Dear babygirl9418,

It's perfectly safe to have sex during your period. In fact, having an orgasm may help relieve menstrual cramps.

If a woman is using a tampon, she should remove it before insertive sex. Otherwise the tampon and its string could get pushed up too deep in the vagina for the woman to get it out herself.

It is possible (although rare) for a woman to get pregnant during her period. A woman has a good chance of becoming pregnant from unprotected vaginal intercourse during the six days that end in ovulation. She is less likely to become pregnant from unprotected intercourse in the day or two following ovulation, but it is possible. Ovulation usually occurs about 14 days before the start of a woman's menstrual cycle. Sperm can live up to seven days. In very short cycles — less than 22 days — it is possible for live sperm from sex during menstruation to still be in a woman's reproductive tract when ovulation occurs.

Hope this information helps!

Take care,

teenwire.com^® Editors

This column is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a medical problem, please call toll-free 1-800-230-PLAN for an appointment with the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you.