Can You Get Pregnant If You Have Sex on the First Day of Your Period?

Having intercourse on the first day of menstruation without ejaculation inside?

Hello, yesterday my girlfriend got her period and we had intercourse, but I did not ejaculate inside her.
I pulled out and ejaculated outside.
Is there a chance of pregnancy in this situation?

Weila, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/01/21

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

If you had intercourse on the first day of your girlfriend's period and you did not ejaculate inside her, but rather withdrew and ejaculated outside, the likelihood of pregnancy is very low.
Therefore, it is unlikely that she will become pregnant.

Reply Date: 2019/01/21

More Info

Having sex on the first day of your girlfriend's period generally carries a low risk of pregnancy, but it is not impossible. To understand why, let’s delve into the menstrual cycle and the factors that influence conception.

The menstrual cycle typically lasts about 28 days, although it can vary from person to person. It is divided into several phases: the menstrual phase (when bleeding occurs), the follicular phase (when the body prepares for ovulation), ovulation (when an egg is released), and the luteal phase (when the body prepares for a potential pregnancy). Ovulation usually occurs around 14 days before the start of the next period.
Sperm can survive in the female reproductive tract for up to five days, while an egg is viable for about 12 to 24 hours after ovulation. Therefore, if you have sex during the menstrual phase, particularly on the first day, the likelihood of sperm meeting an egg is low because ovulation typically has not yet occurred. However, if your girlfriend has a shorter cycle or irregular cycles, it is possible that she could ovulate soon after her period ends, which could increase the risk of pregnancy if sperm are still present in her reproductive tract.

In your case, since you mentioned that you did not ejaculate inside her and instead withdrew before ejaculation, this further reduces the risk of pregnancy. However, it is important to note that pre-ejaculate fluid (pre-cum) can contain sperm, albeit in smaller quantities. While the chances of pregnancy from pre-ejaculate are low, they are not zero.

To summarize, while the risk of pregnancy from having sex on the first day of the period is low, it is not entirely absent, especially if there are variations in the menstrual cycle. If your girlfriend has a regular cycle and ovulates around the midpoint of her cycle, the chances of pregnancy from intercourse during her period are minimal. However, if she has a shorter cycle or irregular cycles, the risk could be slightly higher.

For couples who are actively trying to avoid pregnancy, it is advisable to use reliable contraception methods consistently, regardless of the timing within the menstrual cycle. If there are concerns about potential pregnancy or if your girlfriend misses her next period, it would be wise for her to take a pregnancy test or consult a healthcare provider for further guidance.

In conclusion, while the chances of getting pregnant from having sex on the first day of the period are low, they are not nonexistent. Understanding the menstrual cycle and using appropriate contraception can help manage the risks associated with sexual activity.

Similar Q&A

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Hello, the chances of pregnancy are low, but it is best to take preventive measures beforehand. Do not rely on the safe period. If your period is more than a week late, it is advisable to see a gynecologist. Wishing you good health.