Can sperm survive in menstrual blood?
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 have 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.
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