To some people, period sex can appear to be messy and undesirable. But some may find it as natural and appealing as having sex on any other regular day. It all depends on a person's perspective and preferences.
So, can you get pregnant during your periods?
In the pool of sex myths in the society, there is this uncertainty, whether you can conceive while you are menstruating.
But there is a more important question to answer...
How safe is sex during your periods if you are planning or avoiding a pregnancy (A man's concern about infection from period can be understood)?
For those women who wonder if is okay to have sex during your periods, then here is what they need to know -
You don't have to give up on sex during your menstruation. However, make sure your partner is comfortable with the idea of having sex during your periods as well.
It should be noted that for some women sex might even become easier and more pleasurable due to an increase in lubrication.
Before having sex during your periods it's important that you understand the need for contraceptives. It is possible that you can transmit or receive a sexually transmitted disease or Infection while having sex during your periods.
Menstrual blood can both receive and transmit deadly viruses like HIV so it's crucial to practice safe sex. Therefore doctors strongly encourage using condoms to decrease the risk of STIs and STDs if you are having sex during periods.
Using a condom during period sex is necessary as will ensure that you are at a minimal risk of receiving or transmitting any infection.
(Note - Unprotected sex puts you at a risk of developing an infection or catching an STD or STI equally at all times of the month.)
Contraceptives, such as condoms, not only help you avoid a pregnancy but safeguard you from various deadly diseases and infections as well.
Here are some of the things you should absolutely know about period sex and getting pregnant while on menstruation.
It's necessary for women and couples to understand that the probability of getting pregnant right before your period, during your period and right after period, all vary depending upon several factors.
Your reproductive and overall health, all contributes towards what can happen if you have sex during, before or after your periods.
A simple answer is both a 'yes' and a 'no'...
Please don't get me wrong but this means that the chances of getting pregnant during your periods are as much high as they are low, all depending on the length of your cycle.
Let's take the example of a woman who has a typical 28 - 30-day cycle, if she has sex while she is menstruating, the chances of her getting pregnant during the periods are extremely low.
Therefore for couples avoiding pregnancy, having sex during menstruation is a good time because it may least likely result in a pregnancy if the woman's cycle is 28-30 days.
However, if a woman happens to be an exception to this case, which means that her cycle length is shorter than 28 days, having sex during menstruation can result in a pregnancy for her.
The answer is simple.
If you have a shorter cycle of 21 to 24 days, you are ovulating earlier than a woman with 28-30 day cycle.
A sperm can survive inside your body up to 2-5 days. This means that if you have sex during or at the end of your periods, you might conceive due to an early ovulation.
What about conceiving during other stages of the menstrual cycle?
If you are amongst those unhappy few who suffer from pain, cramps, sadness and mood swings during your periods.
Then period sex could become the perfect remedy for you. Sex can increase the level of the happy hormones like oxytocin and dopamine in your body.
So If you experience arousal during your periods, then don't hold back. Period sex has its own benefits, there is no harm in trying but don't forget to use a condom, as safety comes first.
However, If you feel pain or discomfort while having sex during your periods, stop right away. Period sex might not make everyone happy the same way.
Starting with the days that come right before your period, the possibility of getting pregnant during that time is considerably low.
However, this is only for women who typically have a 28 - 30 days cycle which is regular. For these women, it is fairly safe to say that their ovulation has occurred between day 11 and 21 and the egg is only available for conception in a 12 to 24-hour window.
This indicates that the days right before your period can be considered safest for having sex as the possibility of getting pregnant is fairly low in these days.
It is also important to note that the number of safe days right before your period go up with longer cycles and lessen with shorter cycles.
Yes, you can conceive right after your periods.
This is your fertile window of the month. The chances of conceiving get higher right after your period and it increases with each day after the bleeding has stopped.
For couples who are planning a pregnancy, this is the right time of the month to indulge in sex for the next 14-15 days after the bleeding has stopped as the probability of getting pregnant during this period is higher.
To measure the length of your menstrual cycle, count from the first day of your last period to the day before your next period starts.
A typical cycle length is considered to 28 (±) 7 days.
If you don't remember the first date of your last menstrual period. Start keeping a track of it from the upcoming months to know the length of your cycle.
Also if you are thinking, what are the chances of getting pregnant on the last day of your period? It’s pretty much uncertain and depends upon the circumstances of the time when you had sex. But it’s best to avoid doing so.
Conclusion
Sex on the days of your periods may less likely result in a pregnancy. So if you are planning to conceive a child, having sex during your periods might not give you the brightest of the results.
However, take the length of your cycle into consideration as exceptions and possibilities of pregnancy are equally there.
If you have a similar query in your mind - Can you get pregnant on your period while on birth control?
It’s best to consult your healthcare provider if you have slightest doubts regarding the effect of menstruation on pregnancy and use of contraceptives during period sex or otherwise.
Disclaimer
Having sex during your periods doesn't necessarily mean that you will not get pregnant. So don't use it as a tool to avoid pregnancy.
If you wish to absolutely avoid a pregnancy, contraceptives such as condoms or pills (prescribed by your healthcare provider) should be your first weapon of choice as they are efficient, safe and effective.
Its highly advised and strongly encouraged that you meet your health care provider and receive the necessary information and education regarding pregnancy, sex, and contraception to ensure a healthy and happy life.