Yes, it is possible to get pregnant while you’re on your period, but the chances are usually lower than at other times in your cycle.

Why it can happen

• Sperm can live inside the reproductive tract for up to 5 days, so sex during your period can lead to pregnancy if you ovulate soon after the bleeding stops.

• People with short or irregular cycles may ovulate earlier, meaning their fertile days can overlap with period bleeding or with what seems like a period.

When the risk is higher or lower

• The risk is generally lower during the first days of a typical, regular 28–30 day cycle, especially if periods are short (around 3–5 days) and cycles are consistent.

• The risk is higher if your cycles are short (around 21–24 days), your period lasts many days, or you have spotting/bleeding around ovulation that you might mistake for a period.

Protection and next steps

• If you do not want to get pregnant, use reliable contraception every time you have penis‑in‑vagina sex, no matter where you are in your cycle; timing alone is not birth control.

• If you had unprotected sex during your period and are worried about pregnancy, you can consider emergency contraception (time‑sensitive) and take a pregnancy test if your next period is late; for personalized advice, contact a doctor or sexual health clinic.