Can You Get Pregnant on Your Period?

A common myth is that you can’t get pregnant on your period. But is it true? The answer is not so simple. It depends on your cycle length, ovulation date, and sperm lifespan. – Let’s break it down.

Cycle Length

Your cycle length is the number of days from the first day of your period to the day before your next period starts. The average cycle length is 28 days, but it can vary from 21 to 35 days or more. The shorter your cycle, the higher the chance of getting pregnant on your period.

Ovulation Date

Ovulation is when your ovary releases an egg that can be fertilized by sperm.

Ovulation usually occurs around the middle of your cycle, but it can vary from person to person and month to month.

The egg can survive for up to 24 hours after ovulation.

If you ovulate early or have a long period, you may be fertile during or right after your period.

Terrain Map

Sperm can live for up to five days inside your body, depending on the conditions of your cervical mucus. Cervical mucus is a fluid that changes throughout your cycle to help or hinder sperm movement. Around ovulation, your cervical mucus becomes thin, clear, and stretchy, which helps sperm swim and survive longer. If you have sex during or before your period, sperm may still be alive when you ovulate.

Sperm Lifespan

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The Bottom Line

Getting pregnant on your period is unlikely, but not impossible. To reduce the risk of unwanted pregnancy, use contraception every time you have sex, regardless of where you are in your cycle. To increase the chance of getting pregnant, track your ovulation and have sex during your fertile window, which is the six days leading up to and including ovulation.

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