Can You Get Pregnant Eight Days Before Your Period? Fertility

Is it possible to get pregnant if intercourse occurs eight days before menstruation?

Hello, doctor.
My menstrual cycle has always been regular, approximately every 28 days, sometimes delayed by a day or two.
Last month, my period started on January 3 and ended on January 7.
Then, on January 23, I had intercourse with my boyfriend twice; the first time we used a condom, and he ejaculated.
After that, he cleaned himself up.
The second time, we did not use a condom, and halfway through, he had to leave for an urgent matter, so he did not ejaculate, and we stopped.
I also took a shower afterward.
My expected period was supposed to start on January 31, but today is February 3, and it still hasn't arrived.
Since February 1, I have been using a pregnancy test every morning, and the results have all been negative.

I recall feeling a bit feverish on the afternoon of January 28, but it went away afterward.
In between, I experienced some breast tenderness, which also disappeared.
Now, on February 3, I feel that my body temperature is suddenly quite high, and my nipples have started to feel a bit sensitive.
Could this be a sign of pregnancy? (Previously, I tested positive for pregnancy twice, both times the day after my period was late.
Why can't I detect it this time? Is this related to my body’s condition, or are these independent events?)

Miss Lin, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/02/04

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, the chances of pregnancy are low, but it is important to take proper contraceptive measures before engaging in sexual activity.
Do not rely on the calendar method for safe periods.
If your period is more than 1 to 2 weeks late, it is advisable to consult a gynecologist.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2016/02/04

More Info

Understanding fertility and the timing of ovulation is crucial when considering the possibility of pregnancy. In your case, with a regular menstrual cycle of approximately 28 days, ovulation typically occurs around 14 days after the first day of your last menstrual period (LMP). Given that your last period started on January 3rd and ended on January 7th, ovulation would likely have occurred around January 17th.
The fertile window, which is the period during which intercourse can lead to conception, generally spans about five days before ovulation and the day of ovulation itself. Therefore, if you had unprotected intercourse on January 23rd, it would be outside your fertile window, as it is about six days after your estimated ovulation date. However, sperm can survive in the female reproductive tract for up to five days, so while the chances are lower, it is still possible, albeit unlikely, to conceive from intercourse that occurs just before your period.

You mentioned that your expected period was January 31st, but it has not arrived by February 3rd. The absence of your period, coupled with symptoms such as breast tenderness and elevated body temperature, could indicate pregnancy. However, the negative pregnancy tests you have taken may suggest otherwise. There are several reasons why a pregnancy test might yield a negative result even if you are pregnant:
1. Timing of the Test: Pregnancy tests measure the hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), which is produced after a fertilized egg implants in the uterus. If you test too early, before your body has produced enough hCG, the test may not detect it.

2. Sensitivity of the Test: Different pregnancy tests have varying sensitivities to hCG. Some tests can detect lower levels of hCG than others.

3. Irregularities in Your Cycle: Stress, illness, or changes in weight can affect your menstrual cycle and may cause a delay in your period.

4. Chemical Pregnancy: Sometimes, a fertilized egg may implant but not develop properly, leading to a very early miscarriage that can cause a missed period without a positive pregnancy test.

Given your symptoms and the missed period, it may be advisable to wait a few more days and then retest. If your period does not arrive and you continue to experience symptoms, consider consulting with a healthcare provider for a blood test, which can provide a more definitive answer regarding pregnancy.

In summary, while it is possible to conceive shortly before your period, the likelihood decreases significantly as you approach menstruation. If you suspect pregnancy, monitoring your symptoms and retesting in a few days is a prudent approach. If you have further concerns or if your symptoms persist, seeking medical advice is always a good idea.

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