Conceiving a child is a milestone in the lives of many couples. The moment when a couple finds out they are pregnant may be even sweeter thanks to a culmination of events that lead up to the pregnancy. For women still trying to conceive, the looming question remains, when exactly can you get pregnant?
Can you get pregnant before you ovulate?
Yes and no. Yes, you can get pregnant from having sex before you ovulate, actually up to 5 days before ovulation. That's how long sperm can survive.
No, you cannot get pregnant before you ovulate, but sperm can live in the female body for five days or more. This means any unprotected intercourse occurring within five days of ovulation could lead to pregnancy.
Can you get pregnant after ovulation?
No. You have to have sex either on the day of ovulation or within 5 days before that day. Having sex the day after ovulation is not going to get you pregnant because the egg does not live longer than 12-24 hours
Can you get pregnant if you douche after sex?
Yes, you can get pregnant if you douche after sex. You may even increase your chance of conceiving as the semen is pushed closer to the cervix.
Can you get pregnant if you take birth control pills?
Yes, there is a small chance of conception when taking birth control pills, but there is a chance none-the-less. If you miss scheduled doses of your birth control the chances are even greater.
Can you get pregnant on the day of ovulation?
Yes, you can get pregnant on the day you ovulate. If you have unprotected intercourse two to three days before ovulation your chances of conception may be higher as sperm has had more time to swim closer to the egg. Sperm lives up to five days while eggs only live 24 hours.
Can you get pregnant if you use a condom?
Yes, condoms are not 100% effective. Condoms can have small holes that allow a small amount of semen through during intercourse. If condoms are used only during the latter part of intercourse for ejaculation, semen could already have deposited in the vagina. A small amount of semen is expressed before ejaculation and contains sperm.
Can you get pregnant before your first menstrual cycle?
Yes, young women can go through puberty before having their first menstrual cycle. Typically, egg maturation occurs right before the first menstrual period, but that is not the case 100% of the time. If a teenager is exhibiting the signs of puberty; increased breast size, skin changes, and growth of body hair in the pubic area and underarms, chances are puberty is right around the corner.
Can I get pregnant without a man?
Yes and no. Women do not need to have a male partner to get pregnant but male sperm is needed. Sperm banks offer a supply of sperm for use with in-vitro fertilization and other fertility treatments. These can be used by a woman wishing to conceive without a male partner.
No, there is no known way of conceiving a child without an egg and a sperm. Women do not need to have a male partner, however, as a source of sperm.
Can I get pregnant if I have PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome)?
Yes, there are plenty of women who conceive after a diagnosis of PCOS. Getting pregnant may be harder so women need to work with a fertility specialist familiar with the effects of PCOS. Common suggestions include losing weight, increase exercise, inquire about anti-androgen medications, ask about ovarian drilling and control diabetes if that is a concurrent health condition.
Can you get pregnant while having sex during your menstrual period?
If you have sex within 5 days before ovulation then you can get pregnant. And if ovulation happens shortly after your menstrual period ends then you can get pregnant.
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