Can You Get Pregnant from Unprotected Sex Before Your Period?

Can I get pregnant?

Having unprotected intercourse a few days before your period, even if there was no ejaculation inside, still carries a risk of pregnancy due to pre-ejaculate fluid potentially containing sperm.
Taking emergency contraception the day after intercourse can be effective, but its efficacy decreases the longer you wait.
It is recommended to take it as soon as possible for the best chance of preventing pregnancy.

Mr. Hsu, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/04/28

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Having unprotected intercourse a few days before your period, especially if there was no ejaculation inside, is unlikely to result in pregnancy.
Taking emergency contraception the day after intercourse can still be effective.

Reply Date: 2018/04/28

More Info

When it comes to the question of whether you can get pregnant from unprotected sex just before your period, it's important to understand the timing of ovulation and the lifespan of sperm. Generally, the menstrual cycle is divided into several phases: the follicular phase, ovulation, and the luteal phase. Ovulation typically occurs about 14 days before the start of your next period.
If you have a regular cycle, having unprotected sex in the days leading up to your period is generally considered to be a lower-risk time for pregnancy. This is because, if you have already ovulated, the egg is viable for fertilization for about 12 to 24 hours. After that, if it is not fertilized, it will disintegrate, and your body will prepare for menstruation. Sperm can live inside the female reproductive tract for up to five days, but the chances of becoming pregnant from intercourse just before your period are relatively low if you are certain that you have already ovulated.

In your case, since you mentioned that you had unprotected sex but did not ejaculate inside, the risk of pregnancy is further reduced. However, it is important to note that pre-ejaculate fluid (pre-cum) can contain sperm, so there is still a small risk of pregnancy even without internal ejaculation.

Regarding the use of emergency contraception (the "morning-after pill"), taking it within 72 hours after unprotected sex can significantly reduce the risk of pregnancy. If you had unprotected sex and are concerned about the possibility of pregnancy, taking the emergency contraceptive pill as soon as possible is advisable. It is most effective when taken within 24 hours but can still be effective up to 72 hours after intercourse.

If you are considering taking the emergency contraceptive pill the day after having unprotected sex, it is likely to be effective, especially since you mentioned that you did not ejaculate inside. However, it is essential to follow the instructions on the medication and consult with a healthcare provider if you have any concerns or questions.

In summary, while the chances of getting pregnant from unprotected sex just before your period are generally low, there is still a possibility, particularly if sperm is present. Taking emergency contraception can help mitigate this risk. If your period is late or you experience any unusual symptoms, it is a good idea to take a pregnancy test or consult with a healthcare professional for further guidance.

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