• Published on: Aug 28, 2021
  • 4 minute read
  • By: Dr Rachana Choudhary

Can You Get Pregnant During Your Period? How Likely Is It?

  • WhatsApp share link icon
  • copy & share link icon
  • twitter share link icon
  • facebook share link icon

Can you get pregnant during your period? How likely is it?

In theory, you can get pregnant on your period. The chances of getting pregnant range between 1% to 5%, depending on when you ovulated and when your menstrual cycle starts.

Note: First talk with gynaecologist before trying anything here. They'll help figure out the best time for you to start an experiment (and take pills that will prevent pregnancy) - so any attempts are low-risk due to those precautions!

Lesson One: Doctor What's a Good Time?  If you're not ready for a child right now (or want one now), have follow-ups with the gynaecology doctor about what would be the best time for experimenting without risking it more than necessary (which is what makes following guidelines important).

If a woman is ovulating, it is possible to get pregnant. Ovulation can happen at any point during the menstrual cycle and women have an average of 14-24 eggs maturing in their ovaries at any given time. Sperm are known to remain alive inside the body for 5 days, so there's plenty of opportunity for pregnancy while on your period.

Sperm can survive outside the uterus for about 5 days after sex if deposited into fertile cervical mucus. The female reproductive tract becomes receptive to fertilization only about two days before ovulation takes place (release of an egg from one of the ovaries). But sperm may stay viable inside you or your partner's body anywhere from 3 up to five full days It is possible to become pregnant on your period. Though, it is not that common.

The average menstrual cycle lasts 28 days, from the day after your last one begins until the first day of the following cycle. That means you can get pregnant about two weeks out of every four—so 12 months out of every year and around 25% of a year. But for many women (10% or more), periods are irregular which makes contraceptive choices tricky when trying to track ovulation cycles and so more difficult to stay safe from pregnancy without risking an unplanned baby or STI exposure to have sex with their partner if they haven’t been using condoms during intercourse was broken hormonal contraceptive pill use so far during this new cycle Answer: This is more likely. The male orgasm happens when semen is sent into the vagina through penile ejaculation. Men usually produce millions of sperm every day and females ovulate only one egg per month, so what do you think?

I am sorry to say that some people conceive this way. But if you want to reduce your risk, it would be better for your partner to use a contraceptive like condoms or not have sex at all during your period. Other ways of getting pregnant on your period are by using in vitro fertilization or even with another man's sperm (heterosexual women can get pregnant from anal sex). The menstrual cycle is not a straight line, though it usually does start and end at the same time each month, so technically you can always get pregnant during your period. As doctors, we often discuss the risk of getting pregnant in terms of days past ovulation- with all other things being equal for two people who have sex on the day they ovulate (i.e., 12 days apart), one's chance of becoming pregnant is 12%. If it has been less than a day since ovulation, however, even if the female partner is bleeding (like right after her period), there is still sperm in her vagina that could potentially make its way up into her uterus and fallopian tubes enough to fertilize an egg from that cycle.

There are four indicators to know if you can get pregnant on your period. One, is the possible pregnancy? The possibility of getting pregnant in a cycle is high unless there was an illness or termination of pregnancy during that time. Two, Can women get their menstrual period while they’re pregnant? A woman's body does not produce enough natural hormones for her to have a monthly menstruation during her pregnancy because it is at its peak around the end of gestation (towards the 36 week mark). Three, Can you be fertile when on your periods?

When we ovulate our estrogen hormone levels rise and keep sperm alive up until halfway through our cycles when egg starts producing less estrogens.

It's possible because of ovulation that can happen mid-cycle. The odds change depending on certain factors like your cycles and whether you have any STDs. For instance, if an egg is just released from the ovary before menstruation starts then it has about 12 hours to fertilize with sperm so as long as there was recent intercourse at least 12 hours prior to a woman's first day of the period then it is definitely possible to get pregnant while on her period!

The best time for getting pregnant without birth control use is 4 days before your next period (the very next day before your yearly birthday). Birth control pills make it difficult for pregnancy so the chances are fairly low that you would become pregnant this

The chance of getting pregnant during your period is highly unlikely.  The probability that you’ll get pregnant during one menstrual cycle has been estimated to be approximately 1%. In order to conceive while menstruating, a sperm would need to make it past the fluids and reach the egg outside the uterus—that's a lot easier said than done. (e.g., about an inch away from impregnating a woman) Sperm does not actually live very long- typically less than 3 days at body temperature (we can't measure this precisely as sperm production is often unknown and fluid can make them last longer). It is possible to conceive a baby if it happens during ovulation, which typically occurs in the middle of your menstrual cycle.

In other words, there's reason to believe you can get pregnant while on your period as long as your periods are regular and you're ovulating at the time of conception. If we assume that an average woman has 280 days in her menstrual cycle, then any day from Day 91 through Day 365 would be the day when she could fall pregnant - assuming she had intercourse after the fertile window opened at around 4-6 pm on Day 11. As a rule of thumb, dating apps and sexual health websites recommend waiting until seven or more days after menstruation begins before having sex again.

