Understanding what circumstances can potentially lead to an unexpected pregnancy can seem confusing. You may be wondering if it’s still possible to have sex without the risk of pregnancy if your period has just ended, or perhaps you suspect one might have occurred. Do you need help understanding your fertility window? Are you looking for more information about your pregnancy options? It may be a good idea to seek advice from a professional resource so you can begin to ask questions.
Knowing when you’re most likely to conceive can be hard to track. And you may have suspicions about a possible unexpected pregnancy. Avenue Women’s Center offers clients reliable information and support within a confidential environment at each of our six locations in DuPage County. Our caring staff seeks to understand your unique situation. Receive a free, medical-grade pregnancy test at our center as a first step.
Contact us today to receive answers to your questions and express your concerns during a free appointment!
How Can I Get Pregnant Right After My Period Is Over?
While the chances are generally small, it is possible to become pregnant if you have sex right after your period is over. Ovulation is when most women are likely to be fertile. And a pregnancy can still happen a few days after your menstrual cycle has concluded. Sperm may live in your body days after ejaculation. So this is something you may want to be cautious about, as sperm may still be able to fertilize an egg up to that point.
You and your partner may be wondering what times of the month are “safe” to have sex without there being a risk of pregnancy. But even on days where you’re less fertile, there may still be a slight chance.
An unexpected pregnancy is most likely to occur when an egg has been released from your ovaries. This tends to happen 12 to 14 days before your next cycle begins. You may be asking: How I can get pregnant after my period is over if ovulation is when most women experience their fertility window?
Well, sperm can sometimes survive inside the body for up to seven days after you had sex. So if you ovulate early, or if you have a naturally short menstrual cycle, then your partner’s sperm may have the opportunity to come into contact with one of your eggs. This is why it’s recommended you exercise caution by utilizing protection. However, with the exception of abstaining from sex, no birth control method can fully guard you against an unexpected pregnancy.
What Should I Do If I Think I Might Be Pregnant?
If you think you may be pregnant after having sex right after your period was over, try to remain calm. Taking a pregnancy test at home, with a doctor, or at a pregnancy decision clinic can provide confirmation. There may be a lot of emotions coursing through you at the thought of being pregnant. Some emotions may be positive and some negative. It’s okay to feel uncertain as you figure out your next steps.
Instead of rushing yourself into a quick decision, it’s recommended you take the time to talk through your choices with a healthcare provider, a counselor, or a pregnancy consultant. Women who have been in your shoes would probably agree this can be a very emotional experience. And before you decide, it may be a good idea to locate support and try to understand your feelings.
Do you have any unexpected pregnancy-related questions, or are you looking for clarification when it comes to prevention methods? The caring staff at Avenue Women’s Center is willing to meet with you for a private discussion, where you can talk freely about your options, as well as any concerns you feel you need to share within a nonjudgmental environment. We provide clients with limited medical services and referrals, ensuring you have access to any additional resources you may need.
Reach out today to begin receiving reliable and accurate information from our expert staff!
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References:
- American Pregnancy Association. What Is Menstruation? Retrieved from: https://americanpregnancy.org/womens-health/what-is-menstruation/
- NHS. (2018, May). Can I Get Pregnant Just After My Period Has Finished? Retrieved from: https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/pregnancy/can-i-get-pregnant-just-after-my-period-has-finished/
Reviewed by Patricia Kuenzi, APN-CNP, MSN, ANP, PNP.
The information provided here is general in nature. It is not a substitute for a consultation with a medical professional. Before any medical procedure, it is imperative that you discuss your personal medical history, risks, and concerns with your doctor. If you have questions during or after a procedure, your doctor should be immediately contacted. Avenue Women’s Center is not an emergency center. If you are experiencing severe symptoms, such as bleeding and/or pain, seek immediate medical attention. Contact your physician, go to an emergency room, or call 911.