If you have unprotected sex, there’s always a chance of getting pregnant. You could conceive before your period, during it, or right after it ends because ovulation timing is different for everyone. In fact, you may be more likely to get pregnant in the days following your period.

Pregnancy can happen within 3 days (72 hours) after intercourse, as sperm can live in the female reproductive system for up to 5 days.

There is higher chance of getting pregnant if you ovulate (release of egg) during that period. Ovulation is the process by which your body prepares for a potential pregnancy.

Always remember, if you want to get pregnant, timing is everything.

How Many Days After Period Can You Get Pregnant?

Women can get pregnant at any point in their menstrual cycle. However, the probability of conception is high from 5 days before ovulation to 2 days following.

During ovulation, the ovaries release the eggs, which travel down to the uterus. If they meet sperm, fertilization happens, causing pregnancy. If not, the unfertilized eggs break down the uterine lining and bleed, which is menstruation.

Ovulation occurs around day 14 if you have a 28-day menstrual cycle, but some women have a shorter menstrual cycle, which is 21 days. You can conceive after a period ends because you ovulate a little earlier. If you have an irregular cycle, you can get pregnant just after your period.

Women can get pregnant at any point in their cycle if they have engaged in unprotected sex.

The chance of getting pregnant right after the period depends on the length of your period and how short your menstrual cycle is.

For example, if you have sex toward the end of your period, you may be close to your fertile window, especially with a short cycle. Sperm can survive up to 7 days, so if you ovulate soon after your period, sperm from intercourse during your period can fertilize the egg once ovulation occurs.

The days before and after menstruation are the least fertile days because ovulation usually occurs 10–16 days before the start of your period, and the egg lives only up to 24 hours.

Since an egg is not available during menstruation and sperm only survives up to 7 days, conception is unlikely during this time.

Can You Get Pregnant Right After Your Period?

Yes, you can get pregnant right after your period, but it is rare. It depends on the duration and regularity of your menstrual cycle and the timing of ovulation.

If you have a short menstrual cycle or ovulate early, you may become pregnant right after your period ends. If you have intercourse at the end of your period, there’s a chance that live sperm will be present when you ovulate.

The possibility is higher if you ovulate earlier than usual or have a short cycle of around 21 days.

Basics of Reproductive Cycle

On a 28-day menstrual cycle, ovulation occurs around 14 days before the next period. Having sex between days 10 and 14 increases your chances of getting pregnant.

In general, fertility is highest 1–2 days before ovulation.

Phase	Days of the cycle	Fertility Level
Menstruation Phase	Days 1 - 5	Least Fertile
Follicular Phase	Days 6 - 13	Low to Moderate Fertility
Ovulation Phase	Day 14	Highly Fertile
Luteal Phase	Days 15 - 28	Low to Least Fertile

Can You Get Pregnant if You Have Sex During Your Period?

No, you will not get pregnant if you have sex during your period, possibly. Because ovulation is still several days away, the chances are low.

During menstruation, the uterine lining (endometrium) is shed, which also clears out sperm from the uterus.

However, people with shorter cycles who ovulate early may get pregnant if they have sex toward the end of their period.

Although the chances are low, they still exist.

What About Right Before Your Period?

The probability of getting pregnant right before your period is very low. On a regular 28-day cycle, ovulation happens around day 14, and the egg survives only 24 hours.

Having sex right before your period is one of the safest times to avoid pregnancy.

When Are You Most Fertile?

If your cycle lasts 28 days, subtract 14 days from your next expected period. Have sex every other day during this window.

Fertility is lowest right before and right after your period, but conception can still happen with shorter cycles.

What If Your Cycle Is Shorter or Longer Than 28 Days?

Menstrual cycles can range from 21 to 35 days, and ovulation doesn’t always happen on day 14.

Only about 10% of women ovulate exactly 14 days before their period, and only 30% ovulate between days 10 and 17.

Stress, nutrition, PCOS, and puberty-related changes can affect ovulation timing.

Tracking basal body temperature, cervical mucus, ovulation calculators, or fertility monitors can help predict ovulation more accurately.

So When is Pregnancy Most Likely?

Pregnancy is most likely during your fertile window.

• 4–5 days before ovulation

• On the day of ovulation

• One day after ovulation

What is a Fertility Window?

The fertility window is the time in your cycle when pregnancy is most likely.

It usually occurs mid-cycle and lasts for about 5–6 days.

Knowing this window helps you plan intercourse if you’re trying to conceive.

Bottom Line

To maximize fertility, adopt healthy lifestyle habits such as avoiding smoking, limiting alcohol, eating a balanced diet, managing stress, and maintaining a healthy weight.

Contact us, the best gynecologist in Bangalore, for personalized guidance on your journey to parenthood.