Can You Get Pregnant While on Your Period? Here’s What to Know

Many people assume that having sex during their period is a guaranteed way to avoid pregnancy, but that’s not entirely true. While the chances are lower, it is still possible to conceive if you have unprotected sex while menstruating.

Several factors such as cycle length, ovulation timing, and sperm lifespan can influence your likelihood of pregnancy during your period. If you’re wondering whether you can get pregnant while bleeding, here’s what you need to know.

Can You Get Pregnant on Your Period?

Pregnancy occurs when sperm fertilizes an egg, which typically happens during ovulation the phase of your cycle when your ovary releases an egg. Ovulation usually occurs around day 14 of a 28-day cycle, but many people ovulate earlier or later.

Sperm can survive inside the female reproductive system for up to five days and in some cases, as long as a week. This means that if you have unprotected sex during your period, sperm could still be present when you ovulate days later, increasing the chances of conception.

When Period Sex Can Lead to Pregnancy

Certain factors make it more likely for someone to conceive while on their period:

1. You Have a Short Menstrual Cycle

If your cycle lasts less than 28 days, you may ovulate soon after your period ends. For example, if you have a 26-day cycle, ovulation may occur around day 12. If your period lasts seven days and you have sex toward the end, sperm could still be alive when you ovulate, increasing the risk of pregnancy.

2. You Ovulate Early in Your Cycle

While many people ovulate around day 14, studies show that only about 30% of people do. If you happen to ovulate earlier than expected, sperm from period sex may still be present when your egg is released.

3. Your Cycle Is Irregular

Stress, medications, weight changes, and medical conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can cause irregular cycles. If your period timing fluctuates, it may be harder to predict ovulation, making conception during menstruation more likely.

4. You Mistake Spotting for Your Period

Some people experience spotting or breakthrough bleeding between periods, especially if they’re on hormonal birth control or have uterine fibroids. If you mistake spotting for your period and have unprotected sex, you may be having intercourse during your fertile window, increasing the chance of pregnancy.

Can You Get Pregnant on Your Period While on Birth Control?

If you’re using birth control correctly and consistently, your chances of getting pregnant are very low even during your period. Hormonal contraceptives like the pill, patch, or IUD work by preventing ovulation altogether.

However, certain factors can reduce effectiveness, including:

• Missed or late birth control pills

• Antibiotics or medications that interfere with hormonal contraception

• Digestive issues, such as vomiting or diarrhea, that prevent pill absorption

Even with perfect use, no birth control method is 100% effective, so using a backup method like condoms adds an extra layer of protection.

When Are You Least and Most Fertile?

Your fertility changes throughout your menstrual cycle. Here’s a breakdown of each phase:

1. Menstrual Phase (Days 1-5)

• Least fertile time, but pregnancy is still possible.

• The uterine lining is shedding, and no egg is available for fertilization.

2. Follicular Phase (Days 6-14)

• Fertility increases as the ovaries prepare to release an egg.

• Most fertile in the days leading up to ovulation.

3. Ovulation (Around Day 14)

• Peak fertility window the egg is released and viable for fertilization.

• Pregnancy is most likely if unprotected sex occurs during this time.

4. Luteal Phase (Days 15-28)

• If the egg isn’t fertilized, hormone levels drop, and the uterine lining prepares to shed.

• Least fertile time after ovulation.

How to Prevent Pregnancy During Your Period

If you’re not planning to get pregnant, use contraception every time you have sex, including during your period. Common options include:

• Hormonal birth control (pill, patch, ring, shot, IUD)

• Condoms (which also protect against STIs)

• Emergency contraception (Plan B) if unprotected sex occurs

• Tracking ovulation (but this method is less reliable, especially with irregular cycles)

The Bottom Line

While your period is not your most fertile time, pregnancy is still possible especially if you have a short cycle, irregular periods, or ovulate early. If you want to avoid pregnancy, always use contraception, even when menstruating.

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