Ask the Expert

Q: Can I get pregnant while I am on my period?

Yes, you can get pregnant while on your period and any time during your cycle! You are more likely to be pregnant if you have sex around the time of ovulation. Ovulation is when an egg is released from an ovary which happens 14 days after the start of your last period. The time of ovulation may not be as predictable for every woman and some women may experience bleeding in between periods (aka spotting). Plus, sperm can live up to days after having sex.

For birth control resources, check out the Teen Connect website at https://www.teenconnecttampabay.org/birth-control-methods.

For more information, visit Bedsider.

Dr. Diane Straub, Chief, Division of Adolescent Medicine & Professor of Pediatrics, USF Health and Medical Director, Ybor Youth Clinic