healthdirect, the Australian government's health information service, notes that it can take three to six cycles to learn to correctly identify your fertile days. That's a useful reality check for anyone hoping their period marks a reliably "safe" time.
So, can you get pregnant during your period? It's less likely, but it's possible, and the reason lies in how long sperm and eggs survive.
Quick answer: Yes, you can get pregnant during your period, though the chance is lower than around ovulation. healthdirect says sperm can live in the body for up to 5 days, so if you ovulate soon after your period, for example in a short cycle, sex while bleeding can result in pregnancy. Your period is not contraception.
Can you get pregnant while on your period?
It can happen. US hospital network Cleveland Clinic describes pregnancy from unprotected period sex as possible but not probable, and lists short cycles, long periods and early ovulation as situations that raise the risk. Australian guidance explains the biology behind it.
How long do sperm and eggs survive?
The healthdirect fertility awareness page says sperm can survive for up to 5 days after ejaculation, while an egg survives only 12 to 24 hours after ovulation. You're most likely to conceive on the 5 days before ovulation and on ovulation day itself. Sperm from sex late in your period may still be present when an egg is released.
When does ovulation happen?
Victoria's Better Health Channel says ovulation usually happens about two weeks before your next period. Pregnancy is possible from five days before ovulation through to the day itself, and it's more likely in the three days leading up to and including ovulation. healthdirect adds that your most fertile days depend on how long your cycle is.
Can I rely on tracking my cycle to avoid pregnancy?
Only with care. healthdirect says fertility awareness is reliable if used correctly, but you're more likely to become pregnant with it than with other contraception methods, and it isn't suitable if your periods are irregular. Our guide to fertility awareness covers the methods in more depth.
When to see a GP
- You want contraception advice, or you're planning to stop your current method.
- You think you might be pregnant.
- Your periods are irregular, which makes fertile days harder to predict.
- You've been trying to conceive for 12 months (if you're 35 or younger) or 6 months (if you're 36 or older) without success, as healthdirect advises.
Frequently asked questions
Are you fertile straight after your period?
You can be. Cleveland Clinic says sex right after a period is risky because fertility starts ramping up around then. healthdirect notes your most fertile days depend on your cycle length, so in a shorter cycle, ovulation may come only days after bleeding stops. Use contraception if you don't want to get pregnant.
How long is the fertile window?
healthdirect says you're most likely to conceive on the 5 days before ovulation and on the day of ovulation, which makes about six days in each cycle. The Better Health Channel agrees that the three days leading up to and including ovulation carry the highest chance of pregnancy.
Can a period cup stop me getting pregnant?
No. A period cup collects menstrual blood and is not a contraceptive, so it won't prevent pregnancy. If you want to avoid falling pregnant, talk to your GP or a sexual health clinic about contraception options, or call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 for advice.
Learning your cycle often starts with noticing your period. The Lunette period cup has measuring lines, so you can keep an eye on how much you bleed each cycle. This menstrual cup is made in Finland from 100% medical-grade silicone; it's period care, not contraception. Use our size guide to choose your size.
This article is general information and doesn't replace advice from your GP. For health questions, call healthdirect on 1800 022 222, or triple zero (000) in an emergency.
