Failure or misuse of birth control is a primary cause of unplanned pregnancies. Being pregnant attracts different feelings, to some, it is a joy after much waiting. To others it is stressing since the last thing on your mind was to become pregnant. Whichever the case, it is crucial to learn when you can become pregnant to take advantage of the circumstance to attain a pregnancy if that’s your goal; or to avoid the situation if not ready to become pregnant. It is a misconception that a woman can’t become pregnant during her period after having sex. What is a period? For every woman of childbearing age, every month, the lining of the uterus becomes thicker in preparation for pregnancy after an egg is fertilized. If the egg is not fertilized, the lining is shed off as blood via the vagina. The process is known as period or menstruation. But what are chances of getting pregnant on your period?
The chances of getting pregnant on your period
Chances of becoming pregnant on your period have been a debate for decades. But really, can you get pregnant during your period? Yes, it is possible; though the chances are very slim. Women have a cycle that ranges from 28 to 32 days. Women with such kind of cycle, their periods last for a maximum of seven days. If you have such a cycle, chances of getting pregnant while on your period are almost nil. However, chances of getting pregnant while on your period are possible if:
- You have a short cycle
If your period is short for example a 21-day cycle, the time between ovulation and completion of your period is short. You will ovulate while having periods. If you engage in sex, pregnancy will occur. If your cycle is short, you will be fertile during your period.
- Longer menstruation
Chances of conceiving on day one or day two during your menses are almost impossible. However, possibilities rise with each day that follows. As your body slowly sheds the inner lining of the uterus, ovulation is a just around the corner. If your monthly period is long, chances of getting pregnant on your period are high. Usually, a period lasts three to five days, though you may bleed seven to 10 days at times. If you have sex, you are likely to become pregnant since the sperm is waiting to fertilize your egg.
- Sperms that have a long lifespan
For you to get pregnant, sperm must be present. Sperms have different life sperm. If your spouse has sperms of high quality, the chances are that they will live for long, say up to seven days. Additionally, each sperm has its lifespan. The sperm with Y-chromosome have a short life span, but X-chromosome sperms have a longer life span. Usually, sperms live for three to four days. But the sperms that have a longer life span can live from five to seven days and manage to fertilize an egg thus become pregnant.
- Presence of cervical mucus
You may experience cervical mucus that is clear and stretchy during your periods although it is rare. It is associated with ovulation and makes the environment hospitable for sperm to live for several days. It is an indication of fertility during your period. Having sex during your periods can lead to conception. The mucus is usually mixed with the blood making it difficult for you to notice it.
Other times when you can get pregnant
Can you only get pregnant during your period? Absolutely no, there are other occasions in which you can conceive. For example, if you are not menstruating because of:
- Low body weight
- Breastfeeding
- Being sick
- Taking medications
Most likely, ovulation will occur at any time without your knowledge. Of course, if you are ovulating and you are sexually active, a pregnancy will occur. You may spot during ovulation and mistake it for your monthly period especially if your period is light or irregular. Ovulation spotting is a good indication that you are ovulating. And you can become pregnant and think you became pregnant during your menses.
Conception right after your menses is possible. You could be fertile immediately after your period ends. Think of this; if you had sex during your periods, the sperms might be hanging around waiting for an egg. Then ovulation may take place immediately after your menstruation. Pregnancy will occur. Remember, the more days that pass by after your periods, the higher the chances of conception. Besides getting pregnant after menses, you can become pregnant just before your periods. The chances are minimal, but it is possible. Cases have been reported of women ovulating multiple times during their cycle. It increases the likelihood of becoming pregnant just before the beginning of the expected menstruation. If you have an irregular cycle, predicting ovulation is tricky since it can happen later in your cycle. Even if you have a regular cycle, ovulation can change from month to month. Furthermore, during ovulation, the urge to have sex is irresistible, and it’s hard to avoid engaging in sex during this time.
What increase the chances of becoming pregnant while on your period?
Back to the main agenda, chances of getting get pregnant on your period; the bottom line is that certain factors must be present to achieve conception during your period. That is:
- Quality sperm
- Ovulation must take place
- Fertile mucus for the sperm to survive
With the presence of the above during your period, chances of getting pregnant on your period are high. To conclude, there are chances of getting pregnant in your period and any other time during the month. Any time you engage in sex, there is a likelihood of pregnancy. Various circumstances may change your cycle for days. So, you have planned to become pregnant, always be smart and be vigilant concerning contraception. Consult your gynecologist to determine which suits you better. Take control of your sexual health as well as your future (Unless you are ready for surprises that you are pregnant.) But if you have planned to become pregnant, take advantage of getting pregnant on your period and any other time during your monthly cycle.
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