Can I Get Pregnant During My Period?
If you’ve found your way to this blog post, you’re likely wondering Can I get pregnant during my period? And if you’re searching for answers to that, you’ve likely got follow-up questions. Not to worry – we are here to help you find the answers!
First of all, let’s answer the main question: yes, you technically can get pregnant during your period [1]… BUT it’s not likely. In the same way that periods vary from one woman to the next, ovulation cycles do, too.
Typical Doesn’t Mean Impossible
With a “typical” cycle, your period and the time of ovulation (the timeframe when you release an egg and are most fertile) don’t overlap [2]. In other words, usually you have your period, and then a few days after it ends, ovulation begins. But we all know hormones don’t always play by the rules. Periods can be short, long, light, or heavy, and overall cycles can also be unpredictable.
Because sperm can live inside a woman’s reproductive system for up to 5 days [3], it is possible for a woman to have sex while on her period and to still have sperm living inside of her when she ovulates. Although the odds of this happening are low, it’s not impossible.
What Could Cause Changes in My Period?
There are lots of things that could contribute to changes in your period, and they range from medical conditions to simple lifestyle factors. Some factors include [4]:
- Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
- Endometriosis
- Thyroid or Pituitary Gland Disorders
- Stress
- Weight Loss or Weight Gain
- Illness
That’s a broad list, and most of us encounter some sort of stress or illness from time to time, so it’s safe to say we all face the possibility of an irregular cycle at some point. Whether or not you have concerns about your cycle, it’s always a good idea to see your doctor on a regular basis and discuss any concerns (including your sexual activity and the possibility of pregnancy). And it’s certainly ok to ask your doctor, “Can I get pregnant during my period?”
Think You Might Be Pregnant?
If your period is late and pregnancy might be a possibility, reach out! Our compassionate medical staff is here to help you figure out what’s going on. We offer free, confidential, medical-grade pregnancy tests, and our services are always free. It’s especially important to have reliable information when you’re facing such big decisions.
Sources:
- Can You Get Pregnant on Your Period? American Pregnancy Association. (n.d.) https://americanpregnancy.org/can-i-get-pregnant-if/can-you-get-pregnant-on-your-period/#:~:text=A%20woman’s%20ovulation%20cycles%20can,increase%20in%20the%20later%20days.
- This May Surprise You – But You Can Get Pregnant On Your Period. Cleveland Clinic. (2024, May 16) https://health.clevelandclinic.org/can-you-get-pregnant-on-your-period
- How Long Do Sperm Live After Ejaculation? Mayo Clinic. (2022, May 5) https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/expert-answers/pregnancy/faq-20058504#:~:text=Ejaculated%20sperm%20remain%20viable%20for,decades%20when%20semen%20is%20frozen.
- Irregular Periods. Cleveland Clinic. (2023, Jan. 18) https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14633-abnormal-menstruation-periods