Ovulation during periods : is there a risk?
Ovulation generally occurs on the 14th day of the cycle. In theory, it is virtually impossible to conceive during periods. However, since the body is not a clock and every woman is different, it can happen that the menstrual cycle is somewhat out of kilter and ovulation occurs earlier or later.
When is ovulation possible during periods ?
It is possible to ovulate during the periods. The average menstrual cycle lasts between 28 and 30 days. The menstrual cycle is made up of several phases, which influence discharge: quantity and appearance of mucus, bleeding, etc.
However, some women have shorter cycles or longer periods cycles. It is therefore possible to ovulate during periods and for fertilization to take place.
To give you an example, if you ovulate at the end of the 7th day of your cycle (so you still have your periods), as sperm can survive for up to 5 days and thus reach the uterus, if you have intercourse, it is theoretically possible that fertilization will take place.
However, it's very difficult, if not impossible, to know whether you're ovulating at the time. Indeed, the possible symptoms of ovulation are hidden by those of periods : mucus mixed with blood, a bloated and swollen belly etc... It's hard to know if you're really ovulating!
Should an ovulation test be performed during periods ?
Generally speaking, ovulation tests should not be done every day. In fact, it can quickly prove to be an unnecessary expense, especially during the periods period.
Only an ultrasound scan of the ovaries can be used to be sure that ovulation is taking place.
Even if it's difficult to predict the exact date of ovulation, there are observation techniques that can help you situate yourself in your cycle, by taking your body temperature, observing your mucus, bleeding, etc., to find out which phase of your cycle you're in, and whether or not you're fertile. 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 periods ?
Since your cycle is not a clock, it is indeed possible to ovulate either at the beginning or at the end of your periods, even if the probability is rather low. There are a number of reasons for this.
If you ovulate early (i.e. your menstrual cycles are short), you can conceive at the end of your periods.
As for ovulating just before periods, the probability is extremely low. In fact, your egg has a lifespan of 12 to 24 hours after ovulation, so the window of fertility is very small.
In any case, if you don't want to get pregnant, it's essential to protect yourself during intercourse. Sperm can survive for up to 5 days.
What is the fertilization rate for periods ?
The percentage chance of fertilization is very low during periods. If you're planning a pregnancy, talk to your doctor, midwife or gynecologist, who will be able to help you with your plans.
If you don't want to conceive, it's still very important to protect yourself during your periods period. Even if the risk is low, it's still a risk. No period of the cycle is risk-free. So contraception during periods remains essential!
If you don't know what contraception to use, consult your gynecologist or doctor, who will be able to advise you.
What contraception should you choose to protect yourself?
There are several types of contraception, both hormonal and non-hormonal, so it's up to you to find the one that suits you best.
Hormonal contraception (such as the pill) or IUDs protect you throughout your cycle.
If you don't want to get pregnant and you're not taking hormonal contraception, you'll need to use a condom (male or female) or other barrier method of contraception.
Relying on the period of your cycle as your only means of contraception is very risky. And that's even if you're in for a long period without periods. Ovulation can occur suddenly, even just after menstruation.
Ovulation FAQs during periods
Is it possible to get pregnant during your periods ?
Although it's rare, it is possible to become pregnant during your periods. Ovulation normally takes place on the 14th day of the cycle, but since the body isn't a clock and every woman's cycle is longer or shorter, there's always a risk. In the end, it's hard to know when you're really fertile.
Can you get pregnant on the first day of periods ?
Here again, the chances of getting pregnant on the first day of your periods are small but very real. It's important to continue protecting yourself at periods if you don't want an unwanted pregnancy.
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