Risk of Pregnancy from Contact with Male Secretions: What You Need to Know

Exposure to secretions during the fertile period?

Hello Doctor, my menstrual cycle is about 28 to 30 days (the last couple of months have been 29 days).
My last period started on March 24 and lasted about 7 days (ended on March 30).
On April 4, which was 12 days after my period, I may have come into contact with my boyfriend's bodily fluids (prostatic fluid? Bulbourethral gland fluid?).
We did not engage in sexual intercourse, he did not ejaculate, and there was no penetration.
What is the likelihood of pregnancy in this situation? At that time, due to the Qingming holiday, I was unable to purchase emergency contraception...

a, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/04/16

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

The menstrual cycle is approximately 28 to 30 days (it has been 29 days for the past couple of months).
The last menstrual period started on March 24 and lasted about 7 days (ending on March 30).
On April 4, which is 12 days into the menstrual cycle, I may have come into contact with my boyfriend's bodily fluids (prostatic fluid? Bulbourethral gland fluid?).
We did not engage in sexual intercourse, and he did not ejaculate or penetrate.
What is the likelihood of pregnancy in this situation? At that time, it was the Qingming Festival holiday, and I was unable to purchase emergency contraception...
Answer: The likelihood of pregnancy is extremely low.

Reply Date: 2018/04/16

More Info

When it comes to the risk of pregnancy from contact with male secretions, it’s important to understand the biological mechanisms involved. In your case, since you mentioned that there was no penetrative sexual intercourse and no ejaculation, the likelihood of pregnancy is significantly reduced, but not entirely eliminated.

Semen, which contains sperm, is typically released during ejaculation. However, pre-ejaculatory fluid (also known as pre-cum) can also contain sperm. This fluid is produced by the Cowper's glands and can be released before ejaculation. While the quantity of sperm in pre-ejaculatory fluid is usually much lower than in ejaculate, it is still possible for it to contain viable sperm. If this fluid comes into contact with the vaginal area, there is a potential risk of pregnancy, albeit a low one, especially if it occurs during your fertile window.

Your menstrual cycle, which you indicated is about 28 to 30 days, suggests that ovulation typically occurs around 14 days before the start of your next period. Given that your last menstrual period started on March 24 and ended on March 30, you would likely be ovulating around April 7 to April 14. Since you mentioned that the contact occurred on April 4, it falls just a few days before your estimated ovulation period. This timing could increase the risk of pregnancy if viable sperm were present in the pre-ejaculatory fluid.

However, it’s important to note that the risk of pregnancy from such contact is still relatively low compared to direct ejaculation into the vagina. If your boyfriend did not ejaculate and there was no direct penetration, the chances of sperm reaching the egg are minimal.
In terms of emergency contraception, it is most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse. If you are concerned about the possibility of pregnancy and are within the appropriate time frame, you may want to consider obtaining emergency contraception as soon as you can. It’s available over-the-counter in many places, and it can significantly reduce the risk of pregnancy if taken within 72 to 120 hours after unprotected intercourse.

If you find yourself in a situation where you are unsure about your risk of pregnancy, it’s always a good idea to consult with a healthcare provider. They can provide personalized advice based on your specific circumstances and help you understand your options moving forward.

In summary, while the risk of pregnancy from contact with male secretions without ejaculation is low, it is not zero, especially if it occurs close to your ovulation period. If you have concerns about potential pregnancy, consider taking a pregnancy test if your period is late, and consult with a healthcare professional for further guidance.

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