Can You Get Pregnant from Intercourse Before Your Period?

Having intercourse with your boyfriend before menstruation?

Typically, if your menstrual cycle starts on the 15th, having unprotected intercourse on the 13th could potentially lead to pregnancy, especially if you have a shorter cycle.
Sperm can survive in the female reproductive tract for up to five days, and if you ovulate soon after, there is a risk of fertilization.
Since you did not take emergency contraception afterward, it is advisable to take a pregnancy test if your period is late or to consult with a healthcare provider for further guidance.

zero zero, 0~9 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/01/13

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, the chances of pregnancy are low, but it is always best to take preventive measures beforehand.
Do not 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: 2018/01/13

More Info

The question of whether you can get pregnant from intercourse before your period is a common concern for many individuals. To address this, we need to understand the menstrual cycle, ovulation, and the viability of sperm.

Typically, a menstrual cycle lasts about 28 days, but it can vary from person to person, 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, if your period is expected to start on the 15th, ovulation would likely occur around the 14th or 15th of the previous month. However, cycles can be irregular, and ovulation can vary.

In your case, you mentioned having intercourse on the 13th, which is just two days before your expected period. Since sperm can live inside the female reproductive tract for up to five days, there is a possibility of pregnancy if you ovulate shortly after intercourse. However, if you are very close to your period, it is less likely that you would conceive, as ovulation would typically have already occurred earlier in the cycle.

The fact that you did not use any form of contraception and had external ejaculation does increase the risk of pregnancy, albeit the chances are lower right before your period. Pre-ejaculate fluid (pre-cum) can also contain sperm, which adds to the risk of pregnancy even if ejaculation did not occur inside the vagina.

To summarize, while it is technically possible to get pregnant from intercourse just before your period, the likelihood is relatively low if you have a regular cycle and are nearing the start of your menstrual flow. However, if your cycles are irregular or if you have ovulated later than expected, there is still a chance of pregnancy.

If you are concerned about the possibility of being pregnant, it would be wise to take a pregnancy test if your period is late. Pregnancy tests are most accurate when taken after a missed period. Additionally, if you are sexually active and not planning to conceive, consider discussing contraceptive options with your healthcare provider to prevent unintended pregnancies in the future.

In conclusion, while the chances of getting pregnant from intercourse just before your period are lower, they are not zero. Understanding your cycle and using protection can help manage your reproductive health effectively.

Similar Q&A

Can You Get Pregnant If You Have Sex Right Before Your Period?

Can having intercourse just before menstruation lead to pregnancy?

Dr. Li Guanghan reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
If menstruation is regular, it is unlikely to conceive within the week prior to menstruation.

Can You Get Pregnant from Intercourse Right Before Your Period?

My girlfriend's expected menstrual period is on February 1, and we had sexual intercourse on January 31. Although I did not ejaculate inside her, I would like to know if there is a possibility of pregnancy.

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, theoretically, the chances of pregnancy should be low. Wishing you good health.

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Dr. Li Guanghan reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Can You Get Pregnant from Intercourse Before Your Period?

Hello doctor, I would like to ask if the likelihood of pregnancy is high if intercourse with ejaculation occurs before menstruation. Also, if menstruation starts a few days after ejaculation, does that mean pregnancy is not possible?

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
1. Is the chance of getting pregnant high if intercourse with ejaculation occurs before menstruation? Ans: The chance of getting pregnant is low. 2. If menstruation starts a few days after ejaculation, does that mean pregnancy is not possible? Ans: Yes.