Pregnancy Chances After Unprotected Intercourse and Emergency Contraception

Probability of Pregnancy

Hello doctor, my period started on September 21 and yesterday was the fifth day.
I had unprotected intercourse with my boyfriend, but he did not ejaculate.
Prior to that, he had already ejaculated 3 to 4 times.
I am a bit worried, so I took emergency contraception within two hours.
I would like to ask the doctor if there is a chance of pregnancy.
My periods are usually regular, lasting about 7 days, with an average cycle of 26 to 29 days.
My last period was from August 25 to August 30.
Could you please let me know if there is a chance of pregnancy? Thank you, doctor.

Zz, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/09/26

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

On September 21, my period started and yesterday was the fifth day.
I had unprotected intercourse with my boyfriend, but he did not ejaculate.
Prior to that, he had already ejaculated 3 to 4 times.
I was a bit worried, so I took emergency contraception within two hours.
I would like to ask the doctor if there is a chance of pregnancy.
Answer: The chance of pregnancy is extremely low.
My periods are usually regular, lasting about 7 days, with an average cycle of 26 to 29 days.
My last period was from August 25 to August 30.
I would like to ask if there is a chance of pregnancy in this situation.
Answer: The chance of pregnancy is extremely low.

Reply Date: 2019/09/26

More Info

When it comes to understanding the chances of pregnancy after unprotected intercourse, especially in the context of emergency contraception, it's important to consider several factors. In your case, you had unprotected intercourse on the fifth day of your menstrual cycle, which is typically a time when the chances of pregnancy are lower, as ovulation usually occurs around the middle of the cycle (approximately day 14 in a typical 28-day cycle). However, sperm can survive in the female reproductive tract for up to five days, so there is still a possibility of pregnancy if ovulation occurs shortly after intercourse.

You mentioned that you took emergency contraception (EC) within two hours after the unprotected intercourse. Emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) are designed to prevent pregnancy primarily by delaying ovulation. If taken before ovulation, they can be quite effective in preventing pregnancy. The effectiveness of ECPs decreases the longer you wait to take them after unprotected intercourse, but since you took it promptly, you maximized your chances of preventing pregnancy.

Given your regular menstrual cycle, with periods lasting about seven days and a cycle length of 26-29 days, it's likely that you are in a relatively low-risk window for pregnancy. However, it's important to note that no contraceptive method is 100% effective, and while the chances of pregnancy are reduced, they are not eliminated entirely.

If you are concerned about the possibility of pregnancy, you can take a home pregnancy test about a week after your expected period. This will give you a more accurate indication of whether or not you are pregnant. If your period is late or if you experience any unusual symptoms, it would be wise to consult with a healthcare provider for further evaluation.

In summary, while the chances of pregnancy after your described circumstances are relatively low due to the timing of your cycle and the prompt use of emergency contraception, there is still a small risk. Monitoring your menstrual cycle and being aware of your body’s signals will help you manage your reproductive health effectively. If you have further concerns or experience any unusual symptoms, seeking medical advice is always a prudent step.

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