When's the Best Time to Have Sex and Avoid Pregnancy?

There isn’t a “best time” to have sex to avoid getting pregnant. Having sex at any time, even when you think it’s a “safe” time (called fertility awareness), can lead to an unplanned pregnancy.

When Am I Most Likely to Become Pregnant?

Pregnancy is most likely to happen about halfway between periods, around the time that you’re ovulating. This is when your ovaries release an egg.

The amount of time between periods can be different each month, making the halfway point hard to predict. You can also be fertile (able to get pregnant) many days before and after you ovulate.

How Do I Know When I’m Ovulating?

It’s hard to tell when you’re ovulating. Teens often have irregular periods (menstrual cycles that are shorter or longer than usual), which makes it hard to predict when you might be ovulating. Even if you usually have regular menstrual cycles, the timing of ovulation can vary due to things like stress or illness.

What Are Better Methods of Birth Control?

Couples having sex should use a reliable birth control method that works better to help prevent pregnancy, like:

• a birth control implant (a small tube put under the skin in the arm)
• an intrauterine device or IUD (a small piece of T-shaped plastic that’s placed inside the uterus)
• the patch (a thin square patch that sticks to the skin)
• birth control pills (daily pills)
• birth control shot (an injection given every 3 months)

What Else Should I Know?

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), also known as sexually transmitted infections, or STIs, are another concern if you’re sexually active. They can spread through vaginal, anal, or oral sex; using fingers or shared sex toys; or with other sexual contact. To help prevent STDs, use condoms each time you have sex. The only way to fully prevent STDs and pregnancy is to not have sex.

To learn more about how to avoid pregnancy and STDs, talk with your doctor. You can also go to a health clinic like Planned Parenthood.

Other Common Questions

Can I get pregnant if my periods are irregular?

Yes, anytime you have unprotected sex, you can get pregnant. Learn how you can get pregnant when you have irregular periods.

Could I get pregnant the first time I have sex?

Yes. Even if it’s a person’s first time having sex, a pregnancy may happen. Find out how someone can get pregnant.

Could I get pregnant if I have sex during my period?

Yes, it’s possible to become pregnant if you have sex during your period. Learn how this could happen.