Myths about when you can get pregnant

Myth: It's impossible to get pregnant the first time you have unprotected sex.

FACT: It is a common myth that you can't get pregnant the first time you have unprotected sex. This is simply not true. There is always a possibility that you will get pregnant if you have unprotected sex – even the very first time. If you are having unprotected sex and don't want to get pregnant, you will need to choose a method of contraception that will suit you. If you have had unprotected sex, find out when you can do a pregnancy test.

Myth: It's possible to get pregnant at any time of the month.

FACT: To get pregnant, you need to have sex on the days leading up to and around when you ovulate. The day prior to ovulation, and the day of ovulation itself, being your two most fertile days. Once the egg has gone (usually within a day of ovulation) you cannot get pregnant until after your next menstrual cycle has started. Methods that tell you after you have ovulated are of no help if you are trying to conceive.

Myth: You can only conceive on two days each cycle.

FACT: This is not true. The 'fertile window' lasts up to 6 days. You are at your most fertile the day you ovulate and the day before. However, because sperm can survive for up to five days, having sex on the days leading up to ovulation can increase your chances of getting pregnant.

Myth: If you have sex during your period you can't get pregnant.

FACT: It's unlikely that you'll get pregnant, but not impossible. You are fertile on the days leading up to and around the time of ovulation – due to the lifespan of sperm – and if you have a short cycle you could be ovulating just after your period. So you could be fertile very early in your cycle when you are still bleeding.

To learn more about how to increase your chances of getting pregnant, please call +91-78999-30207 to talk to a fertility specialist or OBGYN at Sagar Chandramma Hospitals.