Can I Get Pregnant? Risks After Unprotected Contact

Can I get pregnant?

Hello, Dr.
Huang.
My girlfriend and I had sexual intercourse between 1 and 2 AM on October 27, using a condom throughout the process, and there was no slippage.
However, we did not remove the condom immediately, which makes me a bit worried.
I did something foolish afterward; since my girlfriend had just finished her menstrual period (from October 15 to October 22), it seemed like she had an increased vaginal discharge.
I mistakenly thought it was my semen and used my fingers to taste it, but I forgot to wash my hands afterward.
I then touched her vaginal opening with the same hand that had come into contact with my semen.
Although I licked my fingers after that, I took emergency contraception (levonorgestrel) around 9 AM on October 27, as it was close to her ovulation date.
I am very concerned about the likelihood of pregnancy.
What are the chances?

N, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/10/27

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

On October 27th, between 1-2 AM, I had sexual intercourse with my girlfriend using a condom, and it did not slip off.
However, since I pulled out a minute or two later, I am a bit worried.
I did something quite foolish; since my girlfriend had just finished her menstrual period (from October 15 to October 22), it seemed like she had an increased vaginal discharge.
I mistakenly thought it was my semen, so I used my finger to dab it and then licked it to compare the taste of both.
During this process, I forgot to change hands, so my hand that had touched the semen also came into contact with my girlfriend's vaginal opening.
Although I may have licked it off, I took the emergency contraceptive pill, levonorgestrel, around 9 AM on October 27th, as we were close to her ovulation date.
I am very concerned; what is the likelihood of pregnancy in this situation?
Answer: Given that you used a condom during intercourse, did not experience any slippage, and took emergency contraception afterward, it is highly unlikely that pregnancy would occur in this scenario.

Reply Date: 2018/10/27

More Info

When it comes to the risk of pregnancy after unprotected sexual contact, there are several factors to consider. Based on the scenario you've described, let's break down the situation and assess the potential risks involved.

Firstly, it's important to note that using condoms significantly reduces the risk of pregnancy, provided they are used correctly and do not break or slip off during intercourse. In your case, you mentioned that you used a condom throughout the sexual act and that it did not slip off. This is a positive factor in reducing the likelihood of pregnancy.

However, you expressed concern about the possibility of transferring sperm to your girlfriend's vaginal area after inadvertently touching your genital area and then her vaginal area with your fingers. While it is theoretically possible for sperm to be present on your fingers, the likelihood of achieving pregnancy through this method is quite low. Sperm needs to be deposited directly into the vagina for fertilization to occur, and the conditions outside the body (such as exposure to air and the environment) can significantly reduce sperm viability.

You also mentioned that your girlfriend had just finished her menstrual period, which typically indicates that she is in the early part of her cycle. If her menstrual cycle is regular and she ovulates around the midpoint of her cycle, the risk of pregnancy during this time is generally lower. However, if her cycle is irregular or if she has a shorter cycle, ovulation could occur earlier, which would increase the risk of pregnancy.

The fact that you took emergency contraception (levonorgestrel) shortly after the incident is another important factor to consider. Emergency contraception is most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse, ideally within 72 hours. It works primarily by preventing ovulation, thereby reducing the chances of fertilization. Since you took the emergency contraceptive the morning after the incident, you have taken a proactive step to mitigate the risk of pregnancy.

In summary, while there is a theoretical risk of pregnancy due to the transfer of sperm through your fingers, the combination of using a condom, the timing in relation to your girlfriend's menstrual cycle, and the use of emergency contraception significantly reduces the overall risk. It is important to monitor for any signs of pregnancy, such as a missed period, and to take a pregnancy test if there are any concerns.

For future reference, it is advisable to maintain good hygiene practices and to avoid any actions that could lead to the transfer of bodily fluids between partners without proper precautions. If you have further concerns or questions, consulting with a healthcare professional can provide personalized advice and reassurance.

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