Oh, I’ve been down this rabbit hole too! The “safe period” concept is part of what’s known as the rhythm method, where you track your menstrual cycle to identify days when you’re least likely to conceive. It involves tracking your cycle over several months to get a pattern. Typically, the “safe days” are considered to be before ovulation and after the fertile window. But, cycles can vary, so it’s crucial to be consistent with tracking.
In terms of effectiveness, this method is quite lower compared to other contraceptives like the pill or IUDs. Life isn’t always predictable, and stress, illness, or just a random anomaly in your cycle can throw off your calculations.
As for signs, some people notice changes in cervical mucus or basal body temperature, which can help identify fertile phases. But again, these require diligent monitoring and aren’t foolproof. If you’re looking for security in effectiveness, pairing this with another method like condoms might be a good idea.
Hope this helps! 😊