Do I Need Emergency Contraception After Brief Intercourse?

Can I get pregnant?

If your girlfriend's menstrual period has already passed for some time and there was only brief penetration (1 second) which resulted in the breaking of the hymen, but no further intercourse occurred, the likelihood of pregnancy is low.
However, if there was any ejaculation or pre-ejaculate fluid, there is still a risk of pregnancy.

It is advisable to consider taking emergency contraception (the morning-after pill) if there is any concern about potential pregnancy, especially if the incident occurred within the last 72 to 120 hours.
It is always best to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.

44352, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/04/05

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

If the penetration lasted only for one second and there was no ejaculation, the likelihood of pregnancy is very low.
Therefore, there is no need to take emergency contraception.

Reply Date: 2017/04/05

More Info

When it comes to the question of whether you need emergency contraception after brief intercourse, particularly in the context of a broken hymen, there are several factors to consider.
Firstly, it's important to understand how pregnancy occurs. Pregnancy can happen if sperm fertilizes an egg, which typically occurs during ovulation. If your girlfriend's menstrual cycle is regular, ovulation usually occurs about 14 days before her next expected period. If the intercourse took place during her fertile window, there is a possibility of pregnancy, even if it was brief.

In your case, since the intercourse lasted only a second and you mentioned that it was just penetration, the risk of pregnancy may be lower, but it is not zero. Sperm can be present in pre-ejaculatory fluid (pre-cum), which means that even without ejaculation, there is still a risk of pregnancy. If the hymen was broken, it indicates that penetration occurred, which could potentially introduce sperm into the vaginal canal.

Regarding emergency contraception (EC), it is most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse. There are two main types of emergency contraception:
1. Levonorgestrel (Plan B One-Step): This is a pill that can be taken up to 72 hours (3 days) after unprotected intercourse. It is most effective the sooner it is taken.

2. Ulipristal Acetate (Ella): This is another type of emergency contraceptive that can be taken up to 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected intercourse and is effective throughout that time frame.

Given the circumstances you've described, it would be advisable for your girlfriend to consider taking emergency contraception if the intercourse occurred within the last few days and if she is concerned about the risk of pregnancy.
In addition to taking emergency contraception, it is also important to consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice. They can provide guidance based on her menstrual cycle, the timing of intercourse, and any other relevant health factors.
Lastly, if your girlfriend is worried about the possibility of pregnancy, she can take a home pregnancy test if her period is late. These tests are generally reliable and can provide peace of mind.

In summary, while the risk of pregnancy from brief intercourse is lower, it is not eliminated, especially if there was penetration. Taking emergency contraception as soon as possible is a prudent step to reduce the risk of unintended pregnancy. Always consult with a healthcare professional for the best course of action tailored to your specific situation.

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