Can You Get Pregnant After Intercourse at the End of Your Period?

Intercourse with ejaculation towards the end of the menstrual period?

I usually get my period on the 19th of each month, but this month I took medication to induce an earlier period, so it started on the 15th.
Around the 20th, when my period was almost over, I had unprotected intercourse and ejaculated inside.
After that, I immediately rinsed myself.
What is the likelihood of becoming pregnant?

Ren, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/10/23

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, the chances of getting pregnant are low, but it is best to take preventive measures at all times and not to rely on the safe period.
If your period is late for more than a week, it is advisable to see a gynecologist.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2017/10/23

More Info

The question of whether one can get pregnant after intercourse at the end of a menstrual period is a common concern, especially for those who are actively trying to conceive or are cautious about unintended pregnancies. To address this, we need to consider several factors related to the menstrual cycle, ovulation, and sperm viability.

Firstly, it’s important to understand the typical menstrual cycle. A standard cycle lasts about 28 days, but it can vary significantly from person to person. Ovulation usually occurs around 14 days before the start of the next period. For someone with a regular cycle, having intercourse towards the end of their period may seem less likely to result in pregnancy, but this is not always the case.

In your situation, you mentioned that your period was induced to start earlier than usual due to medication, which can affect the timing of ovulation. If your cycle was altered and you ovulate earlier than expected, having intercourse towards the end of your period could potentially lead to pregnancy. Sperm can live inside a woman’s reproductive tract for up to five days, so if you ovulate shortly after your period ends, there is a possibility that sperm from intercourse at the end of your period could still be viable when ovulation occurs.

Regarding your specific case, if you had intercourse on the 20th day of your cycle (assuming your period started on the 15th), and if you typically ovulate around day 19 or 20, there is a chance that you could conceive. However, if you ovulate later in your cycle, the likelihood decreases.
Additionally, the act of rinsing or washing immediately after intercourse does not significantly reduce the chances of pregnancy. Sperm can travel quickly to the cervix, and washing externally will not prevent sperm that has already entered the vagina from reaching the uterus.

In summary, while the chances of getting pregnant after intercourse at the end of your period are generally lower, they are not zero, especially if your cycle has been altered or if you ovulate earlier than expected. If you are concerned about the possibility of pregnancy, consider taking a home pregnancy test if you miss your next period or consult with a healthcare provider for further guidance.

It's also worth noting that if you are actively trying to conceive or are concerned about contraception, tracking ovulation through methods such as basal body temperature, ovulation predictor kits, or monitoring cervical mucus can provide more clarity on your fertile window. Understanding your cycle better can help you make informed decisions regarding pregnancy and contraception.

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