Is Pregnancy Possible After Unprotected Intercourse? A Doctor's Insight

Doctor, is there still a possibility of pregnancy in this situation?

My menstrual period usually lasts about 5 days and is not heavy.
My last menstrual cycle was from May 22 to May 29 (the first three days were bright red, followed by brown discharge).
Around June 8, I had anal intercourse without ejaculation, but my boyfriend's hand may have come into contact with vaginal secretions, so I took emergency contraception (Plan B) the next day.
From June 20 to 24, my menstrual flow was lighter than usual (the first two days were normal bright red, followed by three days of brown discharge), and I felt persistent abdominal discomfort.
On June 24, a pregnancy test showed only one line.
Due to the ongoing abdominal discomfort, I visited a gynecologist on June 29, but the ultrasound did not show anything.
Now, during the new ovulation period, my basal body temperature is quite high.
Two days ago, I started experiencing nipple pain, and their color has darkened a bit (but the pain gradually subsided yesterday).
Additionally, I have noticed an increase in vaginal discharge (egg white consistency), and I feel moist down there, which was not the case before.
Today, I began to feel some soreness in my hips and lower back, and occasionally, I experience mild lower abdominal pain.
I've also noticed increased hair loss recently.
My heart rate has been consistently fast, around 90-100 bpm, so I consulted a doctor who attributed it to stress.
P.S.
I do not have symptoms like excessive sleepiness or nausea.
My next expected period is on July 18.
Doctor, is it possible that I could be pregnant? Should I see a gynecologist again, or is this just due to stress?

Shirley, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/07/09

Dr. Wu Xianghui reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

1.
Vaginal infections can cause abnormal discharge, itching, fever, and lower abdominal pain, which are among the most common symptoms in women.
There are many underlying causes, and treatment should be accompanied by comprehensive patient education.
It is recommended to consult a specialist in obstetrics and gynecology for evaluation.
2.
For pregnancy concerns, please perform a home pregnancy test or consult a specialist in obstetrics and gynecology for evaluation "4 weeks after sexual intercourse."

Reply Date: 2020/07/09

More Info

The possibility of pregnancy after unprotected intercourse is a common concern for many individuals. Based on the details you've provided, let's break down the situation and discuss the factors involved.

Firstly, unprotected intercourse, even if it does not involve ejaculation inside the vagina, can still lead to pregnancy. This is due to the presence of pre-ejaculatory fluid, which may contain sperm. In your case, while you mentioned that there was no ejaculation, the fact that your boyfriend's hand may have come into contact with vaginal secretions raises the possibility of sperm being introduced into the vaginal canal.

You took emergency contraception (Plan B) the day after the intercourse, which is an important step in reducing the risk of pregnancy. Emergency contraceptive pills are most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse, ideally within 72 hours, but they can be taken up to 5 days after. However, their effectiveness diminishes the longer you wait.
Your menstrual cycle appears to be somewhat irregular, with your last period starting on May 22 and lasting until May 29. You mentioned that your subsequent period from June 20-24 was lighter than usual, which could be a side effect of the emergency contraception. Hormonal fluctuations caused by the pill can lead to changes in menstrual flow, timing, and symptoms.

The symptoms you are experiencing—such as breast tenderness, increased cervical mucus, and abdominal discomfort—can be indicative of various conditions, including premenstrual syndrome (PMS), ovulation, or early pregnancy. However, given that you had a negative pregnancy test on June 24 and an ultrasound that did not show any signs of pregnancy, it is less likely that you are pregnant at this time.
The timing of your symptoms is also important. You mentioned that you are approaching your next expected period on July 18. If your cycle is typically around 28 days, you may be experiencing ovulation symptoms, which can include increased cervical mucus and breast tenderness. Stress can also significantly impact your menstrual cycle and overall hormonal balance, leading to symptoms such as breast tenderness and changes in menstrual flow.

In summary, while the possibility of pregnancy cannot be completely ruled out, the negative pregnancy test and ultrasound findings suggest that you are likely not pregnant. However, if your symptoms persist or worsen, or if you miss your next period, it would be advisable to consult with a healthcare provider for further evaluation. They may recommend additional testing or monitoring to ensure your reproductive health is on track.

In conclusion, while pregnancy is possible after unprotected intercourse, the use of emergency contraception and the subsequent negative test results indicate a low likelihood of pregnancy in your case. Stress and hormonal changes can also contribute to the symptoms you are experiencing. If you have further concerns or if your symptoms continue, seeking advice from a gynecologist would be a prudent step.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Pregnancy Chances After Unprotected Intercourse

Hello doctor, I had sexual intercourse with my boyfriend on February 26 and February 28. February 26 was my first time, and February 28 was my second time. We did not use a condom, and there was no ejaculation inside. What is the likelihood of pregnancy in this situation? Could I...

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Similar questions have been asked too many times. Dear inquirer: There is a possibility of pregnancy even if ejaculation does not occur during intercourse, as pre-ejaculatory fluid may contain sperm. It is recommended to check for pregnancy if your period is more than a week late...

Understanding Pregnancy Risks: Can You Get Pregnant After Unprotected Sex?

Hello doctor, I had unprotected intercourse with my girlfriend the day after her period ended, and I ejaculated outside. What is the likelihood of pregnancy in this situation?

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, the questioner: There is a possibility of pregnancy even if ejaculation has not occurred during intercourse, as pre-ejaculatory fluid may contain sperm. Additionally, for those with irregular menstrual cycles, ovulation may not necessarily occur early or on schedule. It is...

Understanding Pregnancy Risks After Unprotected Intercourse: A Guide

Hello doctor, I had unprotected intercourse one or two days before ovulation, but there was no ejaculation. I took emergency contraception within an hour afterward. A couple of days later, I had protected intercourse, but the male partner removed the condom and masturbated to eja...

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, the probability is likely low, but it is advisable to use contraception at all times for safety. Wishing you good health.

Is There a Chance of Pregnancy After Unprotected Intercourse?

Hello doctor, I had my period on August 18th, and I had sexual intercourse on September 4th and September 11th. I did not use a condom during the earlier part of the month, but ejaculation occurred inside the condom. I took a pregnancy test today, and there are no signs of pregna...

Dr. Lü Lizheng reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Due to the incomplete use of condoms, there is still a slight possibility of pregnancy. Since the last sexual intercourse was on September 11, which was only seven days ago, it may be too early to take a pregnancy test, and it might not show accurate results yet. It is recommende...