Am I Pregnant? Risks and Symptoms After Unprotected Contact

Can I get pregnant?

Hello doctor, around April 9th was a risky period.
At that time, my boyfriend's pre-ejaculate seemed to have touched the outside of my vagina, but there was no penetration and he did not ejaculate.
We had sexual intercourse on April 14 and April 16, using a condom and withdrawing before ejaculation, and I checked to ensure there were no breakages.
After our encounter on the 14th, I took emergency contraception because I was worried.
On the evening of the 15th, I felt swelling and fullness in my breasts, and fearing a possible pregnancy from April 9th, I bought a pregnancy test which came back negative.
On the 16th, we also used a condom, withdrew before ejaculation, and there were no breakages.
However, recently I've noticed that my areolas have darkened slightly, and my breasts continue to feel swollen and full.
Today, I experienced clear discharge with a slight odor.
My menstrual cycle usually starts at the end of the month.
If I experience any more symptoms, should I take another pregnancy test? Is there a possibility of pregnancy, or could this just be side effects from the emergency contraception or psychological effects?

Niming, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/04/17

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, a pregnancy test is usually accurate only after 12 days post-conception.
The chances of pregnancy are low, so it's best to use contraception beforehand.
If your period is more than a week late, it is advisable to consult a gynecologist.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2017/04/17

More Info

It sounds like you're experiencing a lot of anxiety and uncertainty regarding the possibility of pregnancy after unprotected contact and subsequent sexual activity. Let's break down your situation and address your concerns regarding pregnancy risks, symptoms, and the effects of emergency contraception.

First, it's important to understand that the risk of pregnancy can occur even if there is no penetration, especially if there is contact with pre-ejaculate fluid (pre-cum), which can contain sperm. However, since you mentioned that you used a condom during subsequent sexual encounters and took emergency contraception (Plan B) shortly after the potential risk, your chances of becoming pregnant are significantly reduced. Emergency contraception is most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse, ideally within 72 hours, but it can work up to 5 days after.

Regarding the symptoms you're experiencing, such as breast tenderness and changes in your areola color, these can be influenced by hormonal fluctuations, which can occur due to various factors, including the use of emergency contraception. Plan B contains levonorgestrel, a hormone that can cause temporary changes in your menstrual cycle, leading to symptoms like breast tenderness, nausea, and changes in discharge. These symptoms do not necessarily indicate pregnancy, especially if you have taken the emergency contraceptive pill.

The transparent discharge you mentioned, especially if it has a slight odor, could be related to hormonal changes or other non-pregnancy-related factors, such as ovulation or even a mild infection. If the discharge changes in color, consistency, or odor significantly, or if you experience itching or discomfort, it may be worth consulting a healthcare provider.

As for your menstrual cycle, if you typically have regular periods and they are late, it may be a good idea to take another pregnancy test after a missed period. Home pregnancy tests are most accurate when taken after a missed period, as they measure the hormone hCG, which is produced during pregnancy.

In summary, while there is a possibility of pregnancy given the circumstances, the use of a condom and emergency contraception significantly reduces that risk. The symptoms you are experiencing could be side effects of the emergency contraceptive or normal hormonal changes rather than definitive signs of pregnancy. If you remain concerned or if your symptoms persist, I recommend consulting with a healthcare provider for further evaluation and guidance. They can provide a more comprehensive assessment and help you understand your options moving forward.

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