Can You Get Pregnant from Intercourse During Menstrual Cycle?

Menstrual intercourse

My girlfriend's menstrual period started on June 21.
We had sexual intercourse on the 25th, and I ejaculated inside her twice.
However, I later found out that her cycle is 21 days, which means her ovulation period is around the 28th.
We are a bit worried about the possibility of pregnancy.
Could this lead to pregnancy?

Awei, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/06/30

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Your girlfriend's menstrual period started on June 21, and you had intercourse on the 25th, with ejaculation occurring twice.
However, you later discovered that her cycle is 21 days, which suggests that her ovulation period would likely be around June 28.
Given this timing, there is a possibility of pregnancy.
It is advisable to take a pregnancy test on July 14 to check for pregnancy.

Reply Date: 2017/06/30

More Info

The question of whether one can get pregnant from intercourse during the menstrual cycle is a common concern, especially for couples trying to conceive or avoid pregnancy. To address your specific situation, let's break down the menstrual cycle and the timing of ovulation.

Typically, a menstrual cycle lasts between 21 to 35 days, with the average being around 28 days. Ovulation usually occurs about 14 days before the start of the next menstrual period. In your case, if your girlfriend's cycle is 21 days long, ovulation would likely occur around day 7 of her cycle. Since her period started on June 21, ovulation would be expected around June 28.

You mentioned that you had intercourse on June 25, which is just a few days before her expected ovulation. Sperm can live inside a woman's reproductive tract for up to five days, so if ovulation occurs shortly after intercourse, there is a possibility of pregnancy. Given that June 25 is only three days before the estimated ovulation date, it is indeed possible for sperm from that intercourse to fertilize an egg if ovulation occurs as expected.

However, it’s important to note that not all menstrual cycles are perfectly regular, and ovulation can vary from cycle to cycle due to various factors such as stress, illness, or hormonal changes. Therefore, while the timing suggests a potential for pregnancy, it is not a certainty.

If your girlfriend is concerned about the possibility of pregnancy, the best course of action is to wait until her next expected period. If her period is late, she should take a home pregnancy test for confirmation. These tests are generally reliable and can provide results as early as the first day of a missed period.

In summary, while there is a possibility of pregnancy from intercourse during the menstrual cycle, especially close to ovulation, it is not guaranteed. Monitoring her cycle and using a pregnancy test if her period is late will provide clarity. If you have further concerns or if your girlfriend experiences any unusual symptoms, consulting with a healthcare provider is advisable for personalized advice and support.

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