Is it possible to get pregnant from having sex 5 days before menstruation?

Jul 19, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

We had intercourse last night without any contraceptive measures, but he ejaculated outside. My period is due in five days, and I've been quite worried. I would like to ask, is it possible to get pregnant from having intercourse five days before my menstrual period?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhao Xiaodong
The menstrual cycle is typically calculated as the number of days from the first day of one menstrual period to the first day of the next. Most women have a cycle length of 28 days, although some may have shorter or longer cycles. Ovulation usually occurs in the middle of the cycle; for women with a 28-day cycle, this is around day 14. However, the actual ovulation day may vary from person to person. If the menstrual cycle is regular, ovulation generally occurs about two weeks before the start of the next period. This means that having intercourse five days before menstruation begins falls theoretically within the "safe period," with a lower chance of pregnancy. However, it's important to note that the safe period is not a reliable method of contraception, as ovulation can occur earlier or later due to various factors, and sperm can survive in the body for several days, making pregnancy possible even outside the ovulation period. For effective contraception, it is recommended to use contraceptive methods such as condoms, oral contraceptives, or consult a healthcare provider to identify a more suitable contraceptive method for you.