Can You Get Pregnant If Your Period Starts After Intercourse? - Obstetrics and Gynecology

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To address your question about the possibility of pregnancy when your girlfriend's period starts shortly after intercourse, we need to consider a few key points regarding the menstrual cycle, ovulation, and the timing of conception.

Firstly, the menstrual cycle typically lasts about 28 days, but it can vary from person to person, ranging from 21 to 35 days. Ovulation usually occurs about 14 days before the start of the next period. In your girlfriend's case, if her last period started on July 25 and ended on July 31, and her next period was expected around August 23, she would likely have ovulated around August 9. This means that the fertile window, during which conception is most likely to occur, would be from about August 4 to August 10.

Now, regarding the sexual intercourse that took place on August 18, it is important to note that this date falls after her expected ovulation window. If her menstrual cycle is regular and she ovulates as expected, the likelihood of becoming pregnant from intercourse on August 18 is very low, especially since her period started later that same day.
When a woman has her period, it typically indicates that she is not pregnant. The shedding of the uterine lining occurs when there is no fertilized egg to implant. In this case, since your girlfriend's period started just hours after intercourse, it is highly unlikely that she could have conceived from that encounter.

In summary, based on the timing of her menstrual cycle and the occurrence of her period shortly after intercourse, it is very unlikely that your girlfriend could be pregnant from the sexual activity on August 18. If there are any concerns or if her menstrual cycle becomes irregular, it would be advisable for her to consult a healthcare provider for further evaluation and guidance.

Additionally, if there are any doubts about the timing of ovulation or the possibility of pregnancy, using a home pregnancy test after a missed period can provide clarity. These tests are most accurate when taken after a missed period, as they measure the hormone hCG, which is produced during pregnancy. If she has any further questions or concerns about her menstrual cycle or reproductive health, seeking advice from a healthcare professional is always a good step.