Grade 11 Healthy Active Living Education Additional Supports ...

For contraception: Check for secretions after menses complete (it is unwise to have
intercourse during menses as it is difficult to distinguish secretions from blood. You may
have unprotected intercourse on pre-ovulatory days if no secretions are present. (Note:
Be aware of risk of STIÕs with unprotected intercourse.) Do not confuse semen or arousal
secretions for with cervical secretions. Cervical secretions first appear until four days past
the last day of clear slippery secretion. You may have unprotected intercourse after this
time until the first day of menses. During this time the mucus will be rubbery in
consistency.
For conception: The probability of conception is greatest when the cervical secretions
are abundant, clear, sticky and stretchy.
* Effectiveness: perfect use: 3%, typical use: 20%
Calendar Method
Keep a record of your cycles for at least 6 months. You cannot use the Pill or other
hormones during this time. Count the first day of menstruation as day one. The last day of
the cycle is the one just before the next period begins. Subtract 18 from your shortest
cycle to get the first fertile day. Subtract 11 from your longest cycle to get the last fertile
day. Avoid unprotected vaginal intercourse from the first fertile day up to and including
the last fertile day. Continue recording the length of your cycles and use the shortest and
longest of the 6 most recent cycles for your calculation.
* Effectiveness: perfect use: probability of pregnancy 5%, typical use; 20%
Resources for Understanding Reproductive Health
Birth Control Handbook. Canada: Montreal Health Press Inc., 1999.
Hatcher, R., J. Trussell, F. Stewart et al., Contraceptive Technology. New York: Ardent
Media inc. 1998 ISBN 0-0664902-07
Health Canada. CanadaÕs Food Guide to Healthy Eating. Ottawa: Minister of Public
Works and Government Services Canada, 1997. ISBN 0-662-19648-1
Call your local health unit for copies or access the Internet: www.hc.sc.gc.ca
Health Canada. Food Guide Facts: Background for Educators and Communicators.
Ottawa: Minister of Supply and Services, 1997. ISBN 0-662-19648-1
Also available on the Internet: www.hc.sc.gc.ca
Health Canada. Nutrition for a Healthy Pregnancy; National Guidelines for the
Childbearing Years. Ottawa: Minister of Public Works and Govt. Services Canada, 1999.
Also available on the Internet: www.hc.sc.gc.ca
Nutrition Matters. Pregnant or Breastfeeding? Get the facts on herbal products and teas.
Toronto Public Health, 2000.
Grade 11 Healthy Active Living Education (PPL30), Module #1 Healthy Relationships and Sexuality
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