Sperm can survive in a woman’s reproductive system for up to 5 days whether the woman is menstruating or not. Thus, even if a woman has sex during her period, sperm from ejaculation may remain inside her reproductive system and may fertilize the egg if ovulation occurs.
Is it possible to get pregnant if I have sex on the last day of my period?
It is possible to get pregnant if you had unprotected sexual intercourse irrespective of the day of your menstrual cycle. Although the average length of the menstrual cycle is 28 days, it may range from 21 to 45 days. The menstrual cycle begins on the first day of your period. Ovulation (release of an egg from the ovary) usually occurs in the middle of the cycle (around the 14th to 16th day in a 28 to 30-day cycle). Women with shorter cycles may ovulate around the 7th day of their cycle. Sperms can survive for about 5 to 6 days in a woman’s reproductive tract. Thus, if you have sex on the last day of your period, you have a chance of getting pregnant.
It is advisable to use protection no matter which day of the cycle it is, although there are lower chances of getting pregnant by having intercourse on the last day of your period. The chances go up if you have a shorter cycle (21-day cycle). Thus, sperm that entered the vagina on the last day of the period may still be alive when a woman ovulates.
What should I do to prevent pregnancy if I had unprotected sex during my period?
You could use the morning-after pill (the emergency contraceptive pill) if you had unprotected sexual intercourse. The pill should be taken as soon as possible, within 5 days (120 hours), after unprotected intercourse. The pill can be procured from a drugstore or a health center without a prescription. It should, however, not be used as a routine contraceptive.
Can I have sex during my period?
Yes, you can have sex while you are having your period. However, sex during your period does not eliminate the chance of becoming pregnant. You must use protection if you do not wish to get pregnant. Sex during your period will also not protect you from getting HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Some studies suggest that there may be higher chances of passing these diseases if you have unprotected sex during your period. Yeast infections are quite common after unprotected sex during your period. You must use a condom while you have sex during your period to protect yourself against STDs and pregnancy. If you are wearing a tampon during your period, make sure you remove it before you have sex. Sexual intercourse may push the tampon up further and you may need medical help to remove it.
An advantage of having sex during your period is that an orgasm could provide relief from menstrual cramps. Besides, period blood can also act as a natural lubricant allowing more comfortable intercourse.
Does raising the legs after sexual intercourse increase the chances of getting pregnant?
You do not need to raise your legs or put your feet up since the pelvis does not move when you raise your legs and it would not affect your chances of getting pregnant. Experts suggest that lying in bed for 10 to 15 minutes after intercourse can increase your chances of getting pregnant. Avoid going to the bathroom for 10 to 15 minutes after sex to increase your chances of getting pregnant. Although there is no prescribed “best position” to conceive, having intercourse while sitting or standing may prevent the sperm from moving up your cervix for fertilization and eventual conception.
QUESTION
The first sign of pregnancy is most often: See AnswerHealth Solutions From Our Sponsors
Planned Parenthood
KidsHealth.org
Top Can Sperm Survive in Menstrual Blood Related Articles
acetaminophen/pamabrom
Acetaminophen/pamabrom is a combination medication available over the counter (OTC), used for the temporary relief of menstrual symptoms (menstrual cramps, backache, headache, other minor pains, and bloating). Common side effects of acetaminophen/pamabrom include hives (urticaria), itchy rash, hypersensitivity reactions, toxicity to the liver (hepatotoxicity), blood disorders, and others. Consult your doctor if pregnant or breastfeeding.black cohosh
Black cohosh is an herbal remedy used to relieve menopausal symptoms, treat menstrual irregularities, induce labor, and treat other conditions including cough, fever, rheumatoid arthritis, and musculoskeletal pain. Common side effects of black cohosh include nausea, vomiting, gastrointestinal upset, weight gain, feeling of heaviness, abdominal pain, diarrhea, shortness of breath, slow heart rate (bradycardia), central nervous system (CNS) disturbances, headache, dizziness, rash, sweating, cramping, joint pains, tremors, and visual disturbances. Black cohosh may cause uterine contractions and lead to miscarriage or premature labor. Do not take if pregnant or breastfeeding.
Can You Get Pregnant on Your Period?
A common myth is that a woman can’t get pregnant while on her period. This is mostly true, but there is a catch here! Very rarely, a woman can get pregnant if she has unprotected sex on the first day of the period. This may happen if she has a 20-day period cycle.
How Many Days After Your Period Can You Get Pregnant?
Getting pregnant just after your period is unlikely, but it’s not impossible. However, the chances of getting pregnant are low right after the periods compared to a few days or a week in the menstrual cycle.
Can You Get Pregnant Without Ovulating?
