[klossg]

at least some women have cervical mucus for 8 days - I do. I've read what I consider to be reliable and informed testimony from women who had intercourse 7 days before ovulation and conceived.

You are absolutely right. I didn't say it was what got her pregnant. I am trying to understand the knowledge of NFP out there so that I can help. Don't get me wrong. I am not arguing against fertility if mucus is present. This sperm life tangent is not my point. I am sorry that I brought us down this path. The 5 day sperm life is at the low end of a bell curve from a screen (slide) that we use to teach in CCL. It does go beyond 5 days as I recall. CCL teaches phase 1 & phase 2: If mucus is present you are potentially fertile. Sorry for any confusion.

I know that many woman can have mucus patches longer than 7 days. My wife is one of them. CCL's rules are all based on the assumption of fertility if mucus is present, regardless of the life of the sperm. All CCL's rules would require abstinence if mucus is present during pre-ovulation.

And what do you do when your body starts throwing out a double ovulation now and then?

Double ovulation is assumed in the CCL system of rules.

Good grief

I am only trying to set the record straight on NFP information. I am not trying to convert everyone to using NFP when they do not want to. It is a personal choice. I can only provide info from what I know. Please feel free to slap me when I overstep that boundary.

[VeritatisSplendor]

Klossg, the good grief was because - some women HAVE conceived seven days after intercourse.

NFP (or in earlier days, Fertility Awareness) has been highly effective for us - no unintended pregnancies, seven intended pregnancies, five of them on the first try and the other two within a few months. Only four living children however, two lost to miscarriage and one to preeclampsia.

I am a NFP convert on moral grounds, or maybe only obedient to the Church grounds, but it frustrates me to hear proponents going on about monthly honeymoons and it bringing couples closer - I never found that to be so - the reverse rather, and even more so now that pregnancy has a high chance of being life-threatening to me and any child I conceive.

Do it without a net is fine when oops brings the the blessing of a new baby - it's no fun at all when there's death below.

Mrs VS