Can you get pregnant from having sex a few days before your period?
Generally speaking, "having sex" refers to sexual intercourse. Whether sexual intercourse a few days before menstruation can lead to pregnancy needs to be determined based on specific circumstances. If the menstrual cycle is normally regular, pregnancy usually does not occur; however, if the menstrual cycle is irregular, pregnancy may occur. Detailed analysis is as follows:
If a woman has a regular menstrual cycle, typically around 28 days, the ovulation period is generally about 14 days before the next menstrual period. Under these circumstances, the days just before menstruation usually fall outside the ovulation period, and the chance of pregnancy is relatively low. For example, if the menstrual cycle is 28 days, ovulation occurs approximately on the 14th day after the start of menstruation, while the days just before the period are considered to be in the safe period. However, sperm can survive in the female body for 3-5 days, and if ovulation occurs earlier than expected, fertilization may occur.
If a woman's menstrual cycle is irregular, the timing of ovulation may be earlier or delayed, making it difficult to predict accurately. Although the chance of becoming pregnant during sexual intercourse in such situations is low, there is still some possibility of pregnancy. If pregnancy is not desired, it is recommended to use contraceptive methods such as condoms or intrauterine devices (IUDs) to prevent pregnancy.
If menstruation is delayed after unprotected sexual intercourse, it is recommended to visit a hospital to confirm whether pregnancy has occurred by testing blood HCG or urine HCG levels. Additionally, it is important to continuously monitor the health condition of both oneself and one's partner. If any concerns or discomfort arise, seek medical consultation and examination promptly.