Can pregnancy occur during a period?

Pregnancy during menstruation is extremely unlikely but not impossible. Ovulation, which is the release of an egg from your ovaries, typically occurs around 14 days before the start of your next period. Sperm can live in your body for up to five days, so if you have unprotected sex during your period, it's possible for the sperm to fertilize an egg that is released during or shortly after your period ends.

The chances of pregnancy during menstruation are relatively low because your body is shedding the lining of your uterus, which makes it less receptive to implantation of a fertilized egg. Additionally, the cervix is usually closed during menstruation, which helps to prevent sperm from entering the uterus.

However, it's important to understand that no method of birth control is 100% effective, so there is always a chance of pregnancy if you have unprotected sex. If you are concerned about the possibility of pregnancy, you should take a home pregnancy test or see your doctor.