The short answer is yes, there is a possibility of conception if you have intercourse during your period.
It’s a common myth that you can’t conceive during periods. But the reality is very different. Although periods can decrease the chances of getting pregnant, pregnancy can still happen, though it’s rare.
How does pregnancy happen during your period?
Pregnancy happens when male sperm meets an egg within 24 hours after ovulation. This event may take place during periods for two reasons.
The first reason is the time at which ovulation occurs. Although it is difficult to figure out the exact time of ovulation in every woman, ovulation mostly occurs between days 11 and 21 of your menstrual cycle, on average. If the egg isn’t fertilised, your periods will start 12 to 14 days after ovulation.
The second reason is the lifespan of sperm inside the female body. The sperm may remain alive in the body for seven days. So, if a woman has a shorter menstrual cycle, there is less time between ovulation and periods, meaning it may be easier for her to get pregnant on her period.
Can I get my periods while I’m pregnant?
You may bleed when you are pregnant, but that bleeding is entirely different. This is not menstrual bleeding, it is called implantation bleeding and it happens at very start of your pregnancy. Implantation bleeding can usually be seen at the time of your periods, so it can often be mistaken as menstruation.
For more information on the risk of pregnancy during menstruation, make a GP online booking with our virtual doctors today.
References
- What you need to know about contraception (HSE)
- Facts and Myths about contraception
- Types of contraception and how long they take (HSE)
- Types of contraception (HSE)