Can Unprotected Sex During My Cycle Lead to Pregnancy?

Could this lead to pregnancy?

Hello doctor, my menstrual cycle is quite regular, usually around 31 to 32 days.
I started my period on June 11 and it felt like it was ending by June 15.
I want to have unprotected intercourse with my boyfriend on June 24 and I would like him to ejaculate inside me.
Is there a chance I could get pregnant? What is the safe period? Is this considered safe or risky? Thank you!

Zhou Qingqing, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/06/15

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

1.
If I have unprotected intercourse and want him to ejaculate inside me, is there a chance of pregnancy? Is this considered safe or dangerous? Answer: The chance of pregnancy is high; this is considered dangerous.
2.
What is the safe period? Answer: The dangerous period is the three days before ovulation and the four days after.
The relatively dangerous period is the seven days before ovulation and the eight days after.
The first to third days of menstruation are considered the absolute safe period, while the remaining time is the relatively safe period.

Reply Date: 2017/06/15

More Info

When considering the possibility of pregnancy during your menstrual cycle, it's essential to understand how ovulation and the menstrual cycle work. The average menstrual cycle lasts about 28 days, but it can vary from person to person, typically ranging from 21 to 35 days. Ovulation usually occurs around 14 days before the start of your next period. For someone with a regular cycle of 31-32 days, ovulation would likely occur around days 17 to 18 of the cycle.

In your case, if your last period started on June 11 and you had unprotected sex on June 24, this timing is crucial. Since you would likely be ovulating around June 25 to June 27, having unprotected sex on June 24 could potentially lead to pregnancy. Sperm can live inside the female reproductive tract for up to five days, so if you ovulate shortly after having unprotected sex, there is a significant chance of conception.

The concept of "safe days" or "safe periods" refers to the days in the menstrual cycle when a woman is least likely to conceive. However, this method is not entirely reliable, as cycles can vary, and ovulation can be unpredictable. Factors such as stress, illness, and hormonal changes can affect when ovulation occurs, making it difficult to pinpoint "safe" days accurately.

In general, the days leading up to and including ovulation are considered the most fertile days. The days immediately following your period (in this case, around June 12 to June 16) are often thought to be safer, but this is not a guarantee. If you are trying to avoid pregnancy, relying solely on the calendar method is not recommended.
If you are considering having unprotected sex and are concerned about the risk of pregnancy, it may be beneficial to explore other contraceptive methods. Barrier methods, such as condoms, are effective in preventing pregnancy and also protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Hormonal contraceptives, such as birth control pills, patches, or IUDs, can also provide reliable pregnancy prevention.

In summary, having unprotected sex during your cycle, particularly close to your ovulation period, can lead to pregnancy. If you are unsure about your cycle or have irregular periods, it may be wise to consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice and to discuss contraceptive options that suit your needs. Always remember that understanding your body and cycle can help you make informed decisions regarding sexual health and family planning.

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