Is my girlfriend pregnant?

[Big Man]

My girlfriend and I had unprotected sex last night while she is on the 3rd day of her period. Is it still possible that she may become pregnant?

[andy hughes]

It is possible to conceive any time you have unprotected sex - the notion that women can't conceive while on their period / first time / standing up / and so on, are all nonsense. Intercourse is a biological function, and the biological purpose is to ensure fertilisation, so the odds are stacked extremely heavily in favour of conception. If every sperm in the average ejaculate fertilised one egg, it would be possible to re-populate North America (that's the continent!) so you can work out the odds yu are dealing with. If you don't want a baby, use contraception - that's the rule, no exceptions.

[boognish76]

Although, technically, a woman can become pregnant at any time, it's more unlikely that she will become pregnant as a result of having sex whilst on her period. If you want to be absolutely sure though, I'd recommend getting the morning after pill.

[FTVS]

It is much more unlikley but not impossible - does your girlfriend have regular periods? If she does than you are more likely to be okay. I think you're best bet is a trip to the family planning clinic and a bit of education. The rhythm method which you seem to rather amateurishly attempting, involves a lot than this and is still only rated 96% effective.

[coemgen]

It is extremely unlikely that your girlfriend is pregnant. The majority of females ovulate 14 days before a period, that is when she is most fertile.The morning after pill is not really necessary as any good doctor will advise you.I am sorry you have had to deal with the judgemental attitudes of some members when all you wanted was an answer to your question.If your girlfriend has regular periods she may be able to tell when she is ovulating by the changes in her cervical mucus which becomes clear and resembles egg whites when ovulation is occurring.

[andy hughes]

I have read coemgen's response, and I think I may appear to have taken a morally superior attitude in my response - please forgive me if that was your perception of my reply as well. I didn't intend to come on like an irked parent, I got a bit carried away! I hope that if you are both expecting a baby, and that is what you want, that it's wonderful news, and if not, some of my more practically-minded colleagues have given you sound advice as to your course of action. Appologies again - I must try to think before i hit the 'submit' button!

[Moonhead]

As a women, can I just say, in a simple way.... I think its VERY unlikely your girlfriend would become pregnant in the middle of a period.

[tracymort]

coemgen, from your answer i assume you know something about fertility awareness or NFP! am i right? I am going to see an NFP teacher in january and am starting to take some obs. i am exclusively (and i mean no bottle, no dummy, no soilds) bestfeeding so hoping this is protecting me at the mo. wouldn't be so bad if it didn't work though!!

[coemgen]

Hi Tracyh I'm not an expert, just a mum of 4 who's learnt a bit about fertlity and contraception through trial and error.I must admit though, I don't know what NFP is, and what are obs?Do you mean natural methods of contraception? These are not very reliable unless your periods are regular and you get to know your body sufficiently to know when you are ovulating.I used it for years and it worked for me. If you are exclusively breastfeeding then you should be fully protected.

[tracymort]

NFP is natural family planning. i am totally irregular normally (i have polycystic ovary syndrome) and this will still work as it uses temp and cervical mucus obs (sorry to be yucky!). It does need some planning and a charts to do so thats why i am seeing a teacher, its on the NHS too! apparently there is a good book called taking charge of your fertility which i am going to buy soon thats all about it.