Can I get pregnant from…?
There are many myths and half-truths about how pregnancy occurs. Misinformation can unnecessarily create fear of sex, a lack of understanding of your own body, and an unplanned pregnancy. Read on for an overview of what really causes pregnancy and how to safely prevent it if necessary.
Can I get pregnant at any time during my cycle?
No, you can't. Conception occurs when a sperm fertilizes an egg, and this is only possible during a short fertile window, which lasts just a few days in each cycle. The highest probability of pregnancy is during ovulation, the release of a mature egg from the ovary. This occurs approximately 13–15 days before the next menstrual period.
However, it is important to remember that ovulation does not necessarily occur at the same time every cycle. It can shift due to stress, illness, changes in daily routine or travel , for example . Therefore, fertile days can vary from cycle to cycle.
Can I get pregnant outside of ovulation?
Yes, it is possible to get pregnant outside of the day of ovulation, because the fertile period lasts for several days, not just the moment the egg is released. Sperm can survive in the female reproductive tract for up to five days. If you have sex a few days before ovulation, the sperm can literally "wait" for the egg and fertilize it when ovulation occurs.
The fertile window therefore includes approximately five days before ovulation, the day of ovulation itself and the day after. The highest probability of pregnancy is during ovulation and in the few days preceding it. Fertile days and ovulation can be recognized by several basic physical signs - more in this article .
However, getting pregnant outside of ovulation, in the sense of "outside the fertile period", is not possible; the egg is only capable of fertilization for a very short period of time.
Can I get pregnant from sex during menstruation?
It's possible, although less likely. One common myth about your period is that unprotected sex during your period is completely safe. While the risk of conception is lower, it can't be completely ruled out—especially if you have a short or irregular menstrual cycle.
As mentioned, sperm can survive in a woman's reproductive tract for a few days. So if unprotected sex occurs towards the end of menstruation and ovulation occurs early, fertilization can occur. Moreover, bleeding does not always mean menstruation. Sometimes it is spotting associated with, for example, the release of an egg during ovulation.
In general, sex during menstruation usually does not lead to pregnancy, but there is still a chance. Therefore, it is crucial to know the length of your cycle and your fertile days.
Can I get pregnant from anal sex?
You can't get pregnant from anal sex as such, because it doesn't allow sperm to enter the vagina to fertilize an egg. However, there is a risk if ejaculate comes into contact with the vaginal opening, such as if semen drips from the anus or is transferred to the area around the vagina during intercourse. In such a situation, sperm could get inside and theoretically fertilize an egg, although this is highly unlikely.
It is important to remember that anal sex carries a risk of transmitting sexually transmitted infections such as HIV, chlamydia, or gonorrhea. Therefore, it is recommended to use a condom even during anal intercourse.
Can I get pregnant from oral sex?
No, pregnancy is not possible during oral sex. Pregnancy only occurs when sperm enters the vagina and fertilizes an egg. During oral sex, sperm do not enter the female reproductive system at all. However, oral sex is not completely risk-free, and it can still be a source of sexually transmitted infections, so it is advisable to be cautious.
Can I get pregnant if I don't have a period at all?
Yes, you can get pregnant even when you are not menstruating. Menstruation is a sign of regular ovulation, but its absence does not mean that ovulation or pregnancy cannot occur. For example, after childbirth, during breastfeeding or with an irregular menstrual cycle, ovulation can occur even without a previous menstruation. This means that the egg is released and can be fertilized even if you have not yet had your next menstruation. Similarly, with some health problems or hormonal fluctuations, menstruation may be absent, but ovulation is occurring. Therefore, the absence of menstruation is not a reliable protection against pregnancy. If you do not want to get pregnant, it is advisable to use contraception even when you do not have regular menstruation.
Can I get pregnant from sperm in water or on the toilet seat?
Sperm can survive in the female reproductive tract for several days, but once exposed to air, dryness, or water, they lose their ability to fertilize an egg. So if sperm were to be found in water or on a toilet seat, for example, there is no need to worry about getting pregnant. The risk is practically zero in such cases.
Do you have an overview of your cycle?
Understanding your own menstrual cycle can help you better understand what's going on in your body, whether it's about your upcoming period, planning for pregnancy, prevention, or recognizing unusual changes.
You will learn everything you need to know about the menstrual cycle from A to Z in our webinar Harmony of the Cycle . In the follow-up webinar Symptothermal Method in Practice, we will teach you how to effectively track and record all the symptoms of your cycle for your everyday needs.
What else can you read on the Femspace blog?
-
Hormonal contraception through the eyes of a woman with endometriosis
-
The Inconveniences That Companies Overlook: Why It's Time to Address Them
-
What affects female libido and what role does the menstrual cycle play?
Don't forget to follow us on Instagram so you're always the first to know about all the news on the Femspace blog or the Femvie e-shop !
