This is a topic that’s inundated with myths and misinformation! So, let’s clear it up. In short, it IS possible to get pregnant while on your period. Although the possibility is low, it can still happen. Also, just because you’re on your period it doesn’t give you a free pass when it comes to contraception, unless you want to get pregnant. If not, it’s crucial to use birth control and barrier protection (condoms) EVERY SINGLE TIME you have sex, even when you’re on your period.

The most likely time pregnancy could occur while on your period is if you have unprotected sex just before and during ovulation. Ovulation is when the egg is released for fertilisation. It happens in the middle of your menstrual cycle, which is around 14 days before your period begins.

On average, the menstrual cycle lasts about 21 – 35 days, but it can be shorter or longer depending on your body. This means ovulation will take place at different times for everyone. For people with the 21 – 35 day menstrual cycle, getting pregnant while on your period is quite rare because the window for egg fertilisation  is extremely short. For most individuals with this cycle, their fertilisation window won’t open again until their period has ended.

However, for people with shorter menstrual cycles (20 days on average) and a period that lasts about a week, the risk of pregnancy increases significantly if they have unprotected sex while on their period. This is because sperm cells can live up to five days in the reproductive system. At times, it is possible for sperm to survive until ovulation occurs, especially if you’ve had unprotected sex at the end of your period and ovulate early. Although this is quite rare, as mentioned earlier it’s not impossible.

This is also where tracking your cycle can come in handy. Knowing when you ovulate and the length of your cycle is important. It also allows you to become more in tune with your body’s rhythm, and helps to identify any irregularities.