Could These Symptoms Indicate Pregnancy After Protected Sex?

Can I get pregnant?

Hello Doctor: My partner had her menstrual period from February 2 to February 7.
We had sexual intercourse on February 18, and we used condoms throughout the process.
A few days after the intercourse, my girlfriend became very sleepy, often sleeping without any reason, and she is experiencing dizziness and fatigue.
Could this be a symptom of pregnancy?

jj, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/02/24

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, the chances of getting pregnant are low, but it's best to take preventive measures at all times and not rely on the calendar method.
If your period is more than a week late, it is recommended to see a gynecologist.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2017/02/24

More Info

When considering the symptoms your girlfriend is experiencing after protected sex, it's important to understand the context of her menstrual cycle and the effectiveness of the contraceptive method used. Based on the timeline you've provided, your girlfriend had her period from February 2 to February 7, and sexual intercourse occurred on February 18 with the use of a condom.
Condoms are a reliable form of contraception when used correctly, with a typical failure rate of about 2% with perfect use and about 18% with typical use. This means that if the condom was used properly and did not break or slip off, the likelihood of pregnancy is quite low. However, no contraceptive method is 100% effective, and there is always a small chance of failure.

The symptoms your girlfriend is experiencing—excessive sleepiness, dizziness, and fatigue—can be indicative of several conditions, including early pregnancy. However, these symptoms can also be attributed to other factors such as stress, hormonal changes, fatigue from daily activities, or even illness. It's essential to note that early pregnancy symptoms typically do not manifest until after a missed period, which would be around the time of her next expected menstrual cycle.

Given that your girlfriend's symptoms appeared shortly after the sexual encounter, it is unlikely that they are directly related to pregnancy, especially since it is too early for pregnancy symptoms to manifest. Pregnancy symptoms such as nausea, breast tenderness, and fatigue usually occur a few weeks after conception, around the time of a missed period.

If your girlfriend's next period is late, it would be advisable for her to take a home pregnancy test for confirmation. These tests are most accurate when taken after a missed period, as they measure the hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), which is produced during pregnancy. If the test is positive, she should consult a healthcare provider for further evaluation and guidance.

In summary, while the symptoms your girlfriend is experiencing could potentially indicate pregnancy, they are more likely related to other factors, especially given the recent protected sexual encounter. It is essential to wait until after her expected period to take a pregnancy test for a more accurate assessment. If she continues to feel unwell or if her symptoms worsen, seeking medical advice would be prudent to rule out any other underlying health issues.

Similar Q&A

Is Pregnancy Possible After Protected Intercourse? Understanding Symptoms

I would like to ask the doctor: I had sexual intercourse on May 18th and used a condom throughout. A week later, I went to the gynecology department for a pregnancy test, and the result was negative. I am currently taking medication to induce menstruation, but according to my pre...

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, the failure rate of contraception using condoms throughout the entire intercourse is over 5%, which is less reliable compared to other methods. Early pregnancy may not necessarily present specific symptoms, and subjective symptoms cannot be used to make a judgment. It is r...

Could I Be Pregnant? Understanding Risks After Unprotected Intercourse

I had sexual intercourse with my girlfriend on April 27, and we used a condom. However, at first, the condom was placed incorrectly, and there was a little contact. I immediately wiped it off with my hand and tissue. Since it was her first time, penetration was minimal, and it wa...

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
On April 27, I had sexual intercourse with my girlfriend. We used a condom, but initially, it was placed incorrectly, and there was a little contact. I immediately wiped it off with my hand and tissue. Since it was her first time, I only penetrated a little bit, and it was too pa...

Could I Be Pregnant? Understanding Symptoms After Protected Intercourse

On October 9th, I had intercourse while using a condom throughout. During this period, I took cold medicine, and I was supposed to get my period on October 11th, but it hasn't arrived yet. I've noticed an increase in vaginal discharge, some breast engorgement, and occas...

Dr. Lü Lizheng reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
1. The use of condoms throughout the entire process significantly reduces the likelihood of pregnancy. 2. Increased discharge, breast engorgement, and abdominal pain are symptoms that are not necessarily indicative of pregnancy; therefore, these symptoms alone cannot be used to d...

Could My Girlfriend Be Pregnant After Protected Intercourse?

On September 11, I had intercourse with my girlfriend, who had just finished her menstrual period about 4 or 5 days prior. We used a condom throughout the encounter (with water-based lubricant). Due to my lack of experience, I only inserted a few times before pulling out, and I m...

Dr. Cai Yonglong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Condoms cannot guarantee 100% effectiveness, and there is a possibility of breakage. If your next menstrual period is missed, please take a pregnancy test or consult a gynecologist.