Pregnancy Risks: Can You Get Pregnant from Fingering?

Pregnancy probability

Hello, doctor.
On May 4th, I had sexual activity with my boyfriend.
We only rubbed against each other through our underwear, and there was no full nudity or penetration.
However, he was pressing against me, and his fingers also went inside.
His genital area was wet, and I heard that there could be sperm present.
I’m worried that if his fingers had sperm on them and then went inside, there might be a chance of pregnancy.
Therefore, I bought emergency contraception and took it all within 6 hours.
What is the likelihood of pregnancy in this situation? If I hadn’t taken the medication, would the risk be significant? Also, when is the best time to take a pregnancy test to know for sure?

9, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/05/04

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

On May 4th, I had sexual activity with my boyfriend, where we only rubbed against each other through our underwear without fully undressing or penetration.
However, he was pressing against me, and his fingers also went inside.
His genital area was wet, and I heard that there could be sperm present.
I'm concerned that if his fingers had sperm on them and then went inside me, there might be a chance of pregnancy.
Therefore, I bought emergency contraception and took it within 6 hours.
What is the likelihood of pregnancy in this situation?
Answer: The likelihood of pregnancy is extremely low.
If I hadn't taken the medication, would the chances be significantly higher?
Answer: Yes, without the medication, the chances of pregnancy would be much higher.
When should I take a pregnancy test to know for sure?
Answer: There is no need to take a pregnancy test.

Reply Date: 2019/05/04

More Info

When it comes to understanding the risks of pregnancy, particularly in the context of sexual activities such as fingering, it is important to clarify a few key points. The scenario you described involves genital contact through clothing and the potential transfer of sperm from your boyfriend's fingers to your vagina. While the likelihood of becoming pregnant from this type of activity is generally low, it is not entirely impossible.

Sperm can survive outside the body for a short period, and if there was any seminal fluid on your boyfriend's fingers, there is a theoretical risk of sperm being transferred to your vagina. However, the chances of sperm being viable enough to lead to pregnancy through this indirect method are significantly lower compared to direct vaginal intercourse. The presence of clothing acts as a barrier, which further reduces the likelihood of sperm reaching the egg.

You mentioned that you took emergency contraception (the morning-after pill) within six hours after the incident. This is a crucial step in reducing the risk of pregnancy. Emergency contraception is most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse, and it can significantly lower the chances of pregnancy if taken within the recommended time frame. The effectiveness of these pills decreases the longer you wait, but taking it within six hours is a proactive measure that greatly minimizes your risk.

If you did not take the emergency contraception, the risk of pregnancy would be higher, especially if your menstrual cycle is such that you are near ovulation. Ovulation typically occurs about 14 days before your next period, and this is when you are most fertile. If sperm were to be present and viable during this time, the chances of conception would increase.

As for when to take a pregnancy test, it is generally recommended to wait until at least the first day of your missed period for the most accurate results. This is because pregnancy tests detect the hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), which is produced after a fertilized egg implants in the uterus. Testing too early may result in a false negative, as hCG levels may not be high enough to detect.

In summary, while the risk of pregnancy from fingering is low, it is not zero, especially if there was any transfer of sperm. Taking emergency contraception was a wise decision to further reduce that risk. If you have concerns about potential pregnancy, waiting until your expected period to take a pregnancy test will provide the most reliable answer. If you have any further questions or concerns, consulting with a healthcare provider can provide personalized guidance and support.

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