Training of Roma Health Mediators in Reproductive Health

Participant document
MALE AND FEMALE FERTILITY
• A man is fertile every day, from puberty through very old age.
• A woman is fertile from puberty until menopause, but only during a few days each
menstrual cycle.
• Combined fertility means that a woman can become pregnant if the couple has
sexual intercourse during the fertile days of her menstrual cycle.
• A couple’s combined fertility can be compared to planting during different seasons.
o Planting during a wet season, followed by sun, will result in growth. That is,
pregnancy can occur during a woman’s “wet” or fertile days.
o Planting during a dry season will not result in growth. That is, pregnancy
does not result during a woman’s “dry” or infertile days.
• To use fertility awareness information to prevent pregnancy, people need to see a
trained provider.
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RFHI/JSI Romania Training of RHMs in Reproductive Health Session 3: Human Reproduction