Can You Get Pregnant One Day Before Your Period? Expert Insights

Is it possible to conceive if there was unprotected intercourse one day before menstruation?

Hello Doctor, my menstrual cycle varies between 25 to 30 days, so I keep track of it using an app.
Looking back, my periods started on March 1 and March 24.
I had unprotected intercourse on April 5, and then took emergency contraception on April 8.
I had unprotected intercourse again on April 19, and my period started on April 20.
However, on May 15, I felt like my period was about to start, and I had unprotected intercourse that day as well.
As of now, my period has not arrived, but I still feel a slight heaviness and discomfort in my lower abdomen.
Given this situation, I would like to ask the doctor if there is a possibility of pregnancy? Should I wait a few more days to take a pregnancy test? I've been feeling quite stressed lately; could that also lead to some hormonal imbalance? I appreciate your guidance, thank you.

Yi, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/05/22

Dr. Chen Zhiyu reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, it is recommended to practice safe behaviors to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections, while also preventing unintended pregnancies.
Please monitor your menstrual cycle, and if there is a delay, you may take a home pregnancy test or visit a gynecologist for confirmation.
Thank you.

Reply Date: 2023/05/22

More Info

To address your question about the possibility of getting pregnant one day before your period, it's important to understand the menstrual cycle and the timing of ovulation. The menstrual cycle typically lasts between 21 to 35 days, with an average of 28 days. Ovulation usually occurs about 14 days before the start of your next period. This means that if you have a regular cycle, the fertile window is generally within a few days before and after ovulation.

In your case, with a cycle that varies between 25 to 30 days, if we assume your last menstrual period (LMP) started on March 24, ovulation would likely occur around April 7 to April 10. Engaging in unprotected intercourse on April 5, just a couple of days before ovulation, could potentially lead to pregnancy, as sperm can survive in the female reproductive tract for up to five days. Therefore, if you ovulated shortly after April 5, there is a possibility that you could conceive from that encounter.

You mentioned taking emergency contraception (the "morning-after pill") on April 8. This medication is designed to prevent ovulation or fertilization and is most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse. However, it is not 100% effective, and if ovulation has already occurred, it may not prevent pregnancy.

Following your unprotected intercourse on April 19, you experienced your period on April 20. If this was a true menstrual period, it would suggest that you likely did not conceive from the April 5 encounter. However, you also mentioned feeling symptoms such as a mild bloating sensation and a feeling that your period is approaching again by May 15, which could indicate hormonal fluctuations or stress affecting your cycle.

Stress can indeed impact your menstrual cycle and may lead to delayed periods or changes in symptoms. If your period is late and you suspect pregnancy, it would be advisable to take a home pregnancy test. These tests are most accurate when taken after a missed period. If your period does not arrive and the test is negative, or if you continue to have symptoms, it would be wise to consult a healthcare provider for further evaluation.

In summary, while it is possible to conceive from intercourse just before your period, the timing of ovulation and the use of emergency contraception play significant roles in determining the likelihood of pregnancy. If you have concerns about your menstrual cycle or potential pregnancy, seeking medical advice can provide clarity and guidance tailored to your situation.

Similar Q&A

Can You Get Pregnant the Day Before Your Period?

Is it true that engaging in sexual intercourse the day before or after menstruation does not carry a risk of pregnancy, especially for someone with an irregular cycle? Would this pose any issues regardless of whether ejaculation occurs? Please clarify this for me.

Dr. Wei Fumao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
It is difficult for individuals with irregular menstrual cycles to predict their safe period, but engaging in sexual intercourse the day before menstruation typically does not result in pregnancy. Generally, there is a low likelihood of pregnancy within the first seven days after...

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.

Pregnancy Chances One Day Before Menstruation: What You Need to Know

If your menstrual cycle is usually regular and typically starts between February 25 and February 28, and today is February 24, the likelihood of pregnancy from unprotected intercourse without ejaculation is generally low, but not zero. Sperm can survive in the female reproductive...

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

Can You Get Pregnant Right Before Your Period Ends?

If you had sexual intercourse without protection the day before your period ended, and you noticed only very light spotting that was almost colorless, the likelihood of pregnancy is generally low. Sperm can survive in the female reproductive tract for several days, but if you wer...

Dr. Lin Wenbin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
If there is no contraception, it is necessary to see a doctor for an examination.