There is a chance of pregnancy 7 days before your period if you have a short menstrual cycle, such as 21 days. For longer menstrual cycles like 32 days or more, getting pregnant 7 days before your period would be less likely.

How many days before and after your period depends on the length of your menstrual cycle.

Before you start a new period, you are in the safe days of the luteal phase,  after the fertile window closes. The length of your cycle determines your safe days. 

After your menstrual days of bleeding end in the follicular phase, cycle days lead up to the ovulation phase, so you may not have safe days in a shorter menstrual cycle. Longer menstrual cycles may have a few safe days after your period before the fertile window opens.

The chances of getting pregnant on safe days are unlikely. The safe days are planned outside of the fertile window. With the use of a calendar to track menstrual cycle phases and fertility symptoms, you are less likely to have sexual activity during days that may not be safe.

Studies have shown sperm can survive up to 5 days, with 1% up to 6.8 days. Most won’t survive longer than 1 to 2 days. Safe days must be planned to keep you safe leading up to and after the 6 day fertile window.¹

Safe days during the menstrual cycle are the days in the cycle you are less likely to get pregnant. Safe days in each cycle are determined by the menstrual cycle average length and patterns of fertility symptoms in the cycle.

Yes and No.

Safe days are safe if you have accurately tracked your menstrual cycle for multiple cycles and know your average cycle length, cycle variations, and your fertile window.

If you are still working to sync with your menstrual cycle and learning your cycle length, patterns, and fertility symptoms, then you may not know when you are in the safe days window. 

The more you become aware of fertile symptoms and your menstrual cycle variations, the more accuracy you may have with predicting your safe days. 

When you are not sure if it is safe or not, you may use barrier methods or abstain from sexual activity.

The best type of contraceptive method is a personal choice. Choose methods that are comfortable for you and your partner and that you both agree on.

Natural Contraceptive Methods: Fertility awareness, pullout method, lactational amenorrhea method (breastfeeding)

Barrier Methods: Male and female condoms, diaphragm, cervical cap