• 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.

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Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV)

Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV): Treatment & Symptoms

Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a respiratory virus that causes illness in people of all ages, particularly young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems. The virus can lead to conditions such as bronchitis, pneumonia, and upper respiratory infections. With rising cases globally and in India, awareness about HMPV, its symptoms, and available treatment options is essential.

In this blog, we'll break down everything you need to know about Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV): Treatment & Symptoms in easy-to-understand language.

 

What is Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV)?

HMPV is a virus that belongs to the Paramyxoviridae family—the same group of viruses responsible for illnesses like RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) and mumps. It was first discovered in 2001 but is now known to have been circulating for decades.

The virus mainly affects the respiratory tract and can range from mild cold-like symptoms to severe lower respiratory infections. It spreads most commonly in late winter and spring, similar to flu season.

 

HMPV in India: Current Overview

In 2025, several hospitals in India have seen a rise in cases of HMPV among children and elderly patients. Though not as widely known as COVID-19 or flu, Human Metapneumovirus is a common cause of pediatric hospital admissions during respiratory infection surges.

Doctors advise taking it seriously because it can mimic flu or pneumonia, making early diagnosis crucial.

 

Common Symptoms of HMPV

The symptoms of HMPV are similar to other respiratory viruses. They can range from mild cold-like symptoms to severe breathing difficulties, especially in vulnerable groups.

Main Symptoms Include:

  • Fever

  • Cough

  • Runny nose

  • Nasal congestion

  • Sore throat

  • Wheezing

  • Shortness of breath

  • Fatigue

  • Loss of appetite (especially in children)
     

In severe cases, it can lead to bronchitis or pneumonia.

 

How is HMPV Transmitted?

Human Metapneumovirus spreads from person to person through:

  • Coughing and sneezing

  • Close personal contact

  • Touching contaminated surfaces or hands
     

The virus can survive on surfaces like toys, doorknobs, and tables for several hours. That’s why regular handwashing and hygiene are essential.

 

How is HMPV Diagnosed?

Since HMPV symptoms resemble other viral infections, a lab test is the only way to confirm the virus.

Tests may include:

  • RT-PCR (Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction) for detecting viral RNA

  • Nasopharyngeal swabs

  • Rapid antigen tests (less common)
     

In India, you can book respiratory virus panels or flu-like illness tests from diagnostic labs like Thyrocare through SecondMedic to check for multiple viruses including HMPV.

 

Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV): Treatment

There is no specific antiviral drug for HMPV. Treatment is mainly supportive, aimed at relieving symptoms.

Supportive Treatments:

  • Fever reducers like paracetamol

  • Cough suppressants

  • Steam inhalation

  • Hydration (drinking fluids)

  • Rest
     

Hospitalization is required if:

  • Breathing becomes difficult

  • Oxygen levels drop

  • Patient is elderly, a young child, or has chronic illnesses (like asthma or heart disease)
     

Doctors may provide oxygen therapy or nebulizers to ease breathing in severe cases.

 

How to Prevent HMPV

As with many respiratory infections, prevention is the best protection.

Tips to Avoid Infection:

  • Wash your hands regularly with soap and water.

  • Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers when outside.

  • Cover mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing.

  • Avoid touching your face, especially eyes and nose.

  • Disinfect commonly used surfaces at home and work.

  • Avoid close contact with sick individuals.

  • Wear a mask in crowded places during flu season.
     

There is no vaccine for HMPV yet, but researchers are working on developing one.

 

Who is Most at Risk?

  • Infants and toddlers (under 5 years)

  • Adults over 65

  • People with weakened immune systems

  • Individuals with chronic respiratory or heart diseases
     

These groups may experience more severe symptoms and need urgent care if infected.

 

When to See a Doctor

You should consult a doctor if:

  • Symptoms last more than 5–7 days

  • Breathing becomes difficult

  • Fever is very high or persistent

  • There's chest pain or confusion

  • A child has a bluish face or lips
     

Early intervention can prevent complications.

 

Recommended Tests on SecondMedic (Powered by Thyrocare)

While there is no HMPV-specific test for home collection, you can book tests like:

  1. Complete Blood Count (CBC)

  2. CRP (C-Reactive Protein)

  3. Respiratory Pathogen Panel

  4. Influenza A & B Detection

  5. RT-PCR Viral Panels (on request)
     

Visit SecondMedic’s Lab Test Section to explore packages and book your test online.

 

Conclusion

Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a growing cause of respiratory illness in India, especially in children and the elderly. Though there is no specific cure, early diagnosis and symptom-based treatment can help patients recover fully. Practicing good hygiene and avoiding close contact with sick people are the best ways to prevent infection.

Stay informed and protect your loved ones. For detailed insights and medical advice, bookmark this guide on "Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV): Treatment & Symptoms."

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