Pregnancy Chances: A Guide for Concerned Couples

Are you pregnant?

Last month, my girlfriend's period started on October 9 and lasted for 8 days.
This month, her period was expected on November 11, but it hasn't arrived.
During this time, we had sexual intercourse with a condom and practiced withdrawal.
Afterward, I checked the condom by filling it with water to ensure it didn't break.
On November 11, I bought two pregnancy tests, and within the recommended time frame, neither showed a second line.
However, the first test showed a second line the next day, which was quite dark (after rinsing with water).
The second test later showed a faint line (unsure if it was an evaporation line).
Following this, we went to a gynecologist who performed an ultrasound, which showed no pregnancy, and conducted a urine pregnancy test.
I observed no line, but the doctor mentioned a faint line.
They asked if we wanted to take a medication to induce menstruation (one injection costs $900) and prescribed medication for 3 days to induce menstruation.
What is the likelihood of pregnancy?

Niming, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/11/11

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Your girlfriend's menstrual period started on October 9 and lasted for 8 days.
She was expected to have her period on November 11, but it did not arrive.
During this time, there was sexual intercourse with condom use throughout and external ejaculation.
Afterward, a water test was conducted on the condom to confirm it did not break.
On November 11, two pregnancy tests were purchased; neither showed a second line within the specified time.
However, the first test later showed a faint second line after a day (after being rinsed with water), and the second test showed a faint line after some time (uncertain if it was an evaporation line).
Following this, a visit to a gynecologist included an ultrasound, which showed no signs of pregnancy, and a urine pregnancy test that the doctor indicated was very faint.
The doctor then asked if they wanted to take a medication to induce menstruation (costing $900) and prescribed three days of medication.
What is the likelihood of pregnancy? Answer: Since there was condom use throughout and external ejaculation, the likelihood of pregnancy is low.

Reply Date: 2017/11/11

More Info

When it comes to understanding pregnancy chances and addressing concerns about potential pregnancy, it's essential to consider several factors, including the timing of ovulation, the reliability of contraceptive methods, and the results of pregnancy tests.

In your case, you mentioned that your girlfriend's last menstrual period started on October 9th and lasted for eight days, with an expected next period around November 11th. Engaging in sexual intercourse during this time, even with the use of condoms and withdrawal methods, does not completely eliminate the risk of pregnancy. While condoms are generally effective, they are not infallible, and factors such as improper use or breakage can lead to unintended pregnancies.

You performed two home pregnancy tests. The first test showed a faint line after some time, which could indicate a positive result, especially if the line appeared after the recommended time frame. The second test showed a faint line, which could also be an evaporation line if it appeared after the recommended waiting period. However, the presence of a faint line on a pregnancy test typically suggests that there may be some level of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) in the urine, which is a hormone produced during pregnancy.

Following your home tests, you consulted a gynecologist who performed an ultrasound and a urine pregnancy test. The ultrasound did not show any signs of pregnancy, and the urine test was interpreted as negative, albeit with a faint line. This situation can be confusing, and it raises the question of whether your girlfriend could still be pregnant.

Given the timeline and the events you've described, the likelihood of pregnancy seems low, especially since the ultrasound did not reveal any signs of pregnancy. However, it is important to note that if a pregnancy is very early, it might not always be detectable via ultrasound. The gynecologist's recommendation to administer a menstrual induction injection (which is a form of hormonal treatment to trigger menstruation) suggests that they believe there is a low likelihood of pregnancy, and they want to help regulate your girlfriend's menstrual cycle.

If your girlfriend's period does not arrive after taking the medication, or if she continues to experience symptoms of pregnancy, it would be advisable to follow up with the gynecologist for further evaluation. This may include repeat pregnancy testing or additional ultrasounds to monitor her condition.

In summary, while the chances of pregnancy appear low based on the information provided, it is crucial to continue monitoring the situation. If there are any further concerns or if your girlfriend experiences unusual symptoms, seeking medical advice is always the best course of action. Additionally, if you are planning to conceive in the future, consider discussing fertility awareness methods or other contraceptive options with a healthcare provider to better understand your reproductive health and improve your chances of conception when you are ready.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Pregnancy Chances: A Guide for Couples Trying to Conceive

I would like to ask the doctor: I am 27 years old, and my girlfriend is 32 (she has two children). We have had unprotected intercourse during her ovulation period (from the 25th to the 6th of the following month) for several consecutive days, and she has taken emergency contracep...

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, it seems that you are not pregnant. Please wait a bit longer, and if your period does not arrive in another week, it is advisable to see a gynecologist. Wishing you good health.

Understanding Pregnancy Chances: A Guide for Couples

Hello Doctor, my girlfriend has a menstrual cycle of approximately 23 to 25 days. Her last menstrual period started on June 1st at 4 PM. We had unprotected sexual intercourse on June 2nd and June 23rd. I would like to know what the likelihood of pregnancy is in this situation. Th...

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, the chances of pregnancy should be low; just monitor the situation. Wishing you good health.

Understanding Pregnancy Risks: Key Insights for Couples

1. Based on the information provided, the chances of pregnancy could be significant, especially considering the unprotected intercourse on October 9 and the withdrawal method used on the 15th and 16th. The timing of intercourse in relation to her menstrual cycle and ovulation cou...

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, the chances of pregnancy should be low. You can take a pregnancy test to find out if you are pregnant. Wishing you good health.

Can You Get Pregnant? Understanding Risks and Symptoms in Relationships

I had sexual intercourse with my girlfriend on July 8th. We both used condoms, and there was no ejaculation. Afterward, she also rinsed herself clean. Is there a chance of pregnancy in this situation? Additionally, her menstrual cycle is irregular, with a 39-day cycle in June and...

Dr. Huang Yuande reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Basically, if condoms are used consistently throughout sexual intercourse, the chances of pregnancy are very low. As for cases with irregular menstrual cycles, the fertile window cannot be accurately calculated, and other contraceptive methods should be employed. Thank you for yo...