Pregnancy Chances After Unprotected Sex During Menstruation

Probability of Pregnancy

Hello Doctor, my period started on December 13th, and I had sexual intercourse with my boyfriend the day before my period ended, which was December 17th.
At that time, I was still bleeding, but the flow was very light.
My period ended the next day.
We did not use a condom because it was our first time and I thought it would be fine since I was menstruating.
However, he accidentally ejaculated inside me, and it felt like a significant amount.
I did not take emergency contraception, but I immediately went to the bathroom and took a shower afterward.
Could you please let me know what the chances of pregnancy are in this situation? Thank you.

www, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/12/18

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, based on your description, there is still a chance of pregnancy.
It is recommended to take a pregnancy test if your period is more than a week late.
Thank you! Wishing you peace and health.
Dr.
Chang

Reply Date: 2022/12/18

More Info

When it comes to understanding the chances of pregnancy after unprotected sex during menstruation, it's important to consider several factors, including the timing of ovulation, the lifespan of sperm, and the nature of menstrual bleeding.

Firstly, the menstrual cycle typically 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 menstrual period. For someone with a regular cycle, having sex during menstruation (especially towards the end of the period) may seem less risky for pregnancy. However, sperm can survive in the female reproductive tract for up to five days. This means that if you have unprotected sex towards the end of your period, and you ovulate shortly after, there is a possibility that sperm could still be viable when the egg is released.

In your case, you mentioned that your last menstrual period started on December 13 and that you had unprotected sex on December 17, which was the last day of your bleeding. If your cycle is regular and you typically ovulate around day 14, this would place your ovulation around December 27. Given that sperm can survive for several days, there is a chance that the sperm from December 17 could fertilize an egg if ovulation occurs shortly after.

Additionally, the fact that your boyfriend ejaculated inside you increases the risk of pregnancy. While washing immediately after intercourse or urinating may help to reduce the risk of urinary tract infections, it does not significantly decrease the likelihood of pregnancy once sperm has entered the vagina.

To summarize, while the chances of becoming pregnant from unprotected sex during menstruation are generally lower than at other times in the cycle, it is not impossible. Given that you had unprotected sex and your boyfriend ejaculated inside you, there is a possibility of pregnancy.

If you are concerned about the possibility of being pregnant, it is advisable to take a home pregnancy test if your period is late. Most tests are accurate about a week after a missed period. If you have any further concerns or questions, or if you experience any unusual symptoms, it would be best to consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice and support.
In conclusion, while the risk of pregnancy during menstruation is lower, it is not zero, especially with unprotected sex and ejaculation. Monitoring your cycle and understanding your body can help you make informed decisions about sexual health and contraception in the future.

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