"119 pregnant). A woman who has a regular menstrual cycle has about 9 or more days each month when she is able to get pregnant. These fertile days are about 5 days before and 3 days after ovulation, as wel l as the day of ovulation. To have success with this method, you need to learn about your menstrual cycle. Then you can learn to predict which days you are fertile or \"unsafe.\" To learn about your cycle, keep a written record of: • When you get your period • What it is like (heavy or light blood flow) • How you feel (sore breasts, cramps) This method also involves checking your cervical mucus and recording your body temperature each day. Cervical mucus is the discharge from your vagina. You are most fertile when it is clear and slippery like raw egg whites. Use a basal thermometer to take your temperature and record it in a chart. Your temperature will rise 0.4 to 0.8° F on the first day of ovulation. You can talk with your doctor or a natural family planning instructor to learn how to record and understand this information. Barrier Methods - P ut up a block, or barrier, to keep sperm from reaching the egg Contraceptive Sponge Before having sex, you wet the sponge and place it, loop side down, inside your va gina to cover the cervix. The sponge is effective for more than one act of intercourse for up to 24 hours. It needs to be left in for at least 6 hours after having sex to prevent pregnancy. It must then be taken out within 30 hours after it is inserted. O nly one kind of contraceptive sponge is sold in the United States. It is called the Today Sponge. Women who are sensitive to the spermicide nonoxynol - 9 should not use the sponge. Diaphragm, cervical cap, and cervical shield These barrier methods block the sperm from entering the cervix (the opening to your womb) and reaching the egg. • The diaphragm is a shallow latex cup. • The cervical cap is a thimble - shaped latex cup. It often is called by its brand name, FemCap. • The cervi cal shield is a silicone cup that has a one - way valve that creates suction and helps it fit against the cervix. It often is called by its brand name, Lea's Shield. The diaphragm and cervical cap come in different sizes, and you need a doctor to \"fit\" you for one. The cervical shield comes in one size, and you will not need a fitting. Before having sex, add spermicide (to block or kill sperm) to the devices. Then place them inside your vagina to cover your cervix. You can buy spermicide gel or foam at a dr ug store."