Can You Get Pregnant on Day Five of Your Period?

Is it possible to get pregnant if I have intercourse on the fifth day of my menstrual period?

Hello, the average menstrual cycle is 26 days, with an average duration of 6 days per period.
If intercourse occurred on the fifth day of the menstrual period without protection, is there a risk of pregnancy? Should I consider purchasing emergency contraception? This is because sperm can survive for up to 3 days.
The first day of the menstrual period was on March 15, and intercourse took place on the evening of March 19.

Abby, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/03/20

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, the chances of pregnancy are low, so it's best to take preventive measures beforehand.
If your period is more than a week late, it is advisable to consider seeing a gynecologist.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2016/03/20

More Info

When considering the possibility of getting pregnant on day five of your menstrual period, it is essential to understand the menstrual cycle and the timing of ovulation. The average menstrual cycle lasts about 28 days, but it can range from 21 to 35 days for many women. Ovulation typically occurs around 14 days before the start of the next period. Therefore, if your cycle is 26 days long, ovulation would likely occur around day 12 of your cycle.

In your case, if your period started on March 15, then day five would be March 19. Engaging in unprotected intercourse on this day does carry a risk of pregnancy, although it is generally considered to be lower than during the days leading up to and including ovulation. Sperm can survive in the female reproductive tract for up to five days, which means that if you were to ovulate shortly after March 19, there is a possibility that sperm from intercourse on that day could fertilize an egg.

Given that your cycle is relatively short (26 days), ovulation could occur around March 26. If you have a shorter cycle, it is possible that ovulation could happen sooner than the average 14 days after the first day of your last period. Therefore, while the likelihood of becoming pregnant from intercourse on day five is lower, it is not impossible.

If you are concerned about the possibility of pregnancy, you may want to consider taking emergency contraception, commonly known as the "morning-after pill." This medication is most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse, ideally within 72 hours, but some types can be taken up to five days afterward. It works primarily by delaying ovulation, preventing fertilization, or preventing a fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus.

In summary, while the chances of getting pregnant on day five of your period are lower, it is still possible due to the viability of sperm and the timing of ovulation. If you are worried about an unintended pregnancy, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare provider about your options, including emergency contraception. Additionally, for future sexual encounters, consider using reliable contraception methods to reduce the risk of unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections.

Similar Q&A

Can You Get Pregnant from Intercourse on Day Five of Your Period?

Having unprotected intercourse during the fifth day of menstruation, especially if the bleeding is light or has stopped, generally carries a lower risk of pregnancy. However, it is still possible to conceive, as sperm can survive in the female reproductive tract for several days,...

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Answer: Unlikely to become pregnant.

Can You Get Pregnant If You Have Sex on Day 5 of Your Period?

Is it possible to get pregnant if ejaculation occurs on the 5th day of the menstrual period? (Menstrual cycle is approximately 28 days, lasting 6 to 7 days.)

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Having unprotected intercourse on the 5th day of your menstrual period is unlikely to result in pregnancy, especially if you have a typical 28-day cycle with a duration of 6 to 7 days.

Can You Get Pregnant After Intercourse on Day Five of Your Period?

Hello, doctor. I had intercourse with my girlfriend on the fifth day of her menstrual period, and her period had not completely ended. We had unprotected penetration for about 20 seconds before withdrawing, and then I stimulated myself to ejaculation outside. There was no ejacula...

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, it is generally unlikely to become pregnant, so there is no need to worry. Wishing you good health.

Can You Get Pregnant If You Have Unprotected Sex on Day 5 of Your Period?

If it is already the fifth day of your menstrual period and there was an accidental ejaculation inside, the likelihood of becoming pregnant is very low. Generally, ovulation occurs about 14 days before the start of your next period, and sperm typically survive in the female repro...

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, the chances of pregnancy are low, but it is best to take preventive measures beforehand. Do not rely on the safe period. If your period is more than a week late, it is advisable to see a gynecologist. Wishing you good health.