Can You Get Pregnant from Outer-Course? Risks and Symptoms

Can I get pregnant?

Hello Doctor, my boyfriend and I engaged in foreplay on the night of November 13th.
We rubbed our genital areas through our underwear (like grinding), and later, in a prone position, he ejaculated on my underwear (there was no penetration during the process).
It seems that some semen flowed down towards my buttocks.
Starting from the early morning of the 13th, I began to feel a dull pain in my lower abdomen, which has continued until today (January 15th).
The discomfort is worse than on the 13th, which coincided with my ovulation period (my cycle averages 33 days).
Could this pain be simply due to the ovulation process, or could it be related to implantation? Is there a chance of pregnancy? Thank you, Doctor, for taking the time to respond.

Tao, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/01/15

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, I apologize for not being able to provide a diagnosis based on your description.
It could possibly be pain during the ovulation process, and the chances of pregnancy are likely low.
If you continue to experience discomfort, I recommend seeing a gynecologist.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2018/01/15

More Info

When it comes to the question of whether you can get pregnant from outer-course activities, such as the scenario you described, it is important to understand the mechanics of conception and the associated risks.

Firstly, pregnancy occurs when sperm fertilizes an egg. This typically happens through vaginal intercourse, where sperm is deposited directly into the vaginal canal. However, in certain circumstances, it is possible for sperm to lead to pregnancy even without direct penetration. For example, if sperm comes into contact with the vaginal area, there is a small chance that it could travel up into the vagina and fertilize an egg, especially if this occurs around the time of ovulation.

In your case, you mentioned that there was no direct penetration, but that there was ejaculation on your underwear, and some sperm may have flowed downwards. While the likelihood of pregnancy from this scenario is low, it is not impossible, particularly if the timing coincided with your ovulation period. Ovulation typically occurs about 14 days before your next expected period, and if you have a 33-day cycle, this would place your ovulation around day 19 of your cycle. If you had sexual activity on day 19, the chances of conception could be higher.

Regarding the abdominal discomfort you are experiencing, it could be attributed to several factors. Ovulation can cause a phenomenon known as "mittelschmerz," which is a one-sided abdominal pain that occurs during ovulation. This pain is usually mild to moderate and can last from a few minutes to a few hours. However, if the pain is severe or persists, it may warrant further investigation.

On the other hand, if you are experiencing symptoms that could suggest implantation, such as cramping or spotting, it is essential to consider that implantation typically occurs about 6-12 days after fertilization. If you are experiencing these symptoms around this time frame, it could indicate that fertilization has occurred, but it is still too early to confirm pregnancy without a test.

If you are concerned about the possibility of pregnancy, the best course of action is to take a home pregnancy test after a missed period. These tests are designed to detect the hormone hCG, which is produced after a fertilized egg implants in the uterus. If you take the test too early, it may not provide an accurate result.

In summary, while the risk of pregnancy from outer-course activities is low, it is not zero, especially during ovulation. The abdominal pain you are experiencing could be related to ovulation or other factors, and if it continues or worsens, it would be wise to consult a healthcare provider. If you suspect you might be pregnant, waiting for a missed period to take a pregnancy test will provide the most reliable result. Always remember that if you have any concerns about your reproductive health, it is best to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and guidance.

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