Can Pre-Ejaculate Fluid Cause Pregnancy During Ovulation?

If there was a small amount of pre-ejaculate fluid during ovulation, is there a chance of becoming pregnant?

Hello Doctor, I had intimate contact with my girlfriend on June 21 and June 22.
The tip of my penis was inserted slightly into her vaginal opening (without a condom), and there was also external rubbing, but I did not ejaculate and hardly felt any pre-ejaculate fluid.
However, if there was a small amount of pre-ejaculate fluid, could it lead to my girlfriend becoming pregnant? Her last menstrual period started on June 7, and it seems we were in the fertile window...
On the night of June 22, I gave her the first-generation emergency contraceptive pill Levonorgestrel (1.5 mg).
What is the likelihood of pregnancy? When is the earliest she can take a pregnancy test? If there was pre-ejaculate fluid, could it cause pregnancy? Thank you, Doctor.

Chris, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/06/24

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, the chances of pregnancy should be low.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2020/06/24

More Info

Pre-ejaculate fluid, often referred to as pre-cum, can indeed pose a risk for pregnancy, particularly during a woman's ovulation period. This fluid is released from the Cowper's glands and can contain sperm, albeit in smaller quantities than ejaculate. The presence of sperm in pre-ejaculate is variable; some studies suggest that it can contain viable sperm, especially if there has been a recent ejaculation prior to the release of pre-ejaculate.

In your case, since your girlfriend's last menstrual period started on June 7, and you had intercourse on June 21 and 22, this timing coincides with her fertile window. Ovulation typically occurs about 14 days before the next expected menstrual period, which means that your girlfriend was likely ovulating around that time. Engaging in sexual activity during this period, even without ejaculation, increases the risk of pregnancy due to the potential presence of sperm in pre-ejaculate fluid.

You mentioned that you used a first-generation emergency contraceptive pill (Levonorgestrel) shortly after the intercourse. This medication is most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse, ideally within 72 hours, and can reduce the risk of pregnancy significantly. However, it is not 100% effective, and the effectiveness diminishes the longer you wait to take it after the unprotected encounter.

As for the timing of a pregnancy test, it is generally recommended to wait at least one week after a missed period for the most accurate results. This is because pregnancy tests detect the hormone hCG, which is produced after a fertilized egg implants into the uterine lining. If your girlfriend's menstrual cycle is regular and she has a typical cycle length, you can expect her next period around July 7. Therefore, testing around that time or a few days after would provide a more reliable result.

In summary, while pre-ejaculate fluid can potentially lead to pregnancy, the use of emergency contraception like Levonorgestrel significantly lowers that risk. It's important to monitor for any signs of pregnancy and to take a test at the appropriate time. If there are any concerns or if your girlfriend experiences any unusual symptoms, consulting a healthcare provider would be advisable for further guidance and support.

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