There is no “safe” time of the month to engage in unprotected sex without running the risk of getting pregnant, however the chances are low except for 2 main reasons:
- Menstruation cycle varies between 21 to 40days in different individuals, this would mean an individual with a 21day cycle will be ovulating (releasing an egg) in about 7days from start of her periods, hence unprotected sex during or immediately after periods will make available sperms that might also survive for another 7days and ovulation takes place when sperms are available making fertilization possible.
- Some ladies have little bleeding and lower abdominal pain during ovulation(release of an egg) for a day or two and might think they are having an early and brief periods yet they have actually ovulated, having un protected sex during this period in these circumstances would result in pregnancy.
Other reasons why you might get pregnant during or after periods are:
- Sperm can sometimes survive in the body for up to 7 days after you have sex and creep into the fertile days causing you to become pregnant.
- Irregular periods. Sometimes your periods may not follow the known schedule putting you at greater risk of becoming pregnant.
Having sex without a condom or another birth control method during or just after your period decreases your probability of pregnancy. But it isn’t a guarantee especially when not used correctly.
Discovering and avoiding live sex during your fertile window or days can decrease your chance of getting pregnant each month, but does not eliminate it completely.
The best course of action for preventing pregnancy may be to discuss an effective method of birth control with your doctor.
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By Kairos Healthcare
Reviewed by Dr. Albert