Can I Get Pregnant? Risks and Testing Timing

Can I get pregnant?

Hello doctor, my menstrual cycle lasts for seven days, starting from the first day of my period.
I had sexual intercourse on the thirteenth day after my period (which lasted seven days).
My boyfriend inserted and moved a few times, and he ejaculated after pulling out.
We did not use a condom during the process, and he had wiped the glans beforehand.
What is the likelihood of pregnancy in this situation? When is the best time to take a pregnancy test for accurate results?

Niming, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/01/17

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

The menstrual cycle lasts seven days, starting from the first day of menstruation.
If sexual intercourse occurs on the thirteenth day, where the boyfriend penetrates a few times and only ejaculates after withdrawal, without using a condom and having wiped the glans beforehand, what is the likelihood of pregnancy?
Answer: Engaging in sexual intercourse on the thirteenth day of the cycle, with penetration and subsequent withdrawal before ejaculation, still carries a risk of pregnancy.
When is the best time to take a pregnancy test for accurate results?
Answer: A pregnancy test is most accurate when taken seven days after a missed period.

Reply Date: 2018/01/17

More Info

When considering the possibility of pregnancy, it's essential to understand the timing of ovulation, the nature of sperm, and the effectiveness of various contraceptive methods. In your case, you mentioned that your menstrual cycle lasts seven days, and you had sexual intercourse on the 13th day of your cycle.
Typically, ovulation occurs about 14 days before the start of your next menstrual period. For a woman with a regular cycle, this means that ovulation usually happens around day 14 of a 28-day cycle. However, since your cycle is longer (assuming a 34-day cycle based on your previous information), ovulation may occur later, around day 20. Engaging in sexual intercourse on day 13 could potentially coincide with your fertile window, especially if your cycle is irregular.

Sperm can live inside the female reproductive tract for up to five days, which means that if you ovulate shortly after your sexual encounter, there is a possibility of becoming pregnant. The fact that your boyfriend withdrew before ejaculation (the withdrawal method) does reduce the risk of pregnancy, but it is not foolproof. Pre-ejaculate fluid (pre-cum) can contain sperm, and if any sperm were present, there is still a risk of pregnancy.

Regarding the timing of pregnancy tests, it is generally recommended to wait until at least one week after your missed period for the most accurate results. This is because pregnancy tests measure the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which is produced after a fertilized egg implants in the uterus. If you have a regular cycle and your period is due, testing at that time will give you a clearer indication of whether you are pregnant. If your cycles are irregular, you may want to wait at least two weeks after the sexual encounter to test, as this allows enough time for hCG levels to rise if pregnancy has occurred.

If you are unsure about your cycle or if you experience any unusual symptoms, such as missed periods, nausea, or unusual bleeding, it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider. They can offer more personalized advice and may suggest further testing or examinations to assess your situation.

In summary, while there is a possibility of pregnancy given the timing of your sexual activity, the risk is somewhat mitigated by the withdrawal method. Waiting to take a pregnancy test until after your expected period will provide the most reliable results. If you have any concerns or experience any symptoms, seeking medical advice is always a prudent step.

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