Can You Confirm Pregnancy After Safe Sex and Normal Period? - Obstetrics and Gynecology

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Can it be confirmed that there is no pregnancy?


Hello, doctor.
I would like to ask you about my situation.
My boyfriend and I had sexual intercourse on February 20 (we used a condom and he did not ejaculate).
My period started on March 4 (it lasted about five days, and the flow was normal).
My menstrual cycle is usually not very regular, fluctuating by about ±2-3 days.
To confirm whether it was indeed my period, I took a pregnancy test on March 18 (26 days after intercourse and 14 days after my period) and again on March 21 (29 days after intercourse and 17 days after my period).
Both tests showed a single line.
Does this mean I can rule out the possibility of pregnancy? Thank you for your response!

YY, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/03/22

Dr. Huang Yiwen reply Obstetrics and Gynecology


Hello YY: A pregnancy test can only detect pregnancy after at least two weeks of conception.
Since your sexual intercourse occurred on March 18 and 21, you should wait until after April 4 to take the test for accurate results.

Reply Date: 2019/03/22

More Info


Dear User,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding the possibility of pregnancy after engaging in protected sex and having a normal menstrual period. Based on the information you provided, it appears that you have taken the necessary precautions to assess your situation accurately.

To summarize your timeline: you had sexual intercourse with your boyfriend on February 20, using a condom throughout the encounter, and he did not ejaculate inside you. Your menstrual period then started on March 4, lasting approximately five days with what you described as a normal flow. You subsequently took pregnancy tests on March 18 and March 21, both of which returned negative results (one line).

Given these details, let's break down the factors involved:
1. Contraceptive Effectiveness: Condoms are a highly effective method of contraception when used correctly. The failure rate of condoms is about 2% with perfect use, which means that the vast majority of individuals using condoms will not experience unintended pregnancies. Since you mentioned that the condom was used throughout the sexual encounter and that there was no ejaculation inside, the risk of pregnancy from that encounter is extremely low.

2. Menstrual Cycle: You indicated that your menstrual cycle is somewhat irregular, typically varying by 2-3 days. However, you experienced a menstrual period starting on March 4, which is a strong indicator that you are not pregnant. A menstrual period generally signifies that the uterine lining has shed, which occurs when there is no implantation of a fertilized egg.
3. Timing of Pregnancy Tests: You conducted pregnancy tests 26 days after the sexual encounter and 14 days after your expected period. Most home pregnancy tests are designed to detect the hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), which is produced after a fertilized egg implants in the uterus. Testing at this interval, especially after a confirmed menstrual period, significantly reduces the likelihood of being pregnant. The negative results from your tests further support this.

4. Understanding Pregnancy Tests: It is important to note that pregnancy tests are most reliable when taken after a missed period. Since you had a normal period, the tests you took afterward are likely to be accurate.
In conclusion, based on the information you provided, it is reasonable to conclude that the chances of you being pregnant are extremely low. The combination of using a condom correctly, having a normal menstrual period, and receiving negative pregnancy test results all point to the likelihood that you are not pregnant.

If you continue to have concerns about your menstrual cycle or potential pregnancy, or if you experience any unusual symptoms, it would be advisable to consult with a healthcare provider. They can offer further insights and conduct any necessary examinations or tests to ensure your reproductive health is in good standing.

Thank you for reaching out, and I hope this information helps to clarify your situation. Please feel free to ask if you have any more questions or need further assistance.

Best regards.

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