Between sperm survival and irregular cycles, find out why vigilance remains essential even during flow.
Many preconceived ideas still circulate about the “safe” moments of the female cycle. “Several times in consultation, women inform me that the only intercourse they had had was during their periods. They do not understand how they can then be pregnant” midwife Léa Marchal tells us. If biology seems to follow precise rules, the human body is not a perfect clock. Understanding the mechanisms of ovulation and the lifespan of reproductive cells is essential to avoid an unwanted pregnancy or, on the contrary, maximize your chances of conception. And contrary to widely held popular belief, having sex during your period does not constitute absolute natural protection. Explanations.
Understanding how the menstrual cycle works
The average menstrual cycle lasts 28 days, but this length varies from woman to woman. The ovary releases an egg 14 days before the date of the next period. This egg remains in the fallopian tube for 12 to 24 hours. This is when it can be fertilized by a sperm. The time factor then becomes crucial: sperm can survive up to 5 days in the female genital tract. This means that fertilization can occur several days after sexual intercourse. If the egg is not fertilized, the uterine lining is shed: these are the periods.
Why is it possible to get pregnant during your period?
Two main reasons explain this phenomenon:
- Short cycles: If a woman has a short cycle (example: 21 days), ovulation occurs around the 7th day (21-14). If intercourse takes place towards the end of the period (eg: on the 4th day), the sperm, thanks to their 5-day survival, will still be present and active when the egg is released. She can get pregnant while she is still on her period. A woman who has irregular cycles may also have an irregular ovulation date and an increased risk of getting pregnant during her period.
- Confusion between bleeding: bleeding can occur between periods, which are confused with them. We then talk about metrorrhagia. If they are confused with periods, the fertility window is then completely misunderstood.
Is it possible to get pregnant during your period while on the pill?
Contrary to popular belief, if the pill is taken correctly and without forgetting, the risk of pregnancy is almost zero, including during the break or menstruation period. The role of the pill is to permanently block ovulation. Bleeding that occurs during the pause between two platelets is not “real” periods, but withdrawal bleeding. The risk only exists in three specific cases:
- Forgetting to take a pill, particularly at the beginning or end of the pack (which prolongs the stopping period and can restart ovulation).
- Vomiting or severe diarrhea within 4 hours of taking it.
- A drug interaction that reduces the effectiveness of the contraceptive.
If you do not want to have a child, use effective contraception that covers the entire duration of the cycle (copper or hormonal IUD, pill, implant, etc.) or protect yourself with a condom every time you have sex, including during your period. Léa Marchal recommends, In case of doubts or questions, speak to a professional : “ask your doctor for advice. You can also make an appointment with a midwife, they are authorized to provide gynecological follow-up for women.“.
Thanks to Léa Marchal, midwife
