Could She Be Pregnant? Risks and Menstrual Cycles

Is it possible to get pregnant?

Hello doctor, my girlfriend and I have been intimate without using protection, and I did not ejaculate inside her.
Her menstrual period was from January 15 to January 22.
Sometimes her cycle is regular, and sometimes it’s not.
We have been using an app called "Little Calendar" to track her menstrual cycle.
According to the app, her period was expected to be from February 16 to February 22, but it has been delayed by three days now.
What is the likelihood that my girlfriend is pregnant? I am feeling a bit scared and anxious.

Chen, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/02/19

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, if you are wondering whether you are pregnant, it is best to take preventive measures at all times.
Do not rely on the calendar method for safe periods.
If your period is more than a week late, it is advisable to see a gynecologist.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2017/02/19

More Info

When it comes to the possibility of pregnancy, especially in the context of unprotected intercourse, there are several factors to consider. Based on the information you provided, your girlfriend's menstrual cycle is somewhat irregular, which can complicate the assessment of her pregnancy risk.
Firstly, let's look at the timing of her last menstrual period (LMP). You mentioned that her period started on January 15 and ended on January 22. If we assume her cycle is typically around 28 days (which is average), her next period would be expected around February 16. Since she is now three days late, it is indeed a possibility that she could be pregnant, especially since you had unprotected intercourse during her fertile window.

The fertile window typically occurs around the time of ovulation, which is usually about 14 days before the start of the next period in a regular cycle. For a 28-day cycle, ovulation would occur around day 14, which would be approximately January 29 in this case. Since you had unprotected intercourse, there is a chance that sperm could have survived in her reproductive tract long enough to fertilize an egg if she ovulated around that time.

Given that her period is late, the next step would be to take a home pregnancy test. These tests are designed to detect the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which is produced shortly after a fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining. For the most accurate results, it is recommended to take the test after a missed period, which aligns with your current situation.

If the test is positive, it would confirm pregnancy, and she should schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider for further evaluation and prenatal care. If the test is negative but her period does not start soon, it may be worth repeating the test a few days later or consulting a healthcare professional to explore other potential reasons for the missed period, such as stress, hormonal imbalances, or other health issues.

In terms of your concerns, it is completely normal to feel anxious about the possibility of pregnancy, especially when it is unplanned. Open communication with your girlfriend about your feelings and concerns is essential. Additionally, discussing contraception options for the future can help prevent similar situations and provide peace of mind.

In summary, while there is a possibility that your girlfriend could be pregnant given the timing of her menstrual cycle and the unprotected intercourse, the best course of action is to take a home pregnancy test. Regardless of the outcome, it is important to have a conversation about your relationship and future contraceptive methods to ensure both of you are on the same page moving forward.

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