For those looking to avoid an unexpected pregnancy or for those aiming to start a family, understanding when you’re most fertile is crucial. Among the myriad of questions that pop up around the topic of fertility, one remains persistently common: Can you get pregnant if you have sex on your period?
Let’s unravel the mystery around this question and delve deeper into how your menstrual cycle and fertility intersect.
Can You Conceive During Menstruation?
Though it may seem unlikely to conceive while menstruating (a time when the uterus sheds its lining), it isn’t entirely out of the realm of possibility. This all comes down to your ovulation cycle, explains Dr. Anate Brauer, an obstetrics-gynecology and reproductive endocrinology expert.
On average, ovulation occurs around the 14th day of a typical menstrual cycle and lasts from 12 to 24 hours. However, this can vary significantly from one person to another. Some people may ovulate as early as day 6 or 7, while others may not ovulate until day 20 of their cycle.
Therefore, if you are among those who ovulate earlier in your cycle, conception during your period isn’t entirely impossible. Additionally, sperm can survive within the reproductive tract for up to five days, meaning they could potentially fertilize an egg released a few days after your period ends.
Menstrual Bleeding or Something More?
Vaginal bleeding doesn’t always signal menstruation. Hormonal conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or endometriosis, as well as uterine polyps or fibroids, can also cause irregular vaginal bleeding. According to Dr. Mark Trolice, an infertility specialist, “Ovulation can occur during any vaginal bleeding that can be mistaken for a period, during which pregnancy can still occur.”
The Intricacies of Menstrual Cycles and Fertility
The average menstrual cycle occurs every 28 days, with an ovulation window around days 13 to 15. However, the cycle can vary between 21 and 35 days, meaning that the ovulation day could be earlier or later in the cycle, says Dr. Banafsheh Kashani, a fertility expert. Consequently, predicting the “fertile window” can be challenging, particularly for those with irregular cycles.
How to Safeguard Against Pregnancy During Your Period
Remember, while the chances of conception during your period are relatively low, they are not zero. Relying solely on timing as a method of contraception is not foolproof. Here are some more reliable ways to prevent pregnancy during your period.
1. Opt for Reliable Contraception The most effective way to prevent pregnancy during your period is to use a reliable form of contraception. Dr. Natalie Stentz, a fertility specialist, suggests options such as hormonal contraception or intrauterine devices (IUDs). Condoms are another good choice as they protect against sexually transmitted infections.
2. Understand Your Menstrual Cycle Familiarizing yourself with your menstrual cycle is another key step. “Fitness trackers and apps can provide insights into your menstrual trends and predicted ovulation days,” says Dr. Stentz.
3. Consider the ‘Pull-Out Method’ Though not as reliable as other contraceptive methods, the ‘pull-out method’ (where the penis is removed from the vagina before ejaculation) can be used as a last-ditch effort or alongside other contraception. Dr. Kashani, however, warns that this method is only 80 percent effective.
Key Takeaway
The likelihood of getting pregnant during your period is relatively low, particularly if you have a regular 28-day menstrual cycle. Nevertheless, low does not mean zero. Therefore, if avoiding pregnancy is your aim, be sure to use reliable contraception every time you have sex. On the flip side, if you’re hoping to conceive, understanding your menstrual cycle can help optimize your timing for conception. Understanding your body is the key to taking control of your reproductive health.
