Can You Get Pregnant After Sex on Ovulation Day Without Ejaculation?

Having intercourse on the first day of ovulation without ejaculation?

This time, we had intercourse on the first day of my ovulation period.
My boyfriend pulled out before ejaculation, but I am still worried.
I took emergency contraception the next day.
Is there still a chance of pregnancy?

Tang Tang, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/08/05

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, the chances of pregnancy should be low.
It is always best to use contraception consistently, and you cannot rely on the safe period.
It is especially important to use contraception on the first day of ovulation.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2019/08/05

More Info

When it comes to the question of whether you can get pregnant after having sex on ovulation day without ejaculation, the answer is nuanced and depends on several factors.
Firstly, it's important to understand the timing of ovulation and the lifespan of sperm. Ovulation typically occurs around the midpoint of a woman's menstrual cycle, and this is when an egg is released from the ovary and is available for fertilization. Sperm can survive in the female reproductive tract for up to five days, although the average lifespan is about three days. Therefore, if you have unprotected sex on or just before ovulation, there is a significant chance of becoming pregnant because sperm may still be viable when the egg is released.

In your case, you mentioned that your boyfriend withdrew before ejaculation, which is a method known as the withdrawal method or coitus interruptus. While this method can reduce the risk of pregnancy, it is not foolproof. Pre-ejaculate fluid (pre-cum) can contain sperm, and even a small amount can lead to pregnancy. Therefore, if you had sex on the first day of ovulation, there is still a possibility of pregnancy, even if ejaculation did not occur inside the vagina.

You also mentioned that you took emergency contraception (the "morning-after pill") the day after having unprotected sex. Emergency contraception is designed to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse and is most effective when taken as soon as possible after the event. Depending on the type of emergency contraception you took, it can work by delaying ovulation, preventing fertilization, or preventing a fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus. If taken within 72 hours after unprotected sex, it can significantly reduce the risk of pregnancy, but it is not 100% effective.

In summary, while the withdrawal method reduces the risk of pregnancy, it does not eliminate it entirely. Since you had sex on ovulation day and took emergency contraception afterward, your chances of becoming pregnant are lower, but not zero. If you are concerned about the possibility of pregnancy, it may be a good idea to take a pregnancy test a few weeks after the incident or consult with a healthcare provider for further guidance.

In addition, if you find yourself frequently worried about pregnancy after sexual encounters, it might be worth discussing more reliable contraceptive methods with your partner. Options such as hormonal birth control, intrauterine devices (IUDs), or condoms can provide more effective prevention against unintended pregnancies. Always remember that open communication with your partner about sexual health and contraception is key to making informed decisions together.

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