Is There a Possibility of Pregnancy After Unprotected Sex? - Obstetrics and Gynecology

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Is there a possibility of pregnancy?


On May 7, sexual intercourse occurred with my girlfriend.
On May 29, a pregnancy test showed one line.
There was no further sexual activity between May 7 and May 29.
My girlfriend's menstrual period was expected around May 25, but it has not arrived yet.
Is there a possibility that my girlfriend could be pregnant? Thank you!

jason, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/06/03

Dr. Lü Lizheng reply Obstetrics and Gynecology


If the time since intercourse is more than 18 days, the pregnancy test result can be trusted, and it is likely that there is no pregnancy.
Sincerely, Dr.
Lu Li-Cheng, Taoyuan Hospital.

Reply Date: 2016/06/03

More Info


When it comes to the possibility of pregnancy after unprotected sex, several factors need to be considered, including the timing of the menstrual cycle, the nature of the sexual encounter, and the results of any pregnancy tests taken.

In your case, you mentioned that you had unprotected sex with your girlfriend on May 7th, and she was expected to have her period around May 25th. However, as of now, her period has not arrived, and you conducted a pregnancy test on May 29th, which showed one line (indicating a negative result).
To understand the possibility of pregnancy, let’s break down the relevant factors:
1. Timing of Ovulation: The menstrual cycle typically lasts about 28 days, but it can vary from person to person. Ovulation usually occurs about 14 days before the start of the next period. If your girlfriend has a regular cycle, and her period is expected on May 25th, she would likely ovulate around May 11th. Since you had unprotected sex on May 7th, it is possible that sperm could still be viable in her reproductive tract when she ovulates, as sperm can live for up to five days in the female body.

2. Pregnancy Test Accuracy: The pregnancy test you took on May 29th was negative. Most home pregnancy tests are quite accurate when taken after a missed period. However, if she ovulated later than expected, it is possible that the test was taken too early to detect pregnancy. If her period does not arrive soon, it would be advisable to take another test a few days later or consult a healthcare provider for a blood test, which can detect pregnancy earlier than a urine test.

3. Menstrual Irregularities: Stress, hormonal imbalances, or other factors can cause a delay in menstruation. If your girlfriend is experiencing stress or has had any changes in her lifestyle, this could also contribute to her missed period.
4. Other Symptoms: If she is experiencing any early signs of pregnancy, such as nausea, breast tenderness, or fatigue, these could indicate pregnancy, but they are not definitive without a positive pregnancy test.

In conclusion, while there is a possibility of pregnancy from the unprotected sex on May 7th, the negative pregnancy test on May 29th suggests that she is likely not pregnant, especially if her cycle is regular. However, given that her period is late, it would be wise for her to take another pregnancy test in a few days or consult a healthcare provider for further evaluation.
If she is indeed pregnant and considering her options, it is important to discuss this with a healthcare professional who can provide guidance on the next steps, including the various methods available for pregnancy termination if that is the decision she wishes to make. Options include medication (such as mifepristone) or surgical procedures, both of which should be discussed with a qualified healthcare provider to ensure safety and appropriateness based on her individual circumstances.

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