasional hot flashes), and is also occasionally breastfeeding a 24 month old.
Is there any “sure” way to detect the actual time of ovulation, or is it necessary to simply avoid intercourse for these 10-15 days??
Mary
Answer
Last Updated: June 3, 2014
When the mucus lasts so long, the key is working with an expert to help determine the true days of fertility. If she is not discussing her situation with a Natural Family Planning teacher, I suggest she do so.
Sheila St. John
Sheila St. John
Answered By:
Sheila St. John
Sheila St. John is the Executive Director of the California Association of Natural Family Planning, coordinating the non-profit’s education and advocacy efforts throughout the state. Initially attracted to NFP as a healthy, effective method for planning families, drug, device and surgery free, her passion for NFP has grown over the last 42 years as she has journeyed with the over 900 couples she has personally instructed in its use, and been privileged to witness its role in overcoming infertility, women’s health, and the transformation that occurs in lives of men, women, and families, when we embrace God’s design for love and life.
