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

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

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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
H5N1 Bird Flu

H5N1 Bird Flu: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment India

Bird flu, also known as Avian Influenza, is a viral infection that spreads mainly among birds. One of the most dangerous types is H5N1, which can also infect humans and cause serious illness. In recent months, India has seen a rise in H5N1 bird flu outbreaks across several states, raising concern among health officials and the general public. This blog will help you understand what H5N1 bird flu is, how it spreads, the symptoms to watch out for, treatment options, and how to stay safe.

 

What is H5N1 Bird Flu?

H5N1 is a type of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus. It mainly affects domestic and wild birds but can occasionally infect humans and other animals like cats, tigers, and even pigs. The virus was first discovered in 1997 in Hong Kong and has since caused outbreaks around the world, including India.

The term "H5N1" refers to the two proteins on the virus surface: Hemagglutinin (H5) and Neuraminidase (N1). These determine how the virus infects cells and spreads.

 

H5N1 Bird Flu in India: The Current Situation

India has reported multiple outbreaks of H5N1 in 2025:

  • In Andhra Pradesh, eight outbreaks were confirmed, and over 600,000 birds were either killed by the virus or culled to prevent further spread.

  • A 2-year-old girl from Andhra Pradesh tragically died from H5N1, marking a rare and serious human case.

  • Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh has also been affected. Authorities have shut down poultry shops and started culling operations.

  • Other states like Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, and Bihar have reported cases in poultry and wild birds.
     

These outbreaks highlight the urgent need for public awareness and preventive measures.

 

How Does H5N1 Spread?

H5N1 bird flu spreads mainly from infected birds to other birds and sometimes to humans.

Among Birds:

  • Direct contact with infected birds (alive or dead)

  • Contact with droppings, saliva, or feathers

  • Contaminated feed, water, cages, or tools
     

From Birds to Humans:

  • Close contact with infected poultry (handling, cleaning cages)

  • Eating undercooked or raw poultry products

  • Visiting live bird markets

  • Inhaling dust from contaminated bird droppings
     

It’s important to note that H5N1 does not spread easily from person to person. However, if the virus mutates, it could potentially lead to human-to-human transmission.

 

Symptoms of H5N1 Bird Flu in Humans

Symptoms of H5N1 infection in humans can appear within 2 to 8 days after exposure. These include:

  • High fever (above 38°C)

  • Cough and sore throat

  • Muscle pain

  • Shortness of breath

  • Fatigue and weakness

  • Eye infections (conjunctivitis)
     

In more serious cases, the infection can lead to:

  • Pneumonia

  • Multi-organ failure

  • Sepsis

  • Death
     

Immediate medical attention is critical if you suspect H5N1 infection.

 

How is H5N1 Diagnosed?

If a person shows flu-like symptoms and has been exposed to infected birds, doctors may recommend the following tests:

  • Throat or nasal swab for virus detection

  • Chest X-ray to check for pneumonia

  • Blood tests to monitor organ function
     

Samples are sent to specialized laboratories for confirmation. The National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune is one such testing center in India.

 

Treatment for H5N1 Bird Flu

There is no specific cure for H5N1, but early treatment can reduce complications. Doctors often use antiviral drugs like:

  • Oseltamivir (Tamiflu)

  • Zanamivir (Relenza)
     

These medicines work best when taken within 48 hours of symptom onset.

Supportive Care Includes:

  • Oxygen support

  • Fluids through IV

  • Fever-reducing medications

  • Monitoring vital organs
     

Hospitalization is usually necessary, especially in severe cases.

 

How to Prevent H5N1 Bird Flu

Personal Precautions:

  • Wash your hands regularly with soap.

  • Wear masks and gloves while handling birds or cleaning bird cages.

  • Avoid touching dead birds.

  • Cook poultry and eggs thoroughly (internal temperature should reach 70°C).
     

Avoid:

  • Visiting live bird markets

  • Consuming raw or half-cooked eggs

  • Buying poultry from unlicensed vendors
     

For Poultry Farmers:

  • Separate sick birds immediately.

  • Disinfect poultry areas regularly.

  • Report unusual bird deaths to local veterinary authorities.

  • Don’t allow wild birds near poultry areas.
     

Vaccination:

While poultry vaccines exist, there’s currently no approved vaccine for humans against H5N1. However, scientists are working on new vaccines due to the rising global threat.

 

Government Steps in India

The Indian government, through the Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying and Ministry of Health, is actively:

  • Monitoring bird flu outbreaks

  • Running awareness campaigns

  • Banning transport of poultry in affected areas

  • Setting up containment zones

  • Coordinating with WHO and international health bodies
     

States like Andhra Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh have already taken swift action, including culling and disinfection drives.

 

When to See a Doctor

You should see a doctor immediately if:

  • You develop flu-like symptoms after visiting a poultry farm or market

  • You have handled sick or dead birds recentl

  • Your symptoms worsen quickly (breathing issues, chest pain)
     

Early diagnosis and treatment can be life-saving.

 

Conclusion

The H5N1 bird flu is a serious health concern, especially with the recent rise in cases across India. While the risk of human infection remains low, it’s important to stay informed and cautious. If you handle birds or poultry, take proper safety measures and follow local health advisories.

The key to preventing an outbreak lies in awareness, early detection, and strict hygiene practices. Stay updated on the latest news from official health authorities and avoid panic.

If you want to stay safe and informed, bookmark this guide on "H5N1 Bird Flu: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment India" and share it with your friends and family.

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