I heard a rumour
Question
Someone told me I could have unprotected sex exactly two days after my period has finished without getting pregnant. Is this true?
Answer
This definitely not true.
Technically, a woman is more likely to conceive at a particular stage in her menstrual cycle. But it's impossible to be sure of when you will next have your period, and therefore impossible to be sure of when you will ovulate. Stress, exercise, change of diet, and ill health are just some of the things that can effect a woman's menstrual cycle. In addition, because sperm can live in the body for up to seven days, it is also high risk to have sex up to seven days before ovulation.
Therefore, it is never safe to have unprotected sex if you wish to avoid pregnancy, even when having a period.
You can get free confidential contraceptive advice and supplies from Brook (under 25s only), a family planning clinic or your local doctor (GP).
Updated: 17/01/2008
Question answered by YouthNet in association with Brook
