Is it possible to get pregnant while menstruating?

Although it is rare, it is possible to get pregnant while menstruating if you have unprotected intercourse, especially when you have an irregular menstrual cycle or when the cycle is less than 28 days long.

In a regular cycle of 28 or 30 days, these chances are very low, because, after the end of the menstrual period, there are still around 5 to 7 days until ovulation occurs and sperm survive, at most, 5 days inside the body. of the woman, not having enough time to reach the egg.

Even so, if unprotected sexual intercourse has occurred, the best way to confirm whether you are pregnant or not is by taking a pharmacy test, which must be done from the first day of your missed period. Find out more about this type of test and how it is done.

Why is it possible to get pregnant in a short or irregular cycle?

Unlike what happens in a regular cycle of 28 or 30 days, ovulation in a shorter or irregular cycle can occur up to 5 days after the end of menstruation and, therefore, there is a greater chance of some sperm that have survived, can reach the egg, generating a pregnancy.

Therefore, ideally, women who have a short or irregular cycle should always use a contraceptive method if they are not trying to get pregnant, even during menstruation.

What are the chances of getting pregnant before or after menstruation?

The chances of getting pregnant are greater the later unprotected intercourse occurs and, therefore, it is easier to get pregnant after menstruation. This is because intercourse occurs closer to ovulation and, thus, sperm are able to survive long enough to fertilize the egg.

If intimate contact happens immediately before the menstrual period, the chances are also very small, because ovulation is expected to have happened a few days ago and the egg normally does not survive for that long inside the uterus without being fertilized by a sperm.

How to avoid pregnancy

The safest way to avoid an unwanted pregnancy is to use a contraceptive method, the most effective of which are:

• Male or female condom;
• Contraceptive pill;
• DIU;
• Implant;
• Injectable contraceptive.

The couple must select the method that best suits their needs and continue using it as long as they do not wish to become pregnant, even during menstruation. See a more complete list of contraceptive methods available and the advantages and disadvantages of each.