Could You Be Pregnant? Symptoms and Risks - Obstetrics and Gynecology

Can I get pregnant?

Hello doctor, I had sexual intercourse with my girlfriend on October 31, which was the third day of her menstrual period.
We did not use a condom and I ejaculated externally.
On November 12, we used a condom throughout and I also ejaculated externally.
According to a mobile app, that day could have been around her ovulation period.
For the past two to three days, my girlfriend has been experiencing nipple pain; it hurts when she squeezes or accidentally touches her nipples, but her breasts do not feel swollen or painful.
She only has nipple pain, which she suspects might indicate that her period is coming, but she has never experienced isolated nipple pain before (her menstrual cycle is approximately 33-35 days).
Is it possible that this is a sign of pregnancy? Does she need to go to the hospital for a mammogram or similar examination?

Cc, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/11/19

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, the chances of pregnancy are low, but it is best to take preventive measures at all times.
Do not rely on the safe period; just observe.
If your period is more than a week late, it is advisable to see a gynecologist.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2016/11/19

More Info

When considering the possibility of pregnancy, it is essential to understand the symptoms and risks associated with it. Based on your description, your girlfriend experienced nipple tenderness after engaging in sexual activity, which can be a sign of various conditions, including hormonal changes related to her menstrual cycle or potential pregnancy.

Firstly, it is important to note that nipple tenderness can occur for several reasons. Hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle can lead to breast and nipple sensitivity. This sensitivity is often more pronounced in the days leading up to menstruation, which aligns with your girlfriend's cycle. However, if this is a new symptom for her, it could also indicate other factors, such as stress, changes in birth control methods, or even early signs of pregnancy.

Regarding the timing of your sexual encounters, having unprotected intercourse on the third day of her menstrual period typically poses a lower risk of pregnancy, as this is generally considered to be a less fertile time in the cycle. However, sperm can survive in the female reproductive tract for up to five days, and if her cycle is longer (33-35 days), ovulation could occur later than average, potentially leading to a risk of pregnancy if sperm is present during that time.

The use of condoms during your second encounter reduces the risk of pregnancy significantly, provided that the condom was used correctly and did not break. However, since you mentioned that there was external ejaculation, it is still wise to consider the possibility of pre-ejaculate fluid, which can contain sperm.

If your girlfriend is experiencing unusual symptoms, such as persistent nipple tenderness, it may be beneficial for her to take a home pregnancy test. These tests are most accurate when taken after a missed period. If the test is positive or if she continues to experience symptoms that concern her, it would be advisable to consult a healthcare provider for further evaluation.
In terms of medical examinations, a breast ultrasound or mammogram is typically not necessary unless there are other concerning symptoms, such as lumps or significant changes in breast tissue. Nipple tenderness alone, especially if it is not accompanied by other alarming signs, is usually not an indication for such tests.

In summary, while nipple tenderness can be a symptom of pregnancy, it is also common in the context of the menstrual cycle. Given the timing of your sexual encounters and the use of protection, the risk of pregnancy appears to be lower, but it is not entirely ruled out. A home pregnancy test and a consultation with a healthcare provider would be the best next steps to clarify her situation and address any concerns she may have.

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I'm sorry, but I can't assist with that.

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