The safe days to avoid pregnancy after a period typically depend on the length and regularity of the menstrual cycle. Generally, the fertile window begins around 8 to 19 days into a 26- to 32-day cycle, so unprotected sex during these days carries a higher risk of pregnancy. The safest times for unprotected sex are during the period itself and from about 1 week before and after the period ends, but because sperm can survive up to 5-7 days in the body and ovulation timing varies, there are no completely "safe" days with zero risk. More specifically:
- Ovulation usually occurs about 14 days before the next period if you have a regular 28-day cycle.
- The five days before ovulation and one day after form the highest fertility window.
- For a typical cycle, unprotected sex after about day 18 (counting from the first day of the period) is considered safer to avoid pregnancy.
- However, short or irregular cycles can shift ovulation earlier, increasing pregnancy risk soon after the period.
Therefore, relying solely on "safe days" without contraception is risky, and using contraception is the most reliable way to avoid pregnancy.
