Can You Get Pregnant Even If Your Period Arrives?

Is it possible to have a period and still be pregnant?

I have a question: is it possible to have unprotected intercourse two or three days before menstruation, where the male partner withdrew before ejaculation, and then have menstruation come just two or three days later? However, I've heard that it is possible to be pregnant for two or three months and not realize it even if menstruation occurs.
How can this happen? Why does this occur?

Da Tou, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2006/09/11

Dr. Zhong Wenzhen reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

1.
Generally speaking, the two to three days before menstruation is considered a non-fertile period (commonly referred to as the safe period), so there is no need to take contraceptive measures; moreover, in vitro fertilization is not an effective method of contraception.
2.
Bleeding after pregnancy is not uncommon; however, having two regular menstrual periods before discovering a three-month pregnancy is relatively rare.
Nevertheless, that is not menstruation; it is abnormal bleeding during pregnancy, and it is advisable to consult an obstetrician-gynecologist to determine the cause.
Wishing you safety.

Reply Date: 2006/09/11

More Info

It is a common concern for many individuals to wonder about the possibility of becoming pregnant even when menstruation occurs. To address your question, it is important to understand the menstrual cycle, ovulation, and the concept of cryptic pregnancy.

The menstrual cycle typically lasts about 28 days, but it can vary from person to person. Ovulation usually occurs around 14 days before the start of the next menstrual period. If you have unprotected intercourse in the days leading up to ovulation, there is a possibility of sperm fertilizing an egg, leading to pregnancy. However, if you have intercourse just before your expected period and then menstruate, it is generally unlikely that you are pregnant.
Menstrual bleeding is often a sign that pregnancy has not occurred. However, there are instances where women experience bleeding during early pregnancy, which can be mistaken for a period. This phenomenon is sometimes referred to as "implantation bleeding," which occurs when a fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining. This bleeding can occur around the time a woman expects her period, leading to confusion.

Regarding the possibility of being pregnant for two to three months without realizing it, this is known as a cryptic pregnancy. Cryptic pregnancies are rare and occur when a woman does not have typical pregnancy symptoms or does not realize she is pregnant until much later in the pregnancy. Factors contributing to cryptic pregnancies can include irregular menstrual cycles, hormonal imbalances, or simply misinterpreting pregnancy symptoms as something else.

In your case, if you had unprotected intercourse just before your period and then menstruated as expected, it is highly unlikely that you are pregnant. However, if you have concerns about your menstrual cycle or potential pregnancy, it is advisable to take a home pregnancy test or consult with a healthcare provider for further evaluation.

In summary, while it is theoretically possible to experience bleeding during pregnancy, it is generally not the case that a woman would have a full menstrual period if she is pregnant. If you suspect that you might be pregnant despite having a period, it is best to seek medical advice to clarify your situation. Regular check-ups and open communication with a healthcare provider can help address any concerns you may have regarding your reproductive health.

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