When is it OK to have sex after menstruation?

August 15, 2023By Nona Woman

Sexual relations and menstruation have been topics influenced by cultural and religious beliefs throughout history, resulting in various practices and taboos throughout the world. One of the questions that often arises is when is the right time to have sexual intercourse after menstruation.

Although this topic is influenced by cultural beliefs, religion, and individual views, it is important to explore general guidelines and medical perspectives to understand the broader context.

For further information and a comprehensive explanation, please read this article.

Menstruation and Fertility

Menstruation is a normal physiological process in women of reproductive age, lasting approximately 3 to 7 days. During this period, the uterine lining sloughs off, and the body expels blood and other materials from the vagina. Menstruation occurs when the egg released during the previous menstrual cycle is not fertilized, leading to sloughing of the uterine lining.

After menstruation, the woman's body prepares for the possibility of conception again. Ovulation, which is the release of an egg from the ovary, usually occurs about 12 to 14 days before your next period. During this fertile window, if sexual intercourse occurs and the sperm successfully fertilizes the egg, pregnancy can occur.

Intercourse after menstruation Cultural and Religious Perspectives

The question of when it is OK to have sex after menstruation is often influenced by cultural and religious beliefs. In some cultures and religions, sexual intercourse during menstruation is considered taboo, and couples may choose to abstain from sexual intercourse during this period. The reasons behind these beliefs can vary, ranging from beliefs in ritual impurity to cultural practices passed down from generation to generation.

For example, in some Hindu traditions, women are considered ritually impure during menstruation, and sexual relations during this time are avoided. In certain Islamic practices too, sexual intercourse during menstruation is discouraged as it is believed to be an impure time.

It is important to respect and understand the diverse cultural and religious beliefs surrounding menstruation and sexual practices. Different communities may have unique views on these issues, and couples should communicate openly about their beliefs and preferences to ensure mutual understanding and respect.

A Medical Perspective on Intercourse After Menstruation

Having sex after menstruation can be done safely, as long as the menstruation is completely clean. From the perspective of infection transmission, it is important to ensure that there is no remaining menstrual blood, as menstrual blood can be a good medium for bacterial growth. This can increase the risk of infections including sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), which in turn can cause problems with the reproductive system or fertility.

From a reproductive perspective, having sex after menstruation can trigger fertilization, especially in women with shorter menstrual cycles (21-24 days). This is because eggs can be produced again earlier, and sperm can survive in the reproductive tract for three to five days, although the fertilization success rate is low.

The ovaries will usually release eggs about 12 to 14 days before the next menstrual period begins. The first day of menstruation is counted as the first day of the cycle. In a 28 day menstrual cycle, ovulation usually occurs between the 12th and 16th day. Having sex during ovulation can increase the chances of conception.

Therefore, it is important to ensure that menstrual blood has completely stopped and is clean before having sex. Apart from that, use protection if you want to delay pregnancy, because the possibility of conception still exists.

Having sex after menstruation. Can you get pregnant?

Even though the chance of getting pregnant after menstruation is relatively small, the chance still exists. To understand a greater chance of pregnancy, it is important to understand a woman's fertile period.

A woman's menstrual cycle generally lasts 28 days. The first day of menstruation is counted as the first day of the cycle. A woman's fertile period generally occurs around 14 days before the next menstruation, namely on days 10 to 14. During this period, mature egg cells are ready to be fertilized by sperm.

Here is a detailed explanation of the chances of getting pregnant based on the days of the menstrual cycle:

Days 1-7 (Menstrual Period). The chances of getting pregnant are slim because there are no mature eggs to fertilize.
Days 8-9 (Post Menstruation). The chances of getting pregnant begin to increase because the follicles containing the egg begin to develop.
Day 10-14 (Time of Ovulation). The possibility of pregnancy is greatest because the mature egg has been released and is ready to be fertilized.
Day 15-16 (After Ovulation). The possibility of pregnancy is still there, but it is starting to decrease because unfertilized eggs will die.
Day 17-28 (Thickening of the Uterine Layer). The possibility of pregnancy is minimal because the body is preparing for the next menstruation.

Therefore, having sexual intercourse after menstruation, especially during ovulation (days 10 to 14) and post-ovulation (days 15 to 16), has a greater chance of getting pregnant than during menstruation.

This information can be used to maximize pregnancy programs (promil). By knowing the fertile period, couples can plan the right time for sexual intercourse to increase the chances of conception.

Fertility Awareness and Family Planning

For couples trying to conceive, understanding the menstrual cycle and fertility awareness can be beneficial. By tracking a woman's menstrual cycle, including the timing of ovulation, couples can increase their chances of getting pregnant during the fertile days of the cycle.

There are various methods for tracking fertility, such as the calendar method, basal body temperature method, and cervical mucus method. These methods can help predict the fertile window and aid family planning. It is important to note that menstrual cycles can differ from woman to woman, and even from cycle to cycle in the same woman. Factors such as stress, illness, travel, and hormonal changes can affect the timing of ovulation and menstruation.

