Is There a Risk of Pregnancy After Unprotected Intercourse?

Can I get pregnant?

Hello Doctor, my girlfriend is on the second day of her ovulation.
Today, we accidentally had unprotected intercourse but stopped before ejaculation.
During the process, we interrupted and used hands for assistance.
I usually do not have pre-ejaculate fluid during masturbation, and I did not ejaculate the day before.
Is there a need to take emergency contraception? What is the likelihood of pregnancy? Thank you, Dr.
Tsao.

Xiao Ming, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/05/08

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, just in case, it is recommended to take emergency contraceptive pills for safety.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2020/05/08

More Info

When it comes to the risk of pregnancy after unprotected intercourse, particularly during the ovulation period, it's important to understand the biological factors at play. Ovulation typically occurs around the midpoint of a woman's menstrual cycle, and this is when the egg is released from the ovary and is available for fertilization. If unprotected intercourse occurs during this time, there is a significant risk of pregnancy, as sperm can survive in the female reproductive tract for several days, waiting for an egg to fertilize.

In your case, since the intercourse happened on the second day after ovulation, the risk of pregnancy is still present, albeit slightly lower than if it had occurred on the day of ovulation itself. However, it's essential to note that sperm can remain viable for up to five days, so if ovulation occurred just before or during the intercourse, there is still a possibility of fertilization.

Regarding the use of emergency contraception (often referred to as the "morning-after pill"), it is generally recommended if unprotected intercourse occurs during the fertile window. The effectiveness of emergency contraception is highest when taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse, ideally within 72 hours, but some types can be effective up to five days later. Given that you mentioned the intercourse was unprotected and close to the ovulation period, it would be prudent to consider taking emergency contraception to reduce the risk of unintended pregnancy.

You also mentioned that there was no ejaculation during the intercourse, which can lower the risk of pregnancy, but it is important to remember that pre-ejaculate fluid (pre-cum) can contain sperm. Even if you typically do not experience pre-ejaculate during masturbation, it is still possible for some sperm to be present in the pre-ejaculate fluid during sexual activity. Therefore, the risk cannot be entirely dismissed.

In summary, while the likelihood of pregnancy may not be extremely high given the circumstances you described, it is still present. If you and your girlfriend are concerned about the possibility of pregnancy, taking emergency contraception is a responsible option to consider. Additionally, if there are any further questions or concerns, consulting with a healthcare provider can provide personalized advice and support.

It's also worth noting that if your girlfriend has any unusual symptoms or experiences a missed period, it would be advisable for her to take a pregnancy test or consult with a healthcare professional for further evaluation. Understanding the menstrual cycle and the timing of ovulation can help in making informed decisions about sexual health and contraception in the future.

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