Do I Need Emergency Contraception After Unprotected Intercourse?

Can I get pregnant?

After finishing, I removed the condom and wiped my genitals with tissue, then washed my hands with clean water.
When I returned to bed, I felt slight discomfort due to my foreskin, so I adjusted it with my hand.
I'm unsure if my hands had any residual semen on them, and then I proceeded to caress my girlfriend.
My fingers went inside her vagina, and I also briefly penetrated her without a condom but withdrew immediately.
My girlfriend's last menstrual period was from September 10 to September 16.
Should she take emergency contraception? We engaged in sexual activity on the morning of October 6.
I had masturbated once before the act.
I kindly ask for your medical advice regarding this matter.

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

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

After finishing, I removed the condom and wiped my genitals with tissue.
I washed my hands with clean water and returned to bed.
My foreskin felt slightly uncomfortable, so I adjusted it with my hand.
I'm not sure if my hand had any residual semen on it, and then I went on to caress my girlfriend.
My fingers went inside her vagina, and I also briefly penetrated her without a condom but withdrew immediately.
My girlfriend's last menstrual period was from September 10 to September 16.
Should she take the morning-after pill? We had intercourse on the morning of October 6, and I had masturbated once before that.
Answer: There is no need to take the morning-after pill.

Reply Date: 2018/10/07

More Info

When it comes to the question of whether you need emergency contraception after unprotected intercourse, it's essential to consider a few key factors regarding timing, the nature of the encounter, and the menstrual cycle of your partner.

Firstly, emergency contraception (EC) is most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse. There are two main types of emergency contraceptive pills: levonorgestrel (Plan B) and ulipristal acetate (Ella). Levonorgestrel is effective up to 72 hours after intercourse, while ulipristal acetate can be taken up to 120 hours after. However, the sooner you take it, the better the chances of preventing pregnancy.

In your case, since the encounter occurred on October 6, and your girlfriend's last menstrual period was from September 10 to September 16, she would be nearing the end of her fertile window. Typically, ovulation occurs about 14 days before the start of the next menstrual period, which means she may have been less likely to conceive if she has a regular cycle. However, sperm can live inside the female reproductive tract for up to five days, so there is still a risk of pregnancy.

Given that you mentioned you removed the condom and then engaged in manual stimulation, there is a possibility of pre-ejaculate fluid containing sperm being transferred to your girlfriend's vagina, especially if your hands were not thoroughly washed. While the risk of pregnancy from this scenario is lower than with direct unprotected intercourse, it is not zero.

If you are concerned about the possibility of pregnancy, it is advisable to take emergency contraception as a precaution. It is a safe and effective way to reduce the risk of unintended pregnancy after unprotected sex. Additionally, it is important to communicate with your partner about this decision and ensure that she is comfortable with taking the medication.

In summary, while the risk of pregnancy in your situation may be lower, it is still present. If there is any doubt or concern, taking emergency contraception is a responsible choice. It is always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to reproductive health. If you have further questions or concerns, consider consulting a healthcare provider for personalized advice and guidance.

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