A woman uses the calendar (rhythm) method. Her last six cycles ranged from 26 to 32 days. On which days should she abstain from intercourse?
- A Day 6 to day 17
- B Day 8 to day 21 ✓
- C Day 10 to day 19
- D Day 14 to day 28
Correct answer: B. Day 8 to day 21
Explanation
In the calendar method, the first fertile day equals the shortest cycle length minus 18 (26 minus 18 = day 8), and the last fertile day equals the longest cycle length minus 11 (32 minus 11 = day 21). Abstinence is advised from day 8 through day 21. Day 10 to 19 would apply only to very regular cycles near 28 days and leaves the early fertile window unprotected in this woman.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.