Yes, a girl can get pregnant even if she is not on her period. Pregnancy is possible at any time during the menstrual cycle when unprotected sex occurs.
Understanding Ovulation and Pregnancy
The key to understanding this is ovulation. Ovulation is the release of an egg from the ovaries. This usually happens around the middle of a woman's menstrual cycle, but the timing can vary. Even with irregular periods, ovulation still occurs, though it's harder to predict when. Source: KidsHealth.org - Irregular Periods QA
- Irregular Periods: Having irregular periods doesn't mean a girl can't ovulate and therefore can't get pregnant. In fact, it's possible to ovulate and get pregnant without having a regular period at all. Source: Advanced Women's Health Dallas - Can you Ovulate Without Having a Period?
- Unprotected Sex: Any time a woman has unprotected sex (sex without using birth control), there's a risk of pregnancy. This is true even if she's not experiencing a period. Source: KidsHealth.org - Can I still get pregnant if I don't get my period all the time? This is also true even if sex occurs during a period, although less likely Source: Planned Parenthood - Can you get pregnant if you have sex during your period?.
- Before First Period: It's also crucial to know that a girl can get pregnant even before she gets her first period because ovulation can start before menstruation. Source: KidsHealth.org - Could I Get Pregnant if I've Never Had My Period?
Fertility Window
The most fertile time for conception is during the days surrounding ovulation. While it's difficult to pinpoint the exact fertile window, understanding that ovulation can occur even without a regular period highlights the ongoing risk of pregnancy with unprotected sex. Source: NHS - Periods and fertility in the menstrual cycle