Can You Get Pregnant from Intercourse During Menstruation?

Having unprotected intercourse during menstruation can still result in pregnancy, although the chances are generally lower compared to other times in the menstrual cycle. Sperm can survive in the female reproductive tract for several days, and if ovulation

I had sexual intercourse with my girlfriend, and her menstrual cycle is not very regular.
Her period started on September 20, and we had intercourse on September 21.
Is it possible for her to get pregnant from this? She hasn't missed her period since the intercourse.

Pengpeng, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/09/22

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, the bleeding from the vagina may not necessarily be menstruation, and based on your description, your menstrual cycle is irregular.
It is advisable to use contraception if you are uncertain whether the bleeding is a true menstrual period, as sometimes a doctor's examination is needed to determine if it is indeed menstruation.
If it is confirmed to be your period, then pregnancy would not occur.
Thank you! Wishing you safety and health, Dr.
Chang.

Reply Date: 2015/09/22

More Info

The question of whether a woman can get pregnant from intercourse during menstruation is a common concern, particularly for couples who are trying to avoid or achieve pregnancy. To address your question directly: yes, it is possible, though the likelihood varies based on several factors.

Typically, a woman is most fertile during her ovulation period, which occurs approximately 14 days before her next menstrual period. However, sperm can live inside a woman's reproductive tract for up to five days. If a woman has a shorter menstrual cycle (for example, 21 days), ovulation may occur soon after her period ends. In such cases, if intercourse occurs during menstruation, and sperm are still viable when she ovulates, there is a chance of pregnancy.

In your specific situation, if your girlfriend's menstrual cycle is irregular, it can be more challenging to predict ovulation. Irregular cycles can lead to unpredictable ovulation times, which increases the possibility of becoming pregnant even if intercourse occurs during menstruation.
Moreover, if your girlfriend had her period starting on September 20 and you had intercourse on September 21, it is relatively early in her cycle. However, if she has a shorter cycle or if she ovulates earlier than expected, there is still a chance of pregnancy. It’s also important to note that some women may experience bleeding that is not a true menstrual period but rather spotting related to ovulation, which can further complicate the timing.

If your girlfriend has not had her period since the intercourse, it would be wise for her to take a pregnancy test. Home pregnancy tests are generally reliable and can provide results as early as the first day of a missed period. If she is concerned or if the test is positive, consulting with a healthcare provider would be the next best step to discuss options and next steps.

In summary, while the chances of getting pregnant from intercourse during menstruation are generally lower, it is not impossible, especially with irregular cycles. Understanding her cycle and using contraception if you wish to avoid pregnancy is crucial. If you are both considering pregnancy, tracking ovulation through methods such as ovulation predictor kits or monitoring basal body temperature can be helpful in identifying the most fertile days.

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