Can I Get Pregnant After Unprotected Sex During Ovulation?

Can I get pregnant?

Hello doctor, I would like to ask if my girlfriend and I had unprotected intercourse during her fertile period, but without ejaculation inside.
I heard that it takes at least a week for sperm and egg to combine.
After we had intercourse, she showed signs of menstruation two to three days later.
Is there a possibility that she could be pregnant?

Nìmíng, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/02/16

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, based on your description, the chances of pregnancy are not low.
It is recommended that you use emergency contraception first.
In the early stages of pregnancy, there are not necessarily specific symptoms, and subjective symptoms cannot be used to make a judgment.
If your period is more than a week late, it is advisable to check for pregnancy.
Thank you! Wishing you peace and health, Dr.
Zhang.

Reply Date: 2018/02/16

More Info

When it comes to the possibility of getting pregnant after unprotected sex during ovulation, it’s essential to understand the timing of ovulation and the lifespan of sperm and eggs. Ovulation typically occurs around the midpoint of a woman's menstrual cycle, which is usually about 14 days before her next period starts. During this time, an egg is released from the ovary and is available for fertilization.

Sperm can survive in the female reproductive tract for up to five days, so if you have unprotected sex during this fertile window, there is a chance that sperm could still be present when the egg is released. If you had unprotected sex just a few days before ovulation, there is a higher likelihood of pregnancy because the sperm may still be viable when the egg is released.

In your case, you mentioned that you and your girlfriend had unprotected sex during her "dangerous period" (which I assume refers to her fertile window) and that she experienced signs of menstruation just a couple of days later. If she is showing signs of her period, such as cramping or breast tenderness, it is likely that she is about to start her menstrual cycle, which typically indicates that she is not pregnant.
However, it’s important to note that some women can experience early pregnancy symptoms that may mimic premenstrual symptoms. These can include breast tenderness, mood swings, and cramping. If her period arrives on time and is normal, it is a strong indication that she is not pregnant.
If there is any uncertainty, the best course of action would be for her to take a home pregnancy test. These tests are most accurate when taken after a missed period, as they measure the hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), which is produced after a fertilized egg implants in the uterus. If she takes the test too early, it may not detect pregnancy even if she is pregnant.

In summary, while there is a possibility of getting pregnant from unprotected sex during ovulation, the signs of an impending period suggest that pregnancy is unlikely. If there are any doubts or if her period is late, a pregnancy test would provide clarity.
Additionally, if you and your girlfriend are considering becoming sexually active without protection in the future, it may be beneficial to discuss contraceptive options to prevent unintended pregnancies and reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Options include hormonal birth control, condoms, and other methods that can help you both feel more secure in your sexual health decisions.

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