Pregnancy Risks During Menstrual Cycle: Key Insights

Can I get pregnant?

Hello, doctor.
On June 27th, it was the third day of my girlfriend's menstrual period.
We had sexual intercourse that day without a condom, but it lasted only for a short time, less than three minutes, after which I withdrew and finished myself.
Her menstrual cycle is usually regular; the last period started on June 1st, and the one before that was on May 4th.
Her menstrual periods typically last 4-5 days.
What is the risk of pregnancy in this situation?

Liu Xiansheng, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/06/28

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

On June 27th, it was the third day of my girlfriend's menstrual period.
We engaged in sexual intercourse without a condom, but it lasted for less than three minutes, and I withdrew before ejaculation.
She usually has a regular menstrual cycle, with her last period starting on June 1st and the one before that on May 4th.
Her menstrual periods typically last 4-5 days.
What is the risk of pregnancy in this situation? Answer: The risk of pregnancy is low.

Reply Date: 2017/06/28

More Info

When considering the risk of pregnancy during a menstrual cycle, it is essential to understand the timing of ovulation and the viability of sperm. Typically, a woman's menstrual cycle lasts about 28 days, but it can vary from 21 to 35 days. Ovulation usually occurs around 14 days before the start of the next period. For women with a regular cycle, sperm can survive in the female reproductive tract for up to five days, which means that the timing of intercourse relative to ovulation is crucial in determining the risk of pregnancy.

In your case, you mentioned that your girlfriend's last menstrual period started on June 1, and she had sexual intercourse on June 27, which was the third day of her period. Given that her menstrual cycle is typically 4-5 days long, it is likely that she was still menstruating during the intercourse. Since ovulation would typically occur around June 14 (assuming a 28-day cycle), the likelihood of her being fertile on June 27 is quite low.
However, it is important to note that cycles can vary, and some women may experience irregularities that can affect ovulation timing. If her cycle is shorter or longer than average, or if she has irregular cycles, the risk of pregnancy could be higher. Additionally, if she has a shorter cycle, ovulation could occur earlier than expected, which might increase the risk of pregnancy even if intercourse occurs during her period.

To summarize, while the risk of pregnancy from intercourse during menstruation is generally low, it is not zero. If your girlfriend has a regular cycle and ovulated around the expected time, the chances of pregnancy from the encounter you described are minimal. However, if there are any concerns about potential pregnancy, it is advisable for her to take a home pregnancy test if her next period is late or to consult with a healthcare provider for further evaluation.

In terms of contraception, it is always a good practice to use protection to prevent unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). If you and your girlfriend are considering becoming sexually active, discussing contraceptive options with a healthcare provider can help you make informed decisions that suit your needs and circumstances.

In conclusion, while the risk of pregnancy during menstruation is low, it is essential to be aware of individual cycle variations and to consider using contraception to reduce the risk of unintended pregnancy. If there are any concerns or questions, consulting with a healthcare professional is always a good step to take.

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