• 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
Viral Fever vs Bacterial Fever: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Viral Fever vs Bacterial Fever: What’s the difference?

Fever is one of the most common health complaints. But did you know not all fevers are the same? While many people think of fever as just a high body temperature, it’s actually a sign that your body is fighting an infection. Two major types of infections that cause fever are viral and bacterial. Understanding the difference between viral fever vs bacterial fever is important because the treatment for each is different.

Let’s explore what makes them different, how to identify each, and what you should do when you or your loved ones have a fever.

 

What is a Fever?

A fever is when your body temperature rises above the normal range, which is typically around 98.6°F (37°C). A temperature above 100.4°F (38°C) is usually considered a fever. It is your body’s way of responding to infection, inflammation, or illness.

But what causes this infection? That’s where viruses and bacteria come in.

 

What is a Viral Fever?

A viral fever is caused by a virus. Viruses are tiny germs that enter your body and use your cells to reproduce. The body raises its temperature to make it harder for the virus to survive and spread.

Common Viral Fever Examples:

  • Common cold

  • Influenza (flu)

  • Dengue

  • COVID-19

  • Viral gastroenteritis
     

Symptoms of Viral Fever:

  • Mild to moderate fever (usually under 102°F)

  • Body aches

  • Headache

  • Sore throat

  • Runny or blocked nose

  • Fatigue

  • Cough

  • Diarrhea or vomiting (in some cases)
     

How Long Does it Last?

Most viral fevers go away in 3 to 7 days on their own with rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medicines like paracetamol.

 

What is a Bacterial Fever?

A bacterial fever is caused by an infection from bacteria, which are different from viruses. Unlike viruses, bacteria can live and multiply on their own. Some bacteria are harmless or even helpful, but others can cause disease.

Common Bacterial Fever Examples:

  • Typhoid

  • Strep throat

  • Urinary tract infections (UTI)

  • Pneumonia

  • Tuberculosis
     

Symptoms of Bacterial Fever:

  • High fever (often above 102°F)

  • Chills or shivering

  • Localized pain (like throat, ear, or stomach)

  • Swelling or pus formation

  • Fatigue

  • Sometimes, rash or skin infection
     

How Long Does it Last?

Without treatment, bacterial infections can get worse. Most bacterial fevers need antibiotics and may take 5 to 14 days to resolve.

 

Viral Fever vs Bacterial Fever: Key Differences

Feature

Viral Fever

Bacterial Fever

Cause

Virus

Bacteria

Fever Level

Mild to moderate

High (often over 102°F)

Symptoms

General body symptoms (cold, cough, fatigue)

Localized symptoms (ear, throat, urinary pain)

Duration

3–7 days

5–14 days (with antibiotics)

Treatment

Supportive care (rest, fluids, paracetamol)

Requires antibiotics

Contagious?

Yes

Sometimes, depending on the type

 

When to See a Doctor?

While many fevers go away on their own, some signs indicate you should consult a doctor immediately:

  • Fever lasting more than 3 days

  • Very high fever (above 103°F)

  • Severe headache or confusion

  • Difficulty breathing

  • Rash with fever

  • Vomiting or diarrhea lasting more than 2 days

  • Painful urination
     

In such cases, a medical expert can diagnose whether the fever is viral or bacterial and suggest the right treatment.

 

How Do Doctors Identify the Type of Fever?

Doctors usually ask about your symptoms, how long you’ve had the fever, and may perform a physical exam. They might also suggest some tests like:

  • Blood test

  • Urine test

  • Throat swab

  • X-ray (if pneumonia is suspected)
     

These help determine whether your illness is due to a virus or bacteria.

 

Treatment: Viral Fever vs Bacterial Fever

Viral Fever Treatment:

  • Rest: Let your body heal.

  • Hydration: Drink plenty of fluids.

  • Medication: Paracetamol or ibuprofen to reduce fever.

  • Isolation: To prevent spreading the virus.
     

Note: Antibiotics do not work on viruses and should never be used for viral infections.

Bacterial Fever Treatment:

  • Antibiotics: Only after proper diagnosis.

  • Hydration: Especially if there is vomiting or diarrhea.

  • Follow-Up: Complete the full course of antibiotics even if symptoms improve.
     

Caution: Never self-medicate with antibiotics. Wrong use can lead to antibiotic resistance.

 

Preventing Fevers from Infections

Here are simple ways to reduce your chances of getting viral or bacterial infections:

  • Wash hands frequently with soap

  • Avoid close contact with sick individuals

  • Eat hygienic and well-cooked food

  • Keep your vaccinations up to date

  • Use mosquito repellents in monsoon season

  • Avoid unnecessary antibiotics
     

 

Conclusion

While viral fever vs bacterial fever may seem similar at first, they are different in causes, symptoms, and treatments. Recognizing the signs early can help you avoid complications and get the right care. Always consult a qualified doctor if your fever persists or worsens.

At Second Medic, our expert doctors are available online to guide you with accurate diagnosis and treatment — whether it’s a viral fever or bacterial fever. Don’t guess your health; get expert advice from the comfort of your home.

Book an online consultation now for viral fever vs bacterial fever treatment with Second Medic.

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