Having unprotected sex at any time is risky and may lead to pregnancy. This means you can get pregnant before your period, during it, or right after your period ends.

In fact, some people are more likely to get pregnant a few days after the end of their period. This can happen if that’s when they ovulate (release an egg from the ovaries). With ovulation, the body gets ready for a possible pregnancy.

You could get pregnant up to 72 hours (3 days) after having sex. That’s how long sperm can live in the female reproductive system.

So if you do have sex, use a condom each time. Condoms work best when used with a reliable form of birth control like an intrauterine device (IUD), an implant, or birth control pills.

What Else Should I Know?

If you have unprotected sex, along with the chance of getting pregnant, you could also get a sexually transmitted disease (STD). STDs can spread through vaginal, oral, or anal sex; by using fingers; or with other sexual contact.

The only way to fully prevent STDs and pregnancy is to not have sex.

Your doctor can help answer questions about your period, sex, birth control, and STDs. You can also reach out to health clinics like Planned Parenthood. See your doctor right away if you've had unprotected sex or a condom broke. You can get tested for pregnancy and STDs.