Pregnancy Chances with Irregular Cycles and Intimate Contact

What is the likelihood of becoming pregnant this way?

My menstrual cycle has always been irregular.
My last period was from May 12 to May 18, and after a 64-day cycle, my most recent period was from July 15 to July 20.
I still haven't gotten my period since then.
On August 23, I had intimate contact with my boyfriend, but there was no actual sexual intercourse.
His hand came into contact with semen, but it had dried before he touched my genital area.
He rubbed the area around the vaginal opening with his fingers, but did not insert his fingers into the vagina.
What is the likelihood of becoming pregnant in this situation?

JJJJJJJ, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/09/01

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, the chances of pregnancy should be low.
It's always best to take preventive measures beforehand and not rely on the safe period.
If your period is more than a week late, it is advisable to see a gynecologist.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2018/09/01

More Info

When considering the chances of pregnancy, especially with irregular menstrual cycles and the nature of intimate contact described, it's essential to understand a few key points about ovulation, sperm viability, and the mechanics of conception.

Firstly, irregular menstrual cycles can complicate the understanding of ovulation timing. Typically, ovulation occurs about 14 days before the start of your next period. However, with cycles that vary significantly in length, pinpointing ovulation can be challenging. In your case, with a cycle length of 64 days followed by a shorter cycle, it’s possible that ovulation occurred later than expected, or not at all, which can happen in cases of irregular cycles.

Regarding the intimate contact you described—where there was no penetrative intercourse, but there was contact with dried semen on the fingers—it's important to note that while the risk of pregnancy in such scenarios is low, it is not entirely absent. Sperm can survive outside the body for a short period, but once dried, the likelihood of sperm being viable enough to cause pregnancy diminishes significantly. The primary concern would be if fresh semen had come into direct contact with the vaginal canal, which does not seem to be the case here.

The chances of pregnancy from the situation you described are quite low, especially since there was no direct insertion of sperm into the vagina. However, if you are concerned about the possibility of pregnancy, it would be prudent to take a home pregnancy test if your period does not arrive within a week or so of when you expect it. Additionally, if your cycles remain irregular, consulting with a healthcare provider can help you understand your reproductive health better and explore options for regulating your menstrual cycle.

In summary, while the risk of pregnancy from the described scenario is low, it is not zero. Monitoring your menstrual cycle and being aware of your body’s signs of ovulation can help you better understand your chances of conception in the future. If you have ongoing concerns about irregular cycles or potential pregnancy, seeking advice from a healthcare professional can provide personalized guidance and support.

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