Can You Get Pregnant While on Your Period?

One of the most common questions a gynecologist gets asked is if a woman can get pregnant by having sexual intercourse while she is on her period. The answer to this question is both yes and no. The probability of getting pregnant after having sexual intercourse while a woman is on her menstrual period is very low but in some cases, it can happen.

Why is there a Low Risk of Pregnancy While a Woman is on Her Period?

Firstly, most couples prefer to abstain from sexual intercourse while a woman is on her period. This is mainly because intercourse is messier at this time. Women also may find sex less interesting at this phase and energy levels are normally very low. In most cases, if the couple does have unprotected sexual intercourse, it does not lead to pregnancy since the ovulation happens several days later.

Who Can Get Pregnant on Her Periods?

Women with short menstrual cycles have a higher than normal risk of getting pregnant during periods. In cases where women have a menstrual cycle of 21 to 25 days, ovulation occurs a few days after periods. Sperm can live inside the female body for up to 5 days. Thus if you were to have sexual intercourse towards the end of your periods and ovulate a few days after this, there is a high chance you may get pregnant.

How to Calculate Ovulation Date?

Ovulation usually takes place 14 days before the start of a period. The number of days between the end of your period and date of ovulation may differ but the spacing between ovulation and the start of your period always stays the same. Hence, to calculate your ovulation date, work backwards from the start of your period. This will tell you when you are most fertile.