Pregnancy Risks: Unprotected Intercourse and Menstrual Irregularities - Obstetrics and Gynecology

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Are you pregnant?


Your girlfriend's menstrual cycle is typically 28-29 days, with her last period starting on October 18.
She had unprotected intercourse on October 27, November 3, and November 4, but you withdrew before ejaculation.
You are concerned about the possibility of pregnancy.

Generally, the risk of pregnancy from pre-ejaculate fluid (pre-cum) is low, but it is not zero.
Pre-ejaculate can contain sperm, and if it comes into contact with the vaginal canal, there is a possibility of pregnancy, albeit a smaller one compared to ejaculation.

On November 16, your girlfriend noticed bleeding, which indicates that her period has started.
She also reported experiencing abdominal cramps.
However, she has been experiencing nausea and difficulty eating since November 9.

The symptoms of nausea and vomiting could be related to a gastrointestinal issue rather than pregnancy, especially since she has started her period.
It is important to consider that menstrual symptoms can sometimes mimic early pregnancy symptoms.
If her symptoms persist or worsen, it would be advisable for her to consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation.

Jia Jian, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/11/18

Dr. Huang Yiwen reply Obstetrics and Gynecology


Hello, Jiajian: In your girlfriend's situation, the likelihood of pregnancy is low.
You can observe her for another day or two, and if she still feels unwell, it would be advisable to consult a gastroenterologist.

Reply Date: 2018/11/18

More Info


When it comes to understanding the risks of pregnancy, especially in the context of unprotected intercourse and menstrual irregularities, it's essential to consider several factors. Based on your description, your girlfriend has a regular menstrual cycle, which typically ranges from 28 to 29 days. The last recorded menstrual period started on October 18, with subsequent occurrences on October 27, November 3, and November 4. You mentioned that there was unprotected intercourse during this time, but it was brief and without ejaculation.

Firstly, the likelihood of pregnancy occurring from pre-ejaculate fluid (also known as pre-cum) is a common concern. While pre-ejaculate itself does not contain sperm, it can pick up sperm left in the urethra from a previous ejaculation. Therefore, if there was any sperm present, there is a potential risk of pregnancy, albeit lower than with full ejaculation. The chances of conception are generally higher during the ovulation period, which typically occurs around 14 days before the next expected period in a regular cycle. Given that your girlfriend's last period started on October 18, ovulation would likely have occurred around November 1 or 2, which aligns with the dates of unprotected intercourse.

Regarding your girlfriend's experience of bleeding on November 16, this could indicate the onset of her menstrual cycle, especially since she has a history of regular periods. However, the symptoms of abdominal pain and nausea could also suggest other issues, such as gastrointestinal problems or even early signs of pregnancy. It's important to note that some women experience light bleeding or spotting when they are pregnant, which can sometimes be mistaken for a period.

In terms of your concerns about whether she could be pregnant, the bleeding she experienced could be a reassuring sign that her menstrual cycle has resumed. However, if her symptoms of nausea and abdominal pain persist, it would be wise for her to take a home pregnancy test for confirmation. If the test is positive or if her symptoms worsen, seeking medical advice would be prudent.

In summary, while the risk of pregnancy from the described circumstances is not negligible, it is relatively low given the timing and nature of the intercourse. However, the presence of menstrual irregularities and gastrointestinal symptoms warrants further investigation. Encourage your girlfriend to monitor her symptoms closely and consider consulting a healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation. This will help clarify whether her symptoms are related to her menstrual cycle, a potential pregnancy, or another health issue.

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