• 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
Anxiety Could Be Linked to Your Gut Health

Why Your Anxiety Could Be Linked to Your Gut Health

Have you ever had “butterflies in your stomach” before a big event? Or felt your stomach twist when you’re nervous? These feelings are more than just expressions. They reveal a real connection between your brain and your gut. Today, science is uncovering fascinating links between gut health and mental health—especially anxiety. Let’s explore how your gut might be silently affecting your mood and why it’s so important to keep it healthy.

The Gut-Brain Connection: More Than You Think

The gut and brain are connected through a network known as the gut-brain axis. This communication highway uses nerves, hormones, and chemicals to send messages between the two. The vagus nerve, the longest cranial nerve, plays a key role in this connection. It runs from your brain to your abdomen and helps regulate digestion, mood, and even immune response.

This means your brain can affect your gut—and your gut can affect your brain.

Meet Your Second Brain: The Gut Microbiome

Your gut is home to trillions of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms. This complex ecosystem is called the gut microbiome. It helps you digest food, absorb nutrients, fight harmful germs, and even create important chemicals.

Surprisingly, many of these chemicals influence your mood. One key player is serotonin, a “feel-good” hormone. Did you know that about 90% of serotonin is made in the gut? So, if your gut is unhealthy, your mood could suffer too.

How Gut Health Affects Anxiety

When your gut microbiome is balanced, you feel good—physically and mentally. But when it’s out of balance (a condition called dysbiosis), problems can begin.

1. Inflammation

An unhealthy gut can cause inflammation throughout the body, including the brain. This inflammation can interfere with normal brain function and contribute to anxiety and other mood disorders.

2. Leaky Gut Syndrome

If the gut lining becomes too weak, harmful bacteria and toxins can leak into the bloodstream. This is known as leaky gut. These toxins may trigger inflammation and affect your nervous system, increasing feelings of stress and anxiety.

3. Poor Nutrient Absorption

The gut absorbs nutrients like magnesium, B vitamins, and omega-3s—all of which are essential for brain health. If your gut isn’t working well, your brain might not get what it needs to stay calm and balanced.

4. Chemical Imbalance

The gut produces neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin. An imbalance in gut bacteria can disrupt their production, potentially leading to anxiety, depression, or mood swings.

Signs Your Gut Might Be Affecting Your Mental Health

If you’re struggling with anxiety, it’s worth asking whether your gut could be involved. Here are some signs your gut health might be impacting your mood:

  • Frequent bloating or gas

  • Constipation or diarrhea

  • Sugar cravings

  • Food intolerances

  • Brain fog or difficulty concentrating

  • Feeling tired all the time

  • Poor sleep quality
     

If you have both anxiety and digestive issues, the two could be connected.

How to Improve Gut Health and Reduce Anxiety

Thankfully, you can take simple steps to support your gut health—and improve your mental well-being along the way.

1. Eat More Fiber

Fiber feeds the good bacteria in your gut. Add more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes to your diet. Foods like apples, bananas, carrots, oats, and lentils are excellent choices.

2. Include Probiotics and Prebiotics

Probiotics are live bacteria that help balance your gut microbiome. You can find them in yogurt, kefir, kimchi, sauerkraut, and miso. Prebiotics, on the other hand, are foods that feed your good bacteria—like garlic, onions, and bananas.

3. Limit Processed and Sugary Foods

Sugar and highly processed foods can promote bad bacteria and inflammation. Try to reduce your intake of soft drinks, white bread, fast food, and sweets.

4. Manage Stress

Chronic stress can disrupt gut health. Practice stress-reducing techniques like deep breathing, meditation, yoga, or even spending time in nature.

5. Exercise Regularly

Physical activity helps regulate the gut microbiome and boosts mood-enhancing chemicals in the brain. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days.

6. Get Enough Sleep

Poor sleep affects both gut health and mental health. Aim for 7–9 hours of quality sleep every night. A relaxing bedtime routine can help.

7. Stay Hydrated

Water helps keep your digestion smooth and your gut bacteria balanced. Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day.

8. Consider Supplements (If Needed)

If dietary changes aren’t enough, consider talking to a healthcare provider about probiotic or vitamin supplements. Don’t self-medicate—always consult a professional first.

When to See a Doctor

If you’re experiencing severe anxiety, depression, or digestive problems, don’t ignore it. A doctor or mental health professional can help you find the right treatment. In some cases, therapy, medication, or medical tests may be necessary.

Also, a nutritionist or gastroenterologist can help you identify and manage any gut-related issues contributing to your mental health symptoms.

Final Thoughts

Your gut is not just about digestion—it plays a powerful role in how you feel emotionally. Modern research shows that keeping your gut healthy can positively impact anxiety and overall mental well-being.

By taking simple steps to support your digestive system—like eating well, managing stress, and getting enough sleep—you can help improve both your gut and your mind.

 

Conclusion

In today’s fast-paced world, taking care of your mental health is more important than ever. And one of the most overlooked ways to do that is by taking care of your gut. From serotonin production to inflammation control, your gut plays a major role in how you feel every day. So next time you're feeling anxious, take a moment to think about your digestive health too. After all, it’s not just in your head—it could be in your stomach too.

If you're wondering why your anxiety could be linked to your gut health, it's time to start listening to your gut and making changes that support your entire well-being.

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