Yes, there is a possibility of pregnancy during your period. However, it is generally considered to be lower than during other phases of your menstrual cycle. To understand why, experts at the best fertility centre advise females to know a little bit about how their menstrual cycle works. Your cycle begins on the first day of your period, which is when you start bleeding. During this time, the lining of your uterus is shedding, and you are releasing an egg (or ovulating) approximately 14 days later.
Sperm can survive inside the female reproductive tract for up to five days. This means that if you have sex during your period, and you happen to ovulate shortly afterward, there is a possibility that the sperm can fertilise the egg and result in pregnancy. While it is unlikely, there are a few factors that can increase the likelihood of getting pregnant during your period. These include:
- A shorter menstrual cycle: If you have a shorter menstrual cycle (e.g., 21 days), you may ovulate soon after your period ends, which could increase your chances of getting pregnant if you have sex during your period.
- Irregular cycles: If your menstrual cycle is irregular, it can be more difficult to predict when you will ovulate. This means that you could ovulate during your period or shortly afterward, increasing the possibility of getting pregnant.
- Longer periods: If your period lasts longer than the average five to seven days, you may be more likely to ovulate soon after your period ends, which could increase the chances of getting pregnant.
- Bleeding between periods: If you experience bleeding between periods, it could be a sign of ovulation, which means that you could get pregnant if you have sex during this time.
It is important to note that the likelihood of getting pregnant during your period is still relatively low, especially if you have a regular menstrual cycle. However, if you are trying to avoid pregnancy, it is always a good idea to use contraception, even during your period. Some common methods of contraception include:
- Hormonal contraceptives: These include birth control pills, patches, injections, and vaginal rings. They work by preventing ovulation, thinning the lining of the uterus, and thickening cervical mucus to prevent sperm from reaching the egg.
- Barrier methods: These include condoms, diaphragms, and cervical caps. They work by preventing sperm from reaching the egg.
- Intrauterine devices (IUDs): These are small, T-shaped devices that are inserted into the uterus. They work by preventing sperm from reaching the egg and by thinning the lining of the uterus.
- Fertility awareness-based methods: These involve tracking your menstrual cycle to determine when you are most fertile and avoiding sex during that time. This method can be less reliable than other forms of contraception, but it can be effective if done correctly.
Conclusion
There is a possibility of getting pregnant during your period, although it is generally considered to be lower than during other phases of your menstrual cycle. This likelihood can be increased if you have a shorter menstrual cycle, irregular cycles, longer periods, or bleeding between periods. If you are trying to avoid pregnancy, it is always a good idea to use contraception, even during your period. There are many different types of contraception available, so it is important to talk to your healthcare provider to determine which method is right for you.
