Hey there! Welcome to the first episode of our Myth Busters series where we will be exploring and debunking wrong and harmful information about sexual and reproductive health. This time around, we’re diving into something many of people wonder about: Can you get pregnant from period sex? Spoiler alert: it’s not impossible. Now the question is how?
Let’s break it down.
The Basics: How Does Pregnancy Happen?
To get pregnant, sperm needs to meet an egg. Sounds simple, right? Here’s the catch: once your ovary releases an egg, it only sticks around for about 12 to 24 hours. But sperm? Those little swimmers can hang around for up to three days!
Your menstrual cycle, usually about 28 days, kicks off on the first day of your period. Ovulation, the star of this show, happens around day 14. This is when your ovary releases an egg, ready for fertilization if sperm are around.
So, Can You Get Pregnant from Period Sex?
Here’s the deal: while the chances are low, they’re not zero. If you have a shorter cycle (like 21 days), ovulation might happen earlier, around day 7. If you have sex toward the end of your period, and sperm is still patrolling the vicinity when you ovulate, bingo—you could get pregnant.
Sometimes, what you think is your period could be bleeding during ovulation. This happens when you’re super fertile, so mixing this up can increase your chances of getting pregnant.
Tracking Your Cycle
If you want to know when you’re most likely to get pregnant, it’s important to track your cycle! Note the first day of your period and count the days until your next period starts. Do this for a few months, and you’ll spot a pattern, helping you figure out your ovulation days.
What Are the Odds?
The chances of getting pregnant just after your period starts are almost zero. But as each day passes, the odds go up a bit. By day 13 after your period starts, there’s about a 9% chance of pregnancy. So, while it’s not super high, it’s never 100% safe to assume you can’t get pregnant on your period.
Contraception: Always a Good Idea
If you’re not ready for a baby, always use contraception: condoms, birth control pills, whatever works for you! Remember, birth control pills won’t protect you from STIs (sexually transmitted infections), so using condoms is a smart move for both pregnancy and STI prevention.
The Bottom Line
Your ovulation cycle can be a bit unpredictable, so yes, there’s a slim chance you could get pregnant while on your period. If you’re trying to get pregnant and it’s not happening after a year, check in with your doctor. They can offer tips, track your ovulation more accurately, and connect you with fertility experts if needed.
Stay informed and take control of your reproductive health. Whether you’re trying to conceive or trying not to, knowing how your body works is always a win!
Till next time, prioritise responsible decision-making when it comes to your sexual health.
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It’s quite educative and I have learnt some deep tips. Thanks 👍 Avon.
Thank you for the enlightenment, this is really helpful information
Nice tip
Thank you for the message. It was helpful