Pregnancy Risks During Menstrual Cycle: Key Insights

Probability of Pregnancy

I would like to ask about having sexual intercourse with my girlfriend during her menstrual period.
On that day, there was no bleeding.
We used a condom for the first part, but later I thought the condom was too dry, so I took it off.
The unprotected intercourse lasted for about a minute, and I pulled out before ejaculation.
What is the likelihood of pregnancy in this situation? Her last menstrual period ended on the 27th; when would the fertile window likely be? Can sperm survive in the vagina, and about a week after the intercourse, she experienced vomiting and pain in her right breast.
Could this be related to the cold weather or riding a bike in windy conditions? Is it possible for symptoms to appear this early?

James, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2024/02/10

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.
If your partner experiences a delayed menstrual period, they can take a home pregnancy test or visit a gynecology clinic for evaluation.
Thank you.

Reply Date: 2024/02/10

More Info

Understanding pregnancy risks during the menstrual cycle is crucial for anyone engaging in sexual activity. The menstrual cycle typically lasts about 28 days, but it can vary from person to person. The cycle is divided into several phases: the menstrual phase, the follicular phase, ovulation, and the luteal phase. Understanding these phases can help clarify the likelihood of pregnancy occurring from sexual intercourse during menstruation.

In your case, you mentioned that you had sexual intercourse during your girlfriend's menstrual period, specifically on the last day of her menstruation. Generally, the risk of pregnancy during menstruation is lower, especially if the bleeding has just stopped. However, sperm can survive in the female reproductive tract for up to five days, and if your girlfriend has a shorter menstrual cycle (e.g., 21-24 days), ovulation could occur soon after her period ends. This means that if sperm are present in the reproductive tract when ovulation occurs, there is a possibility of fertilization.

Regarding the timeline you provided, if her last menstrual period ended on the 27th, ovulation would typically occur around day 14 of her cycle, which would be around the 10th of the following month if we assume a 28-day cycle. However, cycles can vary, and some women may ovulate earlier or later. Therefore, while the risk of pregnancy from intercourse during menstruation is lower, it is not zero, especially if ovulation occurs shortly after the menstrual period.

As for the symptoms you mentioned—nausea and breast tenderness—these can be early signs of pregnancy, but they can also be attributed to other factors such as hormonal changes, stress, or physical activity. It is not uncommon for women to experience breast tenderness or nausea due to various reasons, including premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or even changes in weather or physical exertion. However, if these symptoms persist or if there is a concern about a potential pregnancy, it would be advisable for your girlfriend to take a home pregnancy test or consult a healthcare provider for further evaluation.

In summary, while the likelihood of pregnancy from intercourse during menstruation is lower, it is not impossible, especially considering the lifespan of sperm and the variability of ovulation timing. If there are concerns about potential pregnancy or unusual symptoms, seeking medical advice is the best course of action. Additionally, if you and your girlfriend are sexually active and wish to avoid pregnancy, discussing reliable contraceptive methods with a healthcare provider would be beneficial.

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