• 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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Fatty Liver in Young Adults

India’s Silent Epidemic: Fatty Liver in Young Adults

Introduction

In recent years, a quiet but dangerous health issue has been growing in India—fatty liver disease in young adults. Once thought to affect only older people or those who drink alcohol heavily, fatty liver is now being found in teenagers and people in their 20s and 30s. Shockingly, many of them don’t even realize they have it.

This blog aims to explain what fatty liver is, why it’s becoming common among young Indians, its causes, symptoms, prevention, and how to manage it naturally.

 

What Is Fatty Liver?

Fatty liver, also known as Hepatic Steatosis, is a condition where excess fat builds up in the liver. There are two main types:

  1. Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (AFLD) – caused by heavy drinking.
     

  2. Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) – occurs in people who drink little or no alcohol.
     

In India, NAFLD is increasing rapidly, especially among young adults. It often begins silently, without any symptoms, and slowly damages the liver over time.

 

Why Is It a Silent Epidemic?

Fatty liver is called a silent disease because most people don’t notice any signs in the early stages. It is often discovered during tests for other conditions or routine health check-ups.

The word “epidemic” may sound extreme, but the numbers support it. According to recent studies:

  • Over 30% of urban Indian adults under 40 may have fatty liver.
     

  • Young people are developing the disease as early as their late teens.
     

  • Many of them have normal weight, which proves that it's not just about being overweight.
     

 

Causes of Fatty Liver in Young Indians

  1. Unhealthy Diet
    High intake of fast food, sugary drinks, processed snacks, and fried items increases fat accumulation in the liver.
     

  2. Sedentary Lifestyle
    Long hours in front of screens and lack of physical activity are major contributors.
     

  3. Obesity and Belly Fat
    Excess fat around the abdomen, even in normal-weight individuals, can lead to NAFLD.
     

  4. Type 2 Diabetes and Insulin Resistance
    These conditions are on the rise among young Indians and are closely linked with fatty liver.
     

  5. Genetics
    A family history of liver disease or obesity can increase the risk.
     

  6. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
    Young women with PCOS often develop insulin resistance and fatty liver as a result.
     

 

Signs and Symptoms

Most people with fatty liver have no obvious symptoms. But as the condition progresses, some may experience:

  • Constant tiredness

  • Mild pain in the upper right abdomen

  • Unexplained weight gain

  • Bloating or discomfort

  • Elevated liver enzymes in blood tests
     

If left untreated, fatty liver can lead to liver inflammation (NASH), fibrosis (scarring), and even liver cirrhosis or cancer in severe cases.

 

Diagnosis

Doctors may use the following methods to diagnose fatty liver:

  • Blood Tests – to check liver enzymes (ALT, AST).

  • Ultrasound or FibroScan – to detect fat accumulation.

  • MRI or CT scan – in advanced cases.

  • Liver Biopsy – rarely used unless needed to confirm severe damage.
     

 

Prevention: Simple Lifestyle Changes

Fatty liver is largely preventable and reversible in early stages. Here are some tips for young adults:

  1. Eat a Balanced Diet
    Include whole grains, fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and lean proteins. Avoid junk food and reduce sugar intake.
     

  2. Exercise Regularly
    Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise daily—walking, jogging, dancing, yoga, or sports.
     

  3. Limit Sugar and Refined Carbs
    Cut down on sweets, soft drinks, white bread, and bakery items.
     

  4. Avoid Alcohol
    Even social or occasional drinking can worsen fatty liver, especially in those already at risk.
     

  5. Maintain Healthy Weight
    Keep your BMI in check, and don’t ignore belly fat even if you’re slim.
     

  6. Sleep Well
    Poor sleep affects hormone balance and increases fat storage in the body and liver.
     

  7. Manage Stress
    Chronic stress increases cortisol, which can lead to fat gain and liver problems.
     

 

Natural Remedies and Supportive Measures

While lifestyle change is the key, some natural ingredients may help support liver health:

  • Amla (Indian Gooseberry) – rich in antioxidants and vitamin C.

  • Turmeric – contains curcumin which helps reduce liver inflammation.

  • Milk Thistle – a western herb known to protect liver cells.

  • Green Tea – has catechins that support fat burning and liver health.
     

Always consult your doctor before using herbal supplements, especially if you're on medications.

 

When to See a Doctor

Don’t wait for symptoms. If you:

  • Have a family history of diabetes or liver disease

  • Are overweight or have PCOS

  • Drink alcohol regularly

  • Feel tired all the time without reason
     

…it’s a good idea to get a basic liver check-up. Early diagnosis can help reverse the damage before it becomes serious.

 

The Bigger Picture

Fatty liver disease in India’s youth is not just a health issue—it’s a wake-up call. Our modern lifestyles, food habits, and stress levels are putting a silent strain on one of the most vital organs in our body.

Schools, colleges, and workplaces should spread awareness. Families should encourage home-cooked meals, outdoor activities, and regular health checks.

 

Conclusion

Fatty liver is no longer just an old person’s disease. It is India’s Silent Epidemic: Fatty Liver in Young Adults. The good news is that it can be prevented and even reversed if caught early. By making small but consistent changes to our daily habits, young Indians can protect their liver and ensure a healthier future.

Don’t ignore the signs. Take action today and beat India’s Silent Epidemic: Fatty Liver in Young Adults before it’s too late.

 

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