How to Count Your Monthly on a Calendar

Counting the days of your menstrual cycle each month allows you the opportunity to know ahead of time when your period is due, as well as prepare for family planning. Knowing your cycle length and when you ovulate also helps you to avoid pregnancy by abstaining from intercourse during your fertile days. When you are able to calculate when your period is due, it makes it easier to plan vacations and special excursions.

Instructions

• 1

  Mark the first day of your menstrual cycle on the calendar. The first day will be your first day of a normal flow, not just spotting. Spotting can occur for several days leading up to your period.

• 2

  Continue marking each day of the calendar with optional notes. You may mark which days you were on your period with a letter "M" for menses or the letter "P" for period.

• 3

  Write notes on the calendar when you feel a cramp or other abdominal discomfort toward the middle of your menstrual cycle. This may be a sign of pending ovulation and a good indication you are in your fertile window.

• 4

  Mark the first day of your next menstrual cycle, and then count the days for the previous menstrual cycle. Your cycle goes from the first day of full, red flow to the last day before your next period begins. The number of days in your menstrual cycle will most likely be between 28 and 35 days and will most likely be the same length each month.