Can a girl get pregnant when she's just gotten over her period?
– Katherine*

Yes! Having unprotected sex at any time is risky and can result in pregnancy. Sometimes ovulation — the time when a girl is most likely to become pregnant — can occur within a few days of her period ending. Also, sperm can fertilize an egg for several days after ejaculation. Girls who have sex must use birth control every single time to help prevent pregnancy. Condoms are ideal because they also help couples avoid sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and can be used in addition to other forms of birth control.

For more information, check out these articles:
Birth Control: What You Need to Know
Can a Girl Get Pregnant if She Has Sex During Her Period?
Abstinence
About Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)

Reviewed by: Larissa Hirsch, MD    
Date reviewed: September 2006
Originally reviewed by: Neil Izenberg, MD

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*Names have been changed to protect user privacy.