Can Friction Alone Cause Pregnancy? Risks and Symptoms

Can friction cause pregnancy?

Hello doctor, my menstrual period started on April 22 and ended on the 26th.
On the 28th, I had some friction with my boyfriend through our underwear.
When he took off his underwear, there was a wet, clear fluid on his genitalia.
After wiping it with tissue, we continued to rub and he eventually ejaculated with his hand.
Afterward, he used tissue to wipe my genital area.
In the past two days, I have been feeling dizzy, my body temperature is slightly elevated, and I have pain in my left lower back.
Am I approaching my ovulation period? Is there a possibility of pregnancy from the activities on the 28th?

Xiao Yang, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/05/03

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

On April 22, menstruation started and ended on the 26th.
On the 28th, I rubbed against my boyfriend through our underwear.
When he took off his underwear, there was a wet, clear fluid on his genitalia.
After wiping it with tissue, we continued to rub and grind, and he eventually ejaculated with his hand.
Afterward, he used tissue to wipe the genital area.
In the past two days, I've been feeling dizzy, my body temperature is slightly elevated, and I have pain in my left lower back.
Am I approaching my ovulation period? Answer: It is possible that the activities on the 28th could lead to pregnancy? Answer: It is unlikely.

Reply Date: 2019/05/03

More Info

Friction alone, particularly through clothing, is generally considered a low-risk method for causing pregnancy. However, it is important to understand the mechanics of conception and the potential risks involved.
Pregnancy occurs when sperm fertilizes an egg, which typically happens during unprotected sexual intercourse. In your case, the act of rubbing against each other while clothed, even if there was some moisture involved, is unlikely to result in pregnancy. The transparent fluid you mentioned is likely pre-ejaculatory fluid (pre-cum), which can contain sperm, but the chances of sperm traveling through clothing and still being viable are extremely low.
However, there are a few factors to consider. If any sperm were to come into direct contact with the vaginal area, there is a slight risk of pregnancy, especially if it coincides with your ovulation period. Ovulation typically occurs about 14 days before your next expected period, which means if your cycle is regular and you have a 28-day cycle, you would be ovulating around day 14. Since you mentioned your last menstrual period started on April 22 and ended on April 26, the date of your sexual activity on April 28 is quite close to your ovulation window, which could increase the risk slightly if sperm were present.

Regarding the symptoms you are experiencing—dizziness, elevated body temperature, and left flank pain—these can be attributed to a variety of factors, including hormonal changes associated with your menstrual cycle, stress, or even anxiety about the possibility of pregnancy. It's also worth noting that some women experience ovulation pain (mittelschmerz), which can occur around the time of ovulation and may cause discomfort on one side of the abdomen.

If you are concerned about the possibility of pregnancy, the most reliable way to confirm or rule it out is to take a home pregnancy test after a missed period. These tests are designed to detect the hormone hCG, which is produced after a fertilized egg implants in the uterus.
In summary, while friction alone is unlikely to cause pregnancy, there is a minimal risk if sperm comes into contact with the vaginal area, especially around ovulation. If you continue to experience unusual symptoms or have concerns about your reproductive health, it would be wise to consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice and guidance. They can provide further insights based on your specific situation and help address any health concerns you may have.

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