Gene Expression: no 'safe' time to avoid pregnancy

No 'safe' time to avoid pregnancy:

For 50 years, doctors have believed that about a dozen follicles, or egg sacs, grow at one time during a woman's menstrual cycle. From this group, only one follicle actually bursts and releases an egg, while the others shrivel and die.

But, in a finding that left even researchers "flabbergasted," University of Saskatchewan scientists have found this pattern of follicular development actually occurs two to three separate times during a woman's menstrual cycle. What's more, 40 per cent of women have the biological potential to ovulate more than once during a cycle.

Has anybody told the Pope?

Posted by: Dick Thompson at July 8, 2003 03:54 PM

I think Robert A. Heinlein said it best. "Doctors have a word for women who rely on the rhythm method. They are called 'mothers'."

From Time Enough for Love, IIRC. It's been about 25 years, so I may not have the words exactly right.

Posted by: markm at July 8, 2003 04:25 PM

Many women experience a little pain w/ ovulation, so they frequently can tell when it occurs. Periodic double or triple ovulation is quite common.

Posted by: duende at July 8, 2003 05:35 PM

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July 08, 2003 no 'safe' time to avoid pregnancy No 'safe' time to avoid pregnancy: For 50 years, doctors have believed that about a dozen follicles, or egg sacs, grow at one time during a woman's menstrual cycle. From this group, only one follicle actually bursts and releases an egg, while the others shrivel and die. But, in a finding that left even researchers "flabbergasted," University of Saskatchewan scientists have found this pattern of follicular development actually occurs two to three separate times during a woman's menstrual cycle. What's more, 40 per cent of women have the biological potential to ovulate more than once during a cycle. Posted by joel at 03:21 PM Has anybody told the Pope? Posted by: Dick Thompson at July 8, 2003 03:54 PM I think Robert A. Heinlein said it best. "Doctors have a word for women who rely on the rhythm method. They are called 'mothers'." From Time Enough for Love, IIRC. It's been about 25 years, so I may not have the words exactly right. Posted by: markm at July 8, 2003 04:25 PM Many women experience a little pain w/ ovulation, so they frequently can tell when it occurs. Periodic double or triple ovulation is quite common. Posted by: duende at July 8, 2003 05:35 PM	Razib also blogs at..... Recent Entries New URL! What's wrong among the elites? Why Iran Must Not Be Invaded Culture Contact/Conflict Second front: Rise of the GNGO:s New index page.... Blogger/w.bloggar question Interesting choice of words No more posting for a bit.... Killing democracy softly Search this site: Simple reading View all entries Who is linking to us?