There are a number of factors that play a role in this, chief among them timing. In general, most women ovulate about two weeks from the last menstrual period (LMP), or cycle day 13. A woman's menstrual cycle can be as short as 21 days or as long as 35 days, though long cycles are more uncommon than shorter ones. This means a woman could be pregnant if they have sex on around day 14-17 of their cycle after LMP if ovulation happens to fall on either those days or one day previous to any one of those days. If it is not even going to happen in the next 4-5 months but you would like to get pregnant and need some STD testing done.

Read Blog
Dengue Fever Symptoms in Early Monsoon

Dengue Fever Symptoms in Early Monsoon: What You Should Know

As the early monsoon rains begin to fall across India, they bring much-needed relief from the scorching summer heat. But along with the cool showers comes a sharp rise in mosquito-borne illnesses—especially Dengue Fever. This illness affects thousands every year, and early detection is the key to fast recovery.

In this blog, we'll break down everything you need to know about Dengue Fever symptoms in early monsoon, how to stay safe, when to get tested, and how you can protect your family.

 

Why Dengue Fever Spikes in Early Monsoon?

The monsoon season creates the perfect environment for mosquitoes, especially the Aedes aegypti mosquito that transmits dengue. Stagnant water collects in drains, pots, coolers, and even bottle caps, allowing mosquitoes to breed rapidly.

Unlike malaria, which spreads during the night, dengue mosquitoes bite during the day, making them even more dangerous for schoolchildren and office-goers.

 

What is Dengue Fever?

Dengue is a viral infection caused by the dengue virus (DENV), which has four different strains. Once infected with one type, you gain lifelong immunity to that type, but subsequent infections with a different strain can be more severe.

There is no specific cure for dengue, so early diagnosis and symptom management are crucial.

 

Common Dengue Fever Symptoms in Early Monsoon

Symptoms usually appear 4 to 10 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. They can range from mild to severe.

Here are the top signs to watch for:

1. Sudden High Fever (104°F or above)

One of the first symptoms. The fever appears quickly and is often accompanied by chills.

2. Severe Headache

Particularly behind the eyes, this is one of the most consistent signs of dengue.

3. Pain in Muscles and Joints (Breakbone Fever)

Extreme body pain gives dengue its nickname "breakbone fever."

4. Nausea and Vomiting

These symptoms may appear early and worsen as the infection progresses.

5. Skin Rash

A red, patchy rash appears on the skin, usually 2–5 days after fever starts.

6. Fatigue and Weakness

Even after the fever subsides, weakness can last for weeks.

7. Low Platelet Count

Detected through blood tests, this is the most serious indicator and must be monitored closely.

 

Warning Signs of Severe Dengue

If left untreated or if it worsens, dengue can develop into Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever or Dengue Shock Syndrome, both of which are life-threatening.

Seek immediate medical help if you notice:

  • Bleeding gums or nose

  • Blood in urine or stool

  • Vomiting blood

  • Severe abdominal pain

  • Difficulty breathing

  • Persistent vomiting
     

 

When Should You Get Tested?

If you have a fever for more than 2 days, especially during the monsoon, get tested immediately.

Recommended tests:

  • Dengue NS1 Antigen Test (for early detection)

  • Dengue IgG & IgM Test

  • Complete Blood Count (CBC)

  • Platelet Count

  • Liver Function Test (LFT)
     

You can book all these tests from SecondMedic.com, powered by Thyrocare, from the comfort of your home.

 

How to Prevent Dengue During Monsoon

Here are some simple yet effective tips:

Don’t Let Water Accumulate

Empty buckets, coolers, flowerpots, and unused containers regularly.

Use Mosquito Repellents

Apply creams or sprays, especially during the day when dengue mosquitoes are active.

Wear Full-Sleeved Clothing

Covering your arms and legs can reduce mosquito bites significantly.

Use Mosquito Nets and Screens

Even though these mosquitoes bite during the day, nets can offer added protection.

Keep Your Surroundings Clean

Avoid litter and waterlogging near your house or society.

 

Who is Most at Risk?

Dengue can affect anyone, but certain groups are more vulnerable:

  • Children

  • Elderly people

  • Pregnant women

  • People with weakened immunity
     

If you or a loved one falls into these categories, it’s even more important to take extra precautions during the early monsoon season.

 

When to See a Doctor

  • If you have a high fever that does not respond to paracetamol

  • If symptoms worsen after 2–3 days of self-treatment

  • If there are signs of internal bleeding or low platelet count
     

Don't delay. Dengue is manageable if caught early.

 

Recovery Tips After Dengue

  • Stay well-hydrated (ORS, coconut water, soups)

  • Eat iron-rich foods to rebuild your blood count

  • Avoid physical exertion for at least 2–3 weeks

  • Follow up with blood tests to monitor platelet recovery
     

 

Conclusion

The monsoon season is refreshing but brings hidden dangers like dengue. Recognizing Dengue Fever Symptoms in Early Monsoon can help you take action quickly, protect your family, and reduce health risks.

 If you notice any symptoms of dengue fever in early monsoon, book a test today on www.secondmedic.com and consult with expert doctors online.

See all

Live Doctor consultation
Live Doctor Chat

Download Our App & Get Consultation from anywhere.

App Download
call icon for mobile number calling and whatsapp at secondmedic