Can you get pregnant from having sex during your menstrual period?

Can sexual intercourse be performed during menstruation? This is a question of great concern to many people. To minimize harm to the body, sexual intercourse during menstruation is generally not recommended, as it increases the risk of infection and may adversely affect women’s health. Some individuals also wonder whether pregnancy can occur if intercourse takes place during menstruation—so, can pregnancy result from intercourse during this time?

Can pregnancy occur from intercourse during menstruation?

Pregnancy is unlikely if intercourse occurs during menstruation. During this phase, menstrual blood is intermittently expelled from the vagina, which hinders sperm entry into the female reproductive tract. Moreover, the uterine endometrium sheds during menstruation, rendering the uterine cavity an unsuitable environment for implantation and development of a fertilized egg. Most importantly, in a normal menstrual cycle, ovulation does not occur during menstruation; thus, even if sperm enter the body, conception is improbable. Although pregnancy is rare during menstruation, engaging in intercourse at this time may increase the risk of pelvic inflammatory disease and endometriosis.

However, hormonal imbalances may disrupt the menstrual cycle and cause abnormal ovulation—even during menstruation—potentially leading to pregnancy. Similarly, women with shorter menstrual cycles may ovulate during or shortly after menstruation, thereby increasing the chance of conception. Nevertheless, intercourse during menstruation is still not advisable, as it heightens the risk of gynecological infections such as vaginitis, cervicitis, and endometritis. Generally, no ova are released during menstruation, making fertilization impossible. Furthermore, endometrial shedding during this period impedes implantation of a fertilized egg. To prevent unintended pregnancy and associated health risks, contraceptive measures are strongly recommended.

In daily life, women are advised to rest adequately during menstruation, avoid staying up late, maintain balanced nutrition, refrain from consuming raw, cold, spicy, or highly stimulating foods, cultivate a positive mood, and abstain from sexual intercourse. We hope this information proves helpful to you.