Some women engage in intercourse during menstruation without contraception and worry about pregnancy. Does ovulation occur during menstruation? Can one become pregnant during this period? Generally, the likelihood of conception during menstrual intercourse is lower, but pregnancy is still possible—there are documented cases of conception occurring during menstruation. Let's explore this further.
I. Contraception is still necessary during menstruation
First, it's important to understand the menstrual cycle. Women menstruate monthly because they ovulate once a month. When sperm and egg unite, they develop into an embryo. After ten months of gestation, a baby is born.
If fertilization doesn't occur, the egg cannot survive long in the uterus (lasting about three days) and is shed along with the uterine lining—this is what we commonly refer to as menstruation.
A woman's ovulation period generally falls between two menstrual cycles. It can be roughly estimated by counting 14-15 days from the first day of the current menstrual period. Engaging in intercourse within ten days before or after ovulation increases the likelihood of conception. On other days, the probability of pregnancy is minimal, commonly referred to as the "safe period."
Most women ovulate around the 14th day after menstruation begins. However, if ovulation occurs earlier and sperm remain viable, pregnancy can still occur. The average male ejaculation contains approximately 300 million sperm, which can survive inside a woman's body for about 7 days. Combined with the possibility of early ovulation, pregnancy remains highly likely. Therefore, even during menstruation, necessary contraceptive measures should be taken.
II. Does Ovulation Occur During Menstruation?
Both menstruation and ovulation are influenced by endocrine hormones from the pituitary gland and ovaries, exhibiting cyclical patterns. Their cycles are consistent, each lasting approximately one month, with ovulation occurring midway between menstrual periods. Therefore, ovulation does not occur during menstruation.Ovulation typically occurs around 14 days before the next menstrual period. For safety, we define the ovulation period as the 10 days encompassing the 5 days before ovulation, the day of ovulation itself, and the 4 days after ovulation.
However, emergency contraception can disrupt menstrual cycles and cause irregular ovulation. Additionally, emotional stress or other stimuli may trigger additional ovulation. Therefore, relying on the "safe period" for contraception is not very reliable.
III. Avoid Intercourse During Menstruation
While pregnancy is less likely during menstruation, it remains possible. Furthermore, a woman's immune system is weaker during this period, and intercourse may trigger inflammation. Therefore, sexual activity during menstruation is not recommended.
1. Preventing Reproductive System Infections
During menstruation, the endometrium (the inner lining of the uterus) sheds in pieces.During intercourse, bacteria from the vulva and perineum (the area between the vaginal opening and anus) can easily enter the vagina, cervix, and uterus. These bacteria thrive and multiply in the presence of blood, causing localized inflammation known as endometritis. This condition may present with fever, lower abdominal pain, heavier menstrual bleeding, and prolonged menstrual periods.
If the infecting bacteria are highly virulent, they may spread through the lymphatic vessels of the endometrium beyond the uterus into the pelvic cavity. This can cause acute adnexitis (affecting the fallopian tubes and ovaries) and pelvic peritonitis. Beyond fever and abdominal pain, this can impact future fertility. Inflammation of the fallopian tubes can lead to adhesions, and in severe cases, blockage of the tube lumen. If sperm cannot pass through, conception becomes impossible.
2.Preventing retrograde menstrual flow into the pelvis causing endometriosis
During intercourse while menstruating, when female arousal peaks, uterine contractions occur. At this time, shed endometrial fragments in the uterine cavity can be propelled into the fallopian tubes by uterine pressure. These fragments travel through the fallopian tubes into the abdominal cavity and pelvis. Wherever they settle, they can implant and grow, leading to endometriosis.
This condition can cause adhesions between the fallopian tubes and uterus, as well as within the pelvic cavity. It may also lead to thickening of the ovarian surface and blood retention, disrupting normal egg development and affecting ovulation, ultimately resulting in infertility. Therefore, sexual intercourse during menstruation is inadvisable.
In summary, sexual intercourse during menstruation poses risks to women's health, with adolescent females requiring particular caution. Both partners should avoid pursuing momentary pleasure at the cost of lifelong regret.