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Humana - Kentucky

Humana - Kentucky
Humana Enrollee Services (M-F 7am-7pm ET):
1 (800) 444-9137
24/7 Nurse Advice Line: 1 (800) 648-8097
24/7 Behavioral Health Crisis Line:
1 (833)-801-7355


Could I Get Pregnant if I Have Sex During My Period?

Can I get pregnant if I have sex while I'm on my period?

Yes, you could get pregnant if you have sex while you have your period. This might happen if:

  • You have bleeding that you think is a period, but it's bleeding from . Ovulation is the monthly release of an egg from the ovaries. It is the time when females are most likely to get pregnant if they have sex.
  • Ovulation happens before the bleeding from your period has stopped.
  • Ovulation happens within a few days after your period is over. Sperm can fertilize an egg for 3 days. So if you have sex on the last day of your period and ovulate in the next few days, the sperm may still fertilize the egg.

Having unprotected sex at any time is risky. Along with the risk of getting pregnant, you could also get an STD, such as chlamydia, genital warts, or HIV. The only way to completely prevent pregnancy and STDs is abstinence (not having sex).

If you do have sex, use a condom every time to protect against unplanned pregnancy and STDs. For added protection, many couples use condoms along with another method of birth control, like birth control pills or an IUD. Talk to your doctor about the best type of birth control for you.

Medically reviewed by: Amy W. Anzilotti, MD
Date reviewed: November 2018