Concept of proximate determinants (cont.)
Reproductive span of a woman
The following figure demonstrates a woman's reproductive period indicating the events and proximate determinants which directly influence the duration of reproductive period and the rate of childbearing during the period.
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Figure 1: Reproductive life span of women
Adapted from Bongaarts and Potter (1983)
A woman's potential reproductive period begin at menarche, the first menstruation. A woman may be considered to be at risk of pregnancy until onset of permanent sterility, or menopause.
Entry to marriage or cohabitation may practically be regarded as the starting point of the actual reproductive years and women may be considered at risk of pregnancy until onset of permanent sterility or menopause, unless marital disruption occurs.