Can Rubbing Outside the Vagina Lead to Pregnancy? A Medical Inquiry

Only grinding at the entrance with my girlfriend?

Hello doctor, I would like to ask about an encounter on May 18th with my girlfriend.
We had intimate contact, but my penis only rubbed against the outside of her vaginal opening, and I confirmed that there was no secretion from the urethra before I had already ejaculated once.
I also made sure to clean my genitals and hands afterward.
I touched her clitoris and inserted my fingers into her vagina, but I had washed my hands thoroughly beforehand.
Is there a chance of pregnancy in this situation? My girlfriend's menstrual period was from March 31 to April 6, and from April 28 to May 5.
She usually experiences abdominal pain before her period, and her period is expected to arrive around the 25th or 26th of this month.
Today, she is already experiencing abdominal pain.

Terry, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/05/18

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

On May 18, I had intimate contact with my girlfriend, but my penis only rubbed against the outside of her vaginal opening, and I confirmed that there was no secretion from the urethra.
I had already ejaculated once before this.
I cleaned my genitals and hands thoroughly, and my hands had touched her clitoris and entered her vagina.
However, I had washed my hands properly beforehand.
Is there a chance of pregnancy in this situation?
Answer: There is no chance of pregnancy in this case.

P.S.: My girlfriend's menstrual period was from March 31 to April 6, and from April 28 to May 5.
She usually experiences abdominal pain before her period, and her period is expected to arrive around the 25th or 26th of this month.
Today, she is already experiencing abdominal pain.

Reply Date: 2019/05/18

More Info

The question of whether rubbing outside the vagina can lead to pregnancy is a common concern, especially among young couples exploring their sexual relationship. To address this inquiry, it is essential to understand the mechanics of conception and the factors involved in pregnancy.

Pregnancy occurs when sperm fertilizes an egg, which typically happens during sexual intercourse when sperm is deposited inside the vagina. However, it is important to note that sperm can be present in pre-ejaculatory fluid (pre-cum), which is released before ejaculation. This fluid can contain sperm, albeit in smaller quantities compared to ejaculate. If there was any contact between the penis and the vaginal area, even without direct penetration, there is a potential risk for sperm to be transferred to the vaginal canal, especially if there was any residual sperm on the penis from a previous ejaculation.

In your scenario, you mentioned that there was no visible discharge from the urethra during the rubbing and that you cleaned your genital area afterward. While cleaning can reduce the likelihood of sperm transfer, it does not eliminate the risk entirely. If any sperm were present on your skin and came into contact with the vaginal opening, there is a possibility, albeit low, of pregnancy occurring.

Regarding your girlfriend's menstrual cycle, you indicated that her last period was from March 31 to April 6, and she is expecting her next period around May 25 or 26. If her cycle is regular, this timing suggests that she is currently in the luteal phase of her cycle, which is typically when the chances of conception are lower if she is not ovulating. Ovulation usually occurs about 14 days before the start of the next period, meaning that if her cycle is consistent, she may not be in her fertile window at this time.

However, it is crucial to remember that menstrual cycles can vary, and factors such as stress, illness, or hormonal changes can affect ovulation timing. The abdominal pain your girlfriend is experiencing could be related to her menstrual cycle, but it is not definitive proof of pregnancy.

If there are concerns about potential pregnancy, the most reliable way to determine if conception has occurred is through a home pregnancy test, which can typically provide accurate results about a week after a missed period. If the test is positive, or if there are any unusual symptoms, it is advisable for her to consult a healthcare provider for further evaluation and guidance.

In summary, while the risk of pregnancy from rubbing outside the vagina is relatively low, it is not impossible. The best course of action is to monitor for any signs of pregnancy and to use reliable contraception methods in the future to prevent unintended pregnancies. If you have further questions or concerns, it is always best to consult with a healthcare professional who can provide personalized advice based on your specific circumstances.

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