Pregnancy Risks After Menstruation: Your Questions Answered

Having unprotected intercourse on the second day of menstruation generally carries a lower risk of pregnancy, but it is not impossible. Sperm can survive in the female reproductive tract for up to five days, and if ovulation occurs shortly after menstruation, there is a chance of

Hello doctor, my menstrual cycle has been quite regular, usually starting on the 26th of each month until February.
In March, it started on the 30th, and in April, it returned to the 27th.
However, my periods have been a bit irregular for the past two months.
This month, my period ended on the 5th, and I had sexual intercourse with my boyfriend.
The first time we used a condom, and I wiped myself with a wet tissue afterward.
The second time, we did not use a condom and he ejaculated externally.
According to the app, my ovulation day is on the 15th, and I started my fertile window on the 9th.
Recently, I've been experiencing lower abdominal pain on one side and increased discharge (I usually have unilateral lower abdominal pain and increased discharge during my ovulation period).
I would like to know what the chances of pregnancy are in this situation.
Are the days right after my period considered a safe period?

Wu, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2024/05/08

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, it should be the safe period, so you are unlikely to get pregnant.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2024/05/08

More Info

Understanding the risks of pregnancy after menstruation is crucial for anyone who is sexually active and looking to manage their reproductive health. Based on your situation, let's break down the factors involved and address your concerns.

Firstly, it’s important to understand the menstrual cycle. A typical cycle lasts about 28 days, but it can vary from person to person. Ovulation usually occurs around 14 days before the start of your next period. In your case, if your cycle has been somewhat regular, ovulation might occur around the 14th day after the first day of your last period. However, cycles can vary, and factors such as stress, illness, or changes in routine can affect ovulation timing.

You mentioned that you had sexual intercourse shortly after your period ended, with one instance using a condom and another without. The risk of pregnancy is generally lower immediately after menstruation, but it is not zero. Sperm can live inside the female reproductive tract for up to five days, which means if you ovulate shortly after your period, there is a possibility of sperm being present to fertilize an egg.

Regarding your symptoms of lower abdominal pain and increased discharge, these can be common during ovulation, known as mittelschmerz, which is the pain some women experience during ovulation. Increased discharge can also occur due to hormonal changes during this time. However, these symptoms alone do not confirm pregnancy.

Now, concerning your question about the likelihood of pregnancy: while the days immediately following menstruation are often considered a "safe period," this is not a foolproof method of contraception. The timing of ovulation can vary, and if you have a shorter cycle, the risk of becoming pregnant increases. Given that you had unprotected intercourse during your fertile window, there is a possibility of pregnancy.

If you are concerned about the possibility of being pregnant, the best course of action is to take a home pregnancy test if your period is late. These tests are generally accurate and can provide you with peace of mind. If you find yourself pregnant and have concerns about alcohol consumption or any medications taken during this time, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare provider. They can provide guidance on any potential risks to the fetus and discuss your options moving forward.

In summary, while the risk of pregnancy immediately after menstruation is lower, it is not eliminated, especially if you have unprotected intercourse during your fertile window. Monitoring your cycle and understanding your body can help you make informed decisions about your reproductive health. If you have further questions or concerns, consider reaching out to a healthcare professional for personalized advice.

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