Can You Get Pregnant If You Have Sex During Your Period
This is a common question, and many women have asked it at some point in their lives when balancing personal and professional goals against the desire to become mothers and get pregnant.[1]
Since this is a frequent doubt, we consider it important to clear it up, which is why the goal of this blog is to provide tools to help you make a better decision when it comes to starting a family.
I had sex during my period. Could I be pregnant?
The short answer is yes. However, it is important to note that the probability is less common during this stage of the cycle than when you are ovulating, but it is not entirely ruled out.[1-2]
This is because the menstrual period is different for every woman or menstruating person. In general, the cycle lasts 28 days, but some experience it between 21 and 30 days. The shorter the time between one ovulation and the next, the more likely it is to create an embryo that can implant in the uterus.
In theory, ovulation occurs 14 days before your period. If you have an irregular period, it will be nearly impossible to determine when ovulation will occur, the time when fertilization can happen, and with it, pregnancy.[2]
Also, remember that the egg can survive in the uterus for about 24 hours, while sperm, in a young and healthy couple, can live up to 5 days.
Let’s take the example of a woman with a short 21-day period. For her, ovulation will start 7 days after her period ends. That means her fertility window will begin 6 days before ovulation, considering that sperm can live inside the uterus for 5 days.
Fertility begins right on the second day of menstruation, so if you have sex during these days, there is a possibility of conceiving during your period.[1-2]
Okay… What causes short cycles?
If you are worried about not being able to conceive during your period and hope to increase your chances of getting pregnant, we suggest avoiding the following to regulate your cycles:[3]
- Anxiety: If you have a fast-paced lifestyle, poor sleep, and an unbalanced diet, this is harmful to your overall health and will make your menstrual cycles irregular.
Find a balance between healthy eating, getting enough sleep, and prioritizing your mental health. There are various tools to help you feel calm and centered.[2-3] - Rapid weight gain and loss: The human body is a perfect machine, and if we disrupt its balance through our actions, it becomes impossible for our period to regulate.
Eating healthy takes discipline; it’s not easy, but it’s not impossible either. Avoid fried, irritating foods; find fruits and vegetables you enjoy and create combinations. The sky’s the limit![3]
We also know that weight fluctuations can result from other illnesses, which is why it’s important to listen to your body and care for it. - Excessive exercise: Having an exercise routine is important as it helps release serotonin, the happiness hormone, which allows us to feel relaxed.
However, too much exercise can also cause hormonal imbalances that could prevent pregnancy. - Illnesses: Some conditions, like cancer, thyroid problems, or diabetes, can be aggressive. These not only affect certain systems or organs but also hinder conception.[4]
- Medication and toxic substance use: Drug and alcohol use can cause imbalances that affect all natural processes in the body, including the process of conception.
I want to get pregnant, what should I do?
Consult a healthcare professional who can guide you on your current state and any needs you may have when deciding to have a baby, whether with a partner or independently.[3-5]
You should stop consuming substances such as alcohol and drugs, as this will improve fertility and maternal-fetal health.
Eat properly and take supplements like iron and folic acid, as well as essential vitamins and minerals to prepare your body and your partner’s body for pregnancy.[5]
Exercise is necessary to keep your body healthy.
Avoid, as much as possible, stressful situations.
Monitor your cervical mucus and your basal temperature.[6]
Try to have intercourse 5 days before and 5 days after ovulation.
At UR-Crea, we are motivated to help you achieve your dream of starting a family, which is why we offer various techniques and treatments that we are confident can align with your goals and needs.[7]
What is UR Crea and how can we help you if you have infertility issues?
At UR Crea Reproductive Medicine, we have over 30 years of experience. We offer different types of treatments such as in vitro fertilization, ovarian rejuvenation, egg donation, and the ROPA method, among others. For this reason, we carry out a diagnostic protocol that is key to helping you.
Our network is made up of a team of specialists in gynecology and obstetrics, reproductive biology, embryology, perinatology, anesthesiology, and nursing staff; all are trained to provide excellent patient care.
We nurture the dreams of those who long to be mothers and fathers. That’s why we provide a trusting environment based on the ethics and professionalism of our team, who give personal and compassionate care. Come and meet us!
References:
- Planned Parenthood. If I have sex during my period, can I get pregnant? Available at: https://www.plannedparenthood.org/es/blog/alguien-nos-pregunto-si-tengo-sexo-durante-mi-periodo-puedo-quedar-embarazada
- Medical News Today in Spanish. Can you get pregnant during your period? Available at: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/es/se-puede-quedar-embarazada-menstruando#puedes-quedar-embarazada-durante-tu-periodo
- Clear Blue.com. Can you get pregnant during your period? Available at: https://es.clearblue.com/como-quedarse-embarazada/quedarse-embarazada-durante-periodo#what-can-i-do
- Medline Plus. How to get pregnant. Available at: https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/ency/patientinstructions/000513.htm
- Mayo Clinic. How to get pregnant. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/es/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/in-depth/how-to-get-pregnant/art-20047611
- UR-Crea website. Treatments. Available at:https://ur-crea.mx/en/treatments/
- UR-Crea website. Techniques. Available at:https://ur-crea.mx/en/technicas/
