Concerns About Pregnancy After Unprotected Intercourse: What You Need to Know

Concerned about the possibility of being pregnant?

I would like to ask...
My last menstrual period started on January 20, and the one before that started on February 23.
Recently, I have been drinking alcohol with my boyfriend, and we had intercourse on March 13 using a condom, which he ejaculated in.
On March 15, we started with a condom, but it came off shortly after, and he withdrew.
On March 16, we also started with a condom, but he went to the bathroom, and then he withdrew again.
On March 18, we began with a condom, but it came off again, and he withdrew.
He keeps asking me if my period has started because my breasts have been very swollen.
I noticed significant breast swelling and cravings starting on March 17, and as of today, March 19, my breasts are still very swollen.
I am worried about the possibility of pregnancy, and I haven't taken emergency contraception.
He mentioned that when he drinks, he finds it hard to control withdrawal, but I saw him withdraw outside.
I am just very concerned that he might have leaked a few drops inside me.
Is there a possibility of pregnancy? Last year in September, I took RU486; does that affect my chances of getting pregnant now?

Chen Xiaoyu, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/03/21

Dr. Lin Manying reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

What you need is not medical advice but rather a remedial course in sexual education.
For such questions, it is recommended to refer to the National Health Administration's "Sexual Well-being e-Learning" or the Obstetrics and Gynecology Society's "Consultation Guide for Adolescent Contraception" at http://goo.gl/dc6PfW1.
If you are concerned about pregnancy, you can take a pregnancy test 10 days after your last sexual intercourse or 3 days after your missed period.
Additionally, if medication-induced abortion has not been repeated too many times, the likelihood of infertility is low.

Reply Date: 2016/03/21

More Info

When it comes to concerns about pregnancy after unprotected intercourse, it’s important to understand the various factors that can influence the likelihood of conception. Based on your description, it seems you had several instances of unprotected intercourse, with some attempts at using condoms that ultimately failed. This raises valid concerns about the possibility of pregnancy.

Firstly, let’s address the timing of your menstrual cycle. You mentioned that your last menstrual period started on February 23, and you had intercourse on March 13, 15, 16, and 18. If we consider a typical menstrual cycle, ovulation usually occurs about 14 days before the start of your next period. Given that your cycle started on February 23, you would likely ovulate around March 9. Sperm can live inside the female reproductive tract for up to five days, which means that intercourse occurring around the time of ovulation significantly increases the chances of conception.

The symptoms you are experiencing, such as breast tenderness and cravings, can be early signs of pregnancy, but they can also be attributed to hormonal changes that occur during your menstrual cycle. It’s not uncommon for women to experience breast tenderness before their period due to hormonal fluctuations. However, given your concerns and the timing of your sexual activity, it would be prudent to take a home pregnancy test if your period does not arrive as expected.

Regarding your previous use of RU486 (mifepristone), it is primarily used for medical abortion and is not intended for contraception. If you took it last year and are now considering pregnancy, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider to understand any potential implications for future pregnancies. Generally, after a medical abortion, women are advised to wait for a certain period before trying to conceive, but this can vary based on individual circumstances.

If you are worried about the possibility of pregnancy, here are a few steps you can take:
1. Take a Pregnancy Test: If your period is late, taking a home pregnancy test can provide clarity. These tests are most accurate when taken after a missed period.

2. Consult a Healthcare Provider: If you have concerns about your menstrual cycle, potential pregnancy, or the effects of previous medication, it’s best to speak with a healthcare professional. They can provide personalized advice and support.

3. Consider Emergency Contraception: If you are still within the window for emergency contraception (typically within 72-120 hours after unprotected intercourse), you may want to consider this option to reduce the risk of pregnancy.

4. Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any symptoms you experience, such as changes in your menstrual cycle, breast tenderness, or nausea, and discuss these with your healthcare provider.

In summary, while the possibility of pregnancy exists given the circumstances you described, the best course of action is to take a pregnancy test and consult with a healthcare professional for further guidance. They can help you navigate your concerns and provide the necessary support for your reproductive health.

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