Period=not pregnant?

Hello Anonymous,

Welcome to EmpowHER. I am happy to answer your questions and explain those answers.

Having your period proves you did not become pregnant.

Pregnancy occurs when sperm gets into the vagina or on the vulva. The vulva is the external female genitalia that includes the folds of skin, or labia, and clitoris.

Pre-ejaculate is the liquid that leaks out of the penis during sexual arousal but before ejaculation. Pre-ejaculate is not semen and does not contain sperm. But, it can pick up sperm remaining in his urethra from a previous ejaculation. Generally, sperm can live up to 7 days in the reproductive tract. Sperm is highly sensitive to temperature and moisture, and will eventually die outside the body.

The menstrual cycle is regulated by a precise balance of hormones.

Rising levels of estrogen are responsible for the build up of the uterine lining (endometrium). This build up of the lining gets the uterus ready to accept a fertilized egg. As the cycle continues, and no pregnancy occurs, the levels of estrogen decrease. Decreasing estrogen loosens the support for the built up lining and helps to make it separate, and prepare for menses.

The follicle stimulating hormone is made by the pituitary gland. Its purpose is to get a follicle ready for ovulation. Every month between 3 and 30 follicles are ripened for ovulation but usually only one continues to grow and eventually ruptures and releases an egg during ovulation.

The luteinizing hormone is the hormone that makes the egg (follicle) release from the ovary. This hormone is involved in the process of ovulation – the time in the menstrual cycle when the follicle ruptures and releases the egg from the ovary.

Progesterone is released by the ruptured follicle (one that has released an egg). After the egg is released from the follicle, the follicle closes and becomes a corpus luteum. The corpus luteum secretes increasing amounts of progesterone. This rise in the level of progesterone typically causes a rise in body temperature. If no pregnancy occurs, the levels of progesterone falls and this along with the decreasing amount of estrogen, helps the built up lining of the uterus to separate and for menstruation to begin.

I hope this explains it all to you:)
Maryann