Therefore, couples should not rely solely on calendar-based predictions, but use other fertility tracking methods to increase accuracy.

Understanding the Signs of Women's Fertility

Knowing your fertile period is an important aspect in planning pregnancy or avoiding pregnancy. Apart from the calculation method, women can recognize several natural signs that indicate the fertile period. Here's the explanation:

1. Changes in Cervical Mucus

Changes in cervical mucus are one of the easiest indicators of the fertile period to observe. Approaching ovulation, cervical mucus will become thinner, smoother, and egg white in color. This is caused by an increase in the hormone estrogen which makes cervical mucus easier for sperm to pass through. This condition usually lasts for 3-4 days before and during ovulation.

2. Increased Basal Body Temperature

Basal body temperature is the lowest body temperature that occurs during the menstrual cycle, usually measured after waking up in the morning. During ovulation, your basal body temperature will increase slightly, around 0.2-0.5 degrees Celsius. This increase can be monitored using a special thermometer and recorded every day for at least 3 months to determine the ovulation pattern.

3. Stomach and Back Pain

Some women experience pain in the lower abdomen or back during ovulation. This pain is known as mittelschmerz, which usually feels like mild cramping or stabbing and can last for several hours to 2 days. This pain is caused by the release of the egg from the follicle and can be a sign of the fertile period.

Safe Sexual Practices

No matter the cultural, religious, or medical views, what is important is to prioritize sexual health and have safe sex. Consistent and appropriate use of condoms and other barrier methods can help prevent unintended pregnancy and protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Consultation with a health care provider can provide couples with valuable information about contraceptive options and family planning. It is important to choose a contraceptive method that suits individual preferences and lifestyle.

Increases the Chances of Getting Pregnant After Menstruation

Welcoming the arrival of a baby is the dream of many couples. Whether through a natural pregnancy program or with medical assistance, efforts to conceive offspring need to be done properly.

Here are some complete guidelines to increase your chances of getting pregnant after menstruation:

1. Understanding Fertile Time

Knowing when the fertile period occurs is the main key to maximizing your chances of getting pregnant. Generally, ovulation occurs about 14 days before the next menstruation. However, every woman's menstrual cycle is different, so it is important to track it.

2. Have sexual relations at the right time

According to Dr. Barry Witt from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, couples do not need to have sex every day during the fertile period. Just have sex every other day for a six day period. Having sex every day through force can actually cause stress which has a negative impact on your chances of getting pregnant.

3. Utilize Supporting Technology

Currently, there are many applications available that can help track the menstrual cycle and ovulation period. Choose a trusted application that is connected to hospitals and obstetricians so you can consult with experts directly.

4. Maintain physical and mental health

A healthy lifestyle with a nutritious diet, regular exercise and adequate rest is very important for maintaining reproductive health and increasing your chances of getting pregnant. Avoid stress and manage emotions well, because stress can hinder the ovulation process.

5. Consult with a Gynecologist

Even though you have made various efforts, consultation with a gynecologist is still important. A doctor can help identify potential health problems underlying difficulty getting pregnant and provide the best solution.

Watch this video explanation in full about "When to have sex after menstruation to get pregnant quickly? These are the Signs!”

When Can Positive for Pregnancy After Menstruation?

The possibility of getting pregnant after menstruation can begin about two weeks after the first day of menstruation. This is because the fertile period, when ovulation occurs, generally takes place on days 12 to 14 before the next menstrual cycle. During this period, mature egg cells will survive for 12-24 hours, while sperm can live in the female reproductive tract for 72 hours, especially after sexual intercourse.

Therefore, the chance of pregnancy can occur if you have sexual intercourse during the fertile period. About a week after menstruation, it is possible that the fetus has started to grow in the uterus.

Keep in mind that some early pregnancy signs are similar to menstrual symptoms, so they often go unnoticed. Apart from late menstruation, several signs that indicate pregnancy are the appearance of implantation blood spots or spots. Here are some typical characteristics of implantation spots:

Blood is red, pink, or brown
The blood volume is small or only in the form of spots
Occurs occasionally, at most 3 days
Causes mild stomach cramps that do not interfere with activities

If you experience the signs above, consult a doctor to confirm pregnancy and get appropriate prenatal examinations.

In conclusion, the timing of sex after menstruation can vary based on cultural beliefs, religion, and individual preferences. From a medical point of view, there is no particular reason to refrain from sex after menstruation. However, fertility awareness and family planning can be very beneficial for couples trying to conceive.

The most important aspect in this is open and respectful communication between partners, respect for each other's beliefs, and responsible sexual practices to ensure sexual health and well-being.

References:

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/family-planning-contraception. https://yoona.id/blog/kapan-boleh-berhubungan-setelah-haid/#cara-berhubungan-setelah-haid-agar-hamil https://www.klikdokter.com/gaya-hidup/seks/berhubungan-intim-setelah-haid https://www.siloamhospitals.com/informasi-siloam/artikel/cara-menghitung-masa-subur-wanita#mcetoc_1his9k2ld1cxa https://bocahindonesia.com/positif-hamil-sehabis-haid-nggak-bikin-afraid/