Ovulation during menstruation: is there a risk?
Ovulation usually occurs on day 14 of the cycle. In theory, it is almost impossible to conceive during your period. However, because the body is not a clock and every woman is different, the menstrual cycle may be somewhat out of balance and ovulation may occur earlier or later.
When is ovulation during the period possible?
It is possible to ovulate during your period. In fact, the menstrual cycle lasts on average between 28 and 30 days. The menstrual cycle is made up of several phases, which influence the discharge: quantity and appearance of mucus, bleeding etc.
However, it happens that for some women, the cycles are shorter or the periods longer. Therefore, it is possible to ovulate during the period and for fertilization to take place.
To give you an example, if you ovulate after the 7th day of your cycle (and you still have your period), as the sperm can survive for up to 5 days and therefore reach the uterus, if you have sexual intercourse, it is theoretically possible for fertilization to occur.
However, it is very complicated, if not impossible, to know if you are ovulating at that moment. Indeed, the possible symptoms of ovulation are hidden by those of menstruation: mucus mixed with blood, bloated and swollen belly etc... It is difficult to know if you are really ovulating!
Should I take an ovulation test during my period?
Generally speaking, ovulation tests should not be done every day. In fact, it is an expense that can quickly prove to be useless, especially during your period.
Only an ultrasound of the ovaries allows you to be sure that you are ovulating.
Even if it is difficult to predict the exact date of ovulation, there are observation techniques that allow you to situate yourself in your cycle, by taking your body temperature, observing your mucus, bleeding etc... to know in which phase of your cycle you are, if you are fertile or not. Learning to spot these signs helps you to better understand your cycle and your health in general.
Can you ovulate at the beginning or end of your period?
Since your cycle is not a clock, it is indeed possible to ovulate either at the beginning or at the end of your period, although the probability is rather low. There are several reasons for this.
It is when you ovulate early (so your menstrual cycles are short) that you can conceive at the end of your period.
As for ovulating just before your period, the probability is extremely low. Indeed, your egg has a life span of 12 to 24 hours after ovulation, so the window of fertility is very small.
In any case, if you do not want to get pregnant, it is essential to protect yourself during sexual intercourse. As a reminder, sperm can survive up to 5 days.
What is the fertilization rate during my period?
The chance of fertilization is very low during your period. If you are planning a pregnancy, talk to your doctor, midwife or gynecologist who can help you with your plan.
If you do not wish to conceive, it is still very important to protect yourself during your period. Even if the risk is low, it is still a risk. No period is risk-free. Contraception during your period is therefore essential!
If you do not know which contraception to choose, you can consult your gynecologist or doctor who will be able to advise you.
Which contraception should I choose to protect myself?
There are several types of contraception, with or without hormones, it is up to you to find the one that suits you best.
Hormonal contraception (such as the pill) or the IUD protects you throughout your cycle.
If you don't want to get pregnant and are not using hormonal contraception, you will need to use a condom (male or female) or other barrier method of contraception.
Relying on your cycle time as your only method of contraception is very risky. This is true even if you are in a long period without a period. Ovulation can happen suddenly, even right after menstruation.
The FAQ of ovulation during menstruation
Is it possible to get pregnant during your period?
Although it is rare, it is possible to get pregnant during your period. Ovulation normally occurs on the 14th day of the cycle, but since the body is not a clock and each woman has longer or shorter cycles, there is always a risk. Finally, it is difficult to know when you are really fertile.
Can you get pregnant on the first day of your period?
Again, the chances of getting pregnant on the first day of your period are small but very real. It is important to continue to protect yourself during your period if you do not want an unwanted pregnancy.