The question of whether you can get pregnant during your period is a common one and is of great importance for family planning and sexual health. Although the chances are lower, getting pregnant during your period is not impossible. Here are the essential points to consider:
Menstrual cycle and fertility
Menstrual cycle:
- The menstrual cycle is counted from the first day of the period and lasts an average of 28 days, but can vary between 21 and 35 days.
- The cycle consists of several phases: menstruation , follicular phase, ovulation and luteal phase.
Ovulation and fertile window:
- Ovulation, the release of an egg from the ovaries, typically occurs in the middle of the cycle, about 14 days before the start of the next period.
- The fertile window includes the days around ovulation, as sperm can survive in the female reproductive tract for up to five days, while the egg is capable of fertilization approximately 12-24 hours after ovulation.
Pregnancy during menstruation
🤰🏼Irregular cycles:
- If your cycle is irregular, ovulation may occur at different times, making it difficult to calculate your fertile window.
- Some women have a shorter menstrual cycle, with ovulation occurring closer to menstruation.
🤰🏼 Longer menstrual phases:
- If menstruation lasts longer (e.g. 7 days), ovulation may occur soon after the end of the period.
- If intercourse occurs towards the end of the period and sperm survive for several days, fertilization may be possible once ovulation occurs.
🤰🏼 Sperm longevity:
- Sperm can survive in the female body for up to five days. If intercourse takes place during menstruation and ovulation occurs shortly after, the sperm could fertilize the egg.
Myths and misunderstandings
Safety during your period:
- A common myth is that having sex during your period is completely safe and cannot lead to pregnancy. As explained, this is not correct, as sperm viability and irregular cycles can increase the chances of pregnancy.
Symptoms of ovulation :
- Some women feel ovulation through mild pain or increased discharge, which can help to better narrow down the fertile period.
Menstrual cycle and fertility
Menstrual cycle:
- The menstrual cycle is counted from the first day of the period and lasts an average of 28 days, but can vary between 21 and 35 days.
- The cycle consists of several phases: menstruation , follicular phase, ovulation and luteal phase.
Ovulation and fertile window:
- Ovulation, the release of an egg from the ovaries, typically occurs in the middle of the cycle, about 14 days before the start of the next period.
- The fertile window includes the days around ovulation, as sperm can survive in the female reproductive tract for up to five days, while the egg is capable of fertilization approximately 12-24 hours after ovulation.
Pregnancy during menstruation
🤰🏼Irregular cycles:
- If your cycle is irregular, ovulation may occur at different times, making it difficult to calculate your fertile window.
- Some women have a shorter menstrual cycle, with ovulation occurring closer to menstruation.
🤰🏼 Longer menstrual phases:
- If menstruation lasts longer (e.g. 7 days), ovulation may occur soon after the end of the period.
- If intercourse occurs towards the end of the period and sperm survive for several days, fertilization may be possible once ovulation occurs.
🤰🏼 Sperm longevity:
- Sperm can survive in the female body for up to five days. If intercourse takes place during menstruation and ovulation occurs shortly after, the sperm could fertilize the egg.
Myths and misunderstandings
Safety during your period:
- A common myth is that having sex during your period is completely safe and cannot lead to pregnancy. As explained, this is not correct, as sperm viability and irregular cycles can increase the chances of pregnancy.
Symptoms of ovulation :
- Some women feel ovulation through mild pain or increased discharge, which can help to better narrow down the fertile period.
