There’s a lot of incorrect information and personal anecdotes floating around on the web regarding pregnancy and fertility. A common question that arises is: Can you conceive if you have sex while on your period?

The menstrual cycle is the monthly process through which the body prepares itself for a potential pregnancy. The duration of the cycle can vary significantly among individuals, with an average length of about 28 days; however, regular cycles can be anywhere from 23 to 35 days, according to the National Health Service. The ovulation phase is when an egg is released from the ovaries, awaiting fertilization from sperm.

To empower you with knowledge about your sexual health, here’s a concise overview of what you should understand regarding periods and pregnancy.

Can You Conceive During Your Period?

“It’s not very likely, but it’s still a possibility,” states Dr. Gina Frugoni, MD, an assistant professor at UC San Diego School of Medicine in the fields of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, as well as an OB/GYN at UC San Diego Health.

The chance of getting pregnant while on your period depends on several factors, including the regularity of your menstrual cycle and whether the bleeding is genuinely a period or due to another type of vaginal bleeding, according to Dr. Frugoni.

Other considerations are the specific timing of intercourse during your period and the duration of your menstrual flow, she adds.

When Is the Best Time to Get Pregnant?

“The most probable time to conceive is around ovulation,” says Dr. Frugoni. This typically occurs about 14 days before the next menstrual period, though this can vary from person to person.

If you want to track your ovulation, there are various over-the-counter ovulation tests available. These predictor tests can help identify when ovulation is about to occur by measuring levels of luteinizing hormones (LH), as Dr. Frugoni explains.

Additionally, progesterone blood tests can confirm whether ovulation has already taken place, she notes.

When Is the Least Likely Time to Get Pregnant?

In individuals with regular cycles who are ovulating, the least probable time to conceive is near the end of the cycle, when the conditions for fertilization are not present and the body is preparing for the next period. However, pinpointing this exact timing can be challenging, says Dr. Frugoni.

“The initial phase of menstruation is also a less likely time for conception,” she points out, as it generally takes the body between 10 to 21 days to develop the next egg.

Is It Possible to Have a Full Period and Still Be Pregnant?

When bleeding occurs during pregnancy, it might be mistaken for a regular period, according to Dr. Frugoni.

“Numerous causes can lead to bleeding in early pregnancy that may be misinterpreted as a typical period,” she explains. “This bleeding is not the result of the endometrium breaking down and shedding.”

As noted by WebMD, up to 25% of individuals experience bleeding in the initial stages of pregnancy. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists mentions that light bleeding during early pregnancy is often not alarming but can signal a more serious issue.

During the first trimester, spotting is common due to changes in the cervix. Early pregnancy bleeding may also result from the embryo implanting in the uterus. However, concerning issues leading to bleeding include miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy, as per the National Health Service.

Bleeding in the second and third trimesters might indicate a serious concern such as preterm labor, placenta previa, placental abruption, or miscarriage. In rare cases, it could indicate a uterine rupture or vasa previa, according to Healthline.

If you experience any bleeding during pregnancy, it’s essential to consult your physician to identify the root cause.