Could I Be Pregnant After Recent Abortion and Unprotected Sex? - Obstetrics and Gynecology

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Could I be pregnant?


Hello Doctor: I took RU486 for an abortion on September 1, when I was 5 weeks pregnant.
My menstrual periods were from October 6-12 and November 7-12.
I had intercourse on November 10 without contraception.
What is the likelihood of becoming pregnant? Thank you for taking the time to respond.

sally, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/11/15

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology


On September 1, RU486 was taken for an abortion, and at that time, the pregnancy was 5 weeks along.
The menstrual periods were from October 6-12 and November 7-12.
There was unprotected intercourse on November 10.
Given that the menstrual period was from November 7-12 and there was unprotected intercourse on November 10, the likelihood of becoming pregnant is low.

Reply Date: 2017/11/15

More Info


After undergoing a medical abortion using mifepristone (RU486) on September 1, it is important to understand the implications of having unprotected sex afterward, particularly regarding the likelihood of becoming pregnant again.

Firstly, it is essential to recognize that after an abortion, a woman's body can return to fertility relatively quickly. In many cases, ovulation can occur as soon as two weeks after the procedure. This means that if you had unprotected intercourse on November 10, there is a possibility that you could have become pregnant again, especially if you were ovulating at that time.

To assess your situation more accurately, let’s consider the timeline you provided:
1. Abortion Date: September 1 - At this point, you were approximately five weeks pregnant.

2. Menstrual Cycle: You mentioned that your menstrual periods resumed on October 6-12 and November 7-12. This indicates that your cycle returned to a relatively normal pattern after the abortion.

3. Unprotected Intercourse: Engaging in unprotected sex on November 10 could coincide with your fertile window, especially if your cycle is around 28 days, which is typical for many women.

Given that sperm can live inside the female reproductive tract for up to five days, if you ovulated shortly after November 10, there is a chance that sperm from that encounter could fertilize an egg, leading to a new pregnancy.

In terms of the likelihood of pregnancy, it is difficult to provide a precise percentage without knowing your exact ovulation date, which can vary from cycle to cycle. However, if you have a regular cycle and ovulate around the midpoint of your cycle (which would be approximately 14 days after the first day of your last period), then the chances of becoming pregnant from unprotected sex on November 10 are significant.

If you suspect you might be pregnant, it is advisable to take a home pregnancy test. These tests are most accurate when taken after a missed period. Since your last menstrual period started on November 7, you should wait until at least a week after your expected period to take the test for the most reliable result. If the test is positive, or if you have any symptoms of pregnancy (such as nausea, breast tenderness, or fatigue), you should schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider for further evaluation.

In conclusion, while there is a possibility of becoming pregnant after an abortion and unprotected sex, the exact likelihood depends on your individual menstrual cycle and timing of ovulation. Monitoring your body and taking a pregnancy test will provide you with the necessary information to understand your situation better. If you have any concerns or questions about your reproductive health, do not hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional for personalized advice and support.

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Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
On March 30, medication for abortion was taken. The menstrual period started on April 30 and ended on May 6. After that, unprotected sexual intercourse occurred on May 7, May 10, and May 14. This morning, May 16, a pregnancy test showed one line. Could I be pregnant? Answer: Chec...

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Dr. Lü Lizheng reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Typically, ovulation does not resume that quickly, and the chances of pregnancy are low. If menstruation is delayed, a pregnancy test is still necessary. Sincerely, Dr. Lu Li-Cheng.

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