Before diving into pregnancy possibilities, let’s rewind a bit and break down what your period actually is.

During your cycle, hormones rise and fall to prepare your body for pregnancy. When no fertilised egg implants in the uterus, your body sheds the uterine lining, a.k.a. your period. It usually marks the beginning of your menstrual cycle, not the end.

Cycles vary in length, some folks have 28-day cycles, others have shorter or longer. That’s important because it affects when you’re most fertile. Ovulation (when an egg is released) typically happens about halfway through the cycle. But depending on your timing, things can overlap more than you think.

So, Is It Really Possible?

Let’s go back to that big question: is it possible to get pregnant on your period?

The answer is yes, but it’s not super common. Here’s how it can happen:

1. You Ovulate Early: If your cycle is on the shorter side and you have sex toward the end of your period, sperm can survive in the body for up to five days. So, if you ovulate just a couple of days after your period ends, there’s a possibility that the sperm is still present and able to fertilise an egg.
2. What You Think Is a Period… Might Not Be: Sometimes spotting or bleeding during ovulation or early pregnancy gets mistaken for a period. That can throw off your cycle tracking and make you think it’s “safe,” when actually you're in a fertile window.

Let’s Talk Sperm Longevity

Sperm can survive inside the body for several days, which makes your actual “fertile window” longer than you might expect. Even if you’re on your period, sperm may live long enough for ovulation if it’s coming soon.

Fertility Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All

There are a bunch of factors that affect fertility. Hormone levels, stress, sleep, diet, medical conditions (like PCOS or thyroid issues), and even certain medications can all shift your cycle. So, while tracking is a great tool, it’s not a guarantee.

That’s where using tools like an ovulation calculator can be helpful. These can estimate your fertile days based on your cycle length. Though they’re not foolproof, especially if your cycle isn’t super regular.

What If You’re Not Trying to Conceive?

If you’re sexually active and not planning on a pregnancy, relying solely on your period as a “safe time” isn’t the best bet. Barrier methods like condoms, or longer-term options like birth control, provide more reliable protection.

Also: using protection means less stress about STIs. Double win.

Here's What You Should Know

• Yes, it is possible to get pregnant during your period - especially if you have a short cycle or irregular ovulation.
• Sperm can live in the body for several days, increasing the odds if you ovulate soon after your period.
• Not all bleeding is a true period; it could be spotting or even implantation bleeding.
• Fertility isn’t fixed, it shifts based on loads of personal and environmental factors.
• If you’re not trying to conceive, using contraception is your best move.

So… Now What?

Understanding your cycle is empowering. It helps you make informed choices about your body, whether that’s avoiding pregnancy, trying for one, or just getting to know your own rhythm better.

And if you’re ever unsure or your cycle’s been unpredictable, checking in with a healthcare provider can offer clarity (and peace of mind). Bodies are complex, and while period talk might’ve felt awkward growing up, it’s actually one of the most natural conversations you can have.

So ask questions. Track your cycle. Use protection if needed. Your body, your rules.

Love, Libra x 

Essity makes no warranties or representations regarding the completeness or accuracy of the information. This information should be used only as a guide and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional, medical or other health professional advice.