Can you get pregnant if you have sex during your period?
Yes — it’s possible to get pregnant if you have unprotected sex during your period. But it's not super common, especially during the very beginning of your period.
Here’s the deal: You're most likely to get pregnant when you have sex right before and during ovulation (when an egg is released). Ovulation happens in the middle of your menstrual cycle, usually about 14 days before your period starts. The average menstrual cycle is about 25-30 days, but it can be shorter or longer. It’s important to keep in mind that ovulation is different from person to person. If your periods are irregular, this can make it harder to keep track of when ovulation happens. And if you have a shorter menstrual cycle, you can have a higher chance of getting pregnant from sex during your period.
All of this might sound really complicated—because it is! It can be really hard to know exactly when you’re ovulating.
The best way to prevent pregnancy is to use an effective birth control method like the pill, implant, or shot every time you have sex. If you use birth control correctly, your chances of getting pregnant are really really low — whether you’re on your period or not. You can also add condoms for extra protection from pregnancy and STIs.
Tags: periods, ovulation, am I pregnant, sex during period
