Can You Get Pregnant? Risks After Unprotected Sex

Can I get pregnant?

Hello doctor, I had sexual intercourse with my girlfriend today, which is the eighth day of her menstrual cycle (she started on July 21).
I'm not sure if today is the last day of her period.
We had intercourse twice, and we used condoms throughout (we put the condom on after erection, not just before ejaculation; we also bought new condoms today).
I pulled out before ejaculation and finished by masturbating.
Afterward, I checked the condom by blowing it up, and there were no holes.
We did not reuse the condom, and after both times, I cleaned my genitals and hands thoroughly with wet wipes and tissue.
My questions are: 1.
Is there a chance of pregnancy? How high is the risk? 2.
After the second intercourse, my girlfriend noticed some bright red bleeding while wiping her vagina with a wet wipe.
The amount was a bit significant.
Could this be a continuation of her menstrual period, or could it be due to a tear in the hymen that hasn't healed yet? Thank you, doctor!

Niming, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/07/28

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

I had sexual intercourse with my girlfriend today, which is the eighth day of her menstrual cycle (she started on July 21).
I'm not sure if today is the last day of her period.
We had intercourse twice, and we used condoms throughout (the condom was put on after erection, not just before ejaculation, and it was a new condom purchased today).
I also withdrew before ejaculation and finished by masturbating.
Afterward, I checked the condom by blowing it up, and there were no holes.
We did not reuse the condom, and after both times, I used a lot of wet wipes and tissue to clean the genital area and my hands of any semen.
My questions are: 1.
Is there a chance of pregnancy? How high is the probability? Answer: The chance of pregnancy is extremely low.
2.
After the second intercourse, my girlfriend noticed some bleeding while wiping her vagina with a wet wipe.
The blood was bright red and there was a bit of a significant amount.
Is this still part of her menstrual period or could it be from a tear in the hymen that hasn't healed? Answer: It is likely still part of her menstrual period.

Reply Date: 2018/07/28

More Info

When it comes to understanding the risks of pregnancy after unprotected sex, it's essential to consider several factors, including the timing of the menstrual cycle, the use of contraception, and the nature of the sexual activity. Based on your description, you and your girlfriend engaged in sexual activity on the eighth day of her menstrual cycle, which is generally considered a low-risk time for pregnancy. However, let's break down the details for clarity.

1. Pregnancy Risk: Since you mentioned that you used condoms throughout the sexual activity and checked them for integrity afterward, the likelihood of pregnancy is significantly reduced. Condoms are highly effective when used correctly, and since you ensured that the condom was intact and not reused, the risk of sperm entering the vagina is minimal. Additionally, since your girlfriend was on her menstrual cycle, the chances of ovulation occurring at that time are low. Ovulation typically occurs around 14 days before the next period starts, which means that during the first half of the cycle, particularly right after menstruation, the chances of conception are lower.

2. Bleeding After Intercourse: The bleeding your girlfriend experienced after using a wet wipe could be attributed to several factors. If the bleeding was bright red and somewhat significant, it could indicate a few possibilities:
- Menstrual Flow: If her period was not entirely finished, this could simply be a continuation of her menstrual cycle.

- Vaginal Irritation: Sometimes, the act of wiping or the friction during intercourse can cause minor irritation or even small abrasions, especially if she was not fully aroused or if there was insufficient lubrication.

- Hymenal Tissue: If your girlfriend is a virgin and there was any penetration, even if minimal, it could potentially lead to slight tearing of the hymen, which may cause bleeding. However, this is less common if there was no significant penetration.

Given these points, it is unlikely that the bleeding is a cause for alarm, but it is essential to monitor the situation. If the bleeding continues or is accompanied by pain, it would be wise for her to consult a healthcare professional to rule out any underlying issues.

3. Next Steps: If there are concerns about pregnancy, it is advisable to wait until her next expected period. If her period is late by a week or more, she should take a home pregnancy test for confirmation. These tests are generally accurate and can provide peace of mind.

4. Emergency Contraception: Since you used condoms correctly, there is no need for emergency contraception. However, if there had been any doubt about the condom's effectiveness or if it had broken, emergency contraception could be considered within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse.

5. Communication and Education: It’s crucial for both partners to communicate openly about sexual health, contraception, and any concerns regarding sexual activity. Understanding the menstrual cycle and the timing of ovulation can help in making informed decisions about sexual activity and contraception.

In conclusion, based on the information provided, the risk of pregnancy appears low due to the use of condoms and the timing within the menstrual cycle. The bleeding could be attributed to various benign causes, but if there are any concerns or if the bleeding persists, seeking medical advice is recommended. Always prioritize safe sexual practices and open communication to ensure both partners feel comfortable and informed.

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