You can't get pregnant if you are not ovulating because there is no egg for the sperm to fertilize. You can get pregnant if you have unprotected sex anywhere from 5 days before ovulation until 1 day after ovulation. A woman’s complete menstrual cycle is usually 24 to 37 days long, although some women may have somewhat shorter or longer cycles. Ovulation is your fertile phase of each month. During this phase, your ovaries (a woman’s reproductive organs) release an egg (ovum).celecoxib (Celebrex)
Celecoxib (Celebrex - Discontinued Brand) is a NSAID (nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug) that is used to treat pain, arthritis pain, menstrual cramps, and colonic polyps. Celebrex is also used relief of pain, fever, swelling, and tenderness caused by osteoarthritis, juvenile arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. Adverse reactions include heart attack, stroke, and bleeding, ulceration, and perforation of the stomach or intestines, all of which can be fatal. Serious side effects include fainting, vomiting, kidney failure, heart failure, aggravation of hypertension, and others.
Early Pregnancy Symptoms Before Missed Period
Pregnancy symptoms vary from one woman to another. Women could have none of the symptoms but can still go on to have a perfectly healthy pregnancy. Usually missing a period after conception is considered a sign of pregnancy.
16 Early Signs & Symptoms of Pregnancy: Could You Be Pregnant?
What are the early signs and symptoms of pregnancy? Can you know before your missed period? Read about nausea and vomiting (morning sickness), bloating, tender breasts, and more. Explore first trimester symptoms of pregnancy and learn what week pregnancy symptoms start.glutathione
Glutathione is an antioxidant naturally produced by the liver from three amino acids, glycine, cysteine, and glutamic acid. Glutathione is used as an adjunct to chemotherapy. It is also used to treat male infertility, age-related conditions, and liver and heart diseases. Side effects include gastric cramping, nausea, abdominal bloating, allergic reactions, low zinc levels in blood, bronchospasm.horseweed
Horseweed, or Conyza canadensis, is a flowering weed native to North America, but is now found all over the world. Horseweed has been traditionally used to treat diarrhea, bladder problems, menstrual irregularities, and other ailments, however, there are no scientific studies to support any of its uses. Other suggested uses include dysentery, internal hemorrhage, hemorrhoids, nosebleeds, fevers, cough, and bronchitis. Common side effects of horseweed include contact dermatitis. Consult your doctor before taking horseweed if pregnant or breastfeeding.How Can I Improve My Chances of Getting Pregnant?
Delays in getting pregnant may not signal an issue, and can be normal, especially once you are past age 30. You can improve your chances of getting pregnant by understanding your fertility cycle, and having sex on days you are ovulating.
How Do I Know If I'm Pregnant or If My Period Is Just Late?
Could you be pregnant because your period was late? Understand the causes of late, missed, and irregular menstruation. See reasons for a missed period, including early pregnancy. Learn what the menstrual cycle is, and what ovulation means.
How Soon Can You Get Symptoms of Pregnancy?
Early symptoms of pregnancy are usually different for every woman. Some women might experience the first symptoms a week or two after conceiving, whereas others don’t feel anything for months. Many women may tell if they are pregnant within two or three weeks of conceiving, and some women know a lot sooner, even within a few days
How Can You Tell if You're Pregnant if You Have Irregular Periods?
Learn the signs of pregnancy, what causes irregular periods, and when to see a doctor. One common question that teens and women ask is whether they can become pregnant while on their period.
Pregnancy Myths and Facts Quiz
Being pregnant is a delicate time for both mother and baby. Take this pregnancy myths and facts quiz to separate the myths and facts about being pregnant, and learn the truth behind healthy pregnancies!
Pregnancy Planning (Tips)
Pregnancy planning is an important step in preparation for starting or expanding a family. Planning for a pregnancy includes taking prenatal vitamins, eating healthy for you and your baby, disease prevention (for both parents and baby) to prevent birth defects and infections, avoiding certain medications that may be harmful to your baby, how much weight gain is healthy exercise safety and pregnancy, travel during pregnancy.
Early Pregnancy Symptoms: Am I Pregnant?
Pregnancy symptoms can vary from woman to woman, and not all women experience the same symptoms. When women do experience pregnancy symptoms they may include symptoms including missed menstrual period, mood changes, headaches, lower back pain, fatigue, nausea, breast tenderness, and heartburn. Signs and symptoms in late pregnancy include leg swelling and shortness of breath. Options for relief of pregnancy symptoms include exercise, diet, and other lifestyle changes.Lysteda (tranexamic acid)
Lysteda (tranexamic acid) is a medication prescribed to promote blood clotting during menstruation, thus reducing bleeding due to heavy periods (menorrhagia). Non-FDA (off-label) uses are nosebleeds (epistaxis), cone biopsy, hyphema (an eye condition), hereditary angioedema (a condition that is similar to hives). Side effects are anemia, joint pain, headache, fatigue, sinus or nasal problems, muscle spasms and cramps, abdominal pain, migraine, and back pain. It may interact with birth control medications. Lysteda is not approved for during pregnancy, and it is excreted in breast milk. Talk with your OB/GYN about taking this drug if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.