Can I Get Pregnant If My Period Is Late and I Had Sex?

Can I get pregnant?

Doctor, my period was supposed to start on July 1, but it was a few days late.
After having sexual intercourse with my boyfriend in the early morning of July 5, we discovered that the condom had slipped off.
That afternoon, my period started.
Is there still a possibility of pregnancy? Additionally, can having sexual intercourse just before my period cause a delay in menstruation? Thank you!

Anita, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/07/05

Dr. Lü Lizheng reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

1.
If menstruation has started, pregnancy is unlikely.

2.
Engaging in sexual intercourse shortly before menstruation should not cause a delay in the menstrual cycle.

Respectfully, Dr.
Li-Cheng Lu, Taoyuan Hospital.

Reply Date: 2015/07/05

More Info

When it comes to the possibility of pregnancy, timing and the circumstances surrounding sexual activity play crucial roles. In your case, you mentioned that your period was due on July 1 but was late and that you had unprotected sex on July 5, after which your period started later that same day.
To address your primary concern: the likelihood of pregnancy in this scenario is quite low. Since your period arrived on the same day you had sexual intercourse, it indicates that your body was already preparing to menstruate. The menstrual cycle typically involves a series of hormonal changes that prepare the uterus for a potential pregnancy. If fertilization does not occur, the lining of the uterus is shed, resulting in menstruation.
The timing of your period is significant. If your period was due on July 1 and you had unprotected sex on July 5, the chances of pregnancy are minimal because sperm can survive in the female reproductive tract for about 3 to 5 days, but the egg is viable for fertilization for only about 12 to 24 hours after ovulation. If your period started on July 5, it is likely that ovulation had already occurred earlier in your cycle, and the conditions for fertilization were not present at the time of intercourse.

Regarding your second question about whether having sex just before your period can cause a delay: typically, sexual activity does not directly cause a delay in menstruation. However, various factors can influence menstrual cycles, including stress, hormonal fluctuations, changes in weight, and overall health. If you were anxious about the possibility of pregnancy or if there were any changes in your routine or health, these could potentially affect your cycle.

In summary, based on the information provided, it is highly unlikely that you could become pregnant from the encounter on July 5, especially since your period started that same day. If your menstrual cycle continues to be irregular or if you have further concerns about your reproductive health, it may be beneficial to consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice and potential evaluation.
Lastly, if you are ever in doubt about a potential pregnancy, taking a home pregnancy test after a missed period can provide clarity. If you have any other questions or concerns, feel free to ask!

Similar Q&A

Can You Get Pregnant After Period Sex? Understanding Your Cycle

If you had unprotected sexual intercourse from February 13 to 22 and then got your period on February 23, but your period is late this month (March), it is possible that you could be pregnant. However, since you had your period after the sexual activity, it is less likely that yo...

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, the chances of pregnancy are low, but it is best to take preventive measures beforehand. Do not rely on the safe period. If your period is more than a week late, consider consulting a gynecologist. Wishing you good health.

Can You Get Pregnant After Having Sex Right After Your Period?

Hello doctor, I got my period on July 30, and I had sexual intercourse on August 4. Is there a chance of getting pregnant?

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, the chances of getting pregnant are low, but it is always best to take preventive measures beforehand. Do not rely on the safe period. If your period is late for more than a week, it is advisable to see a gynecologist. Wishing you good health.

Can You Get Pregnant with Protected Sex? Understanding Menstrual Delays

Last month, my period started on the 19th, and it is now 7 days late. I had sexual intercourse on the 28th of last month, and we used a condom throughout, with ejaculation occurring outside. Could I be pregnant?

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, the chances of pregnancy are low, but it is always best to take preventive measures beforehand. Do not rely on the safe period. If your period is more than a week late, it is advisable to see a gynecologist. Wishing you good health.

Can You Get Pregnant During Your Period? Understanding Risks and Myths

Menstrual cycle: 30 days, duration: 5 days. Due to staying up late, my period was delayed by 2 days this time (first day on January 28). I had intercourse on January 30 with a condom. What is the likelihood of pregnancy in this situation?

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, the chances of getting pregnant are low, but it is important to take proper contraceptive measures beforehand during sexual activity. Wishing you good health.