Can You Get Pregnant from Touching After Safe Sex?

Is it possible to get pregnant?

If you had sexual intercourse with your girlfriend while using a condom, and you checked the condom after ejaculation to ensure it did not break, the risk of pregnancy is significantly reduced.
However, since you mentioned that a few drops of semen got on your hand, there is a theoretical risk if you then inserted your fingers into her vagina shortly afterward.

Semen can contain sperm, and while the likelihood of sperm surviving on your hand and causing pregnancy is low, it is not impossible.
If you are concerned about the possibility of pregnancy and are not planning to conceive, it may be advisable to consider emergency contraception and consult with a healthcare professional for further guidance.
Additionally, discussing contraceptive options with your partner for future encounters can help prevent unintended pregnancies.

Xiao Wang, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/07/19

Dr. Wu Xianghui reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

1.
For pregnancy concerns, please perform a home pregnancy test or consult a gynecologist for evaluation four weeks after sexual intercourse.
2.
In the aforementioned situation, the likelihood of pregnancy is low.

Reply Date: 2020/07/19

More Info

The concern about the possibility of pregnancy from indirect contact after safe sex is understandable, especially for couples who are not ready to have children. Based on the scenario you've described, the likelihood of pregnancy occurring is extremely low, but let's break down the factors involved.

1. Use of Condoms: You mentioned that you used a condom throughout the sexual activity and checked it for any breaks after ejaculation. This is a crucial step in preventing pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Condoms are highly effective when used correctly, and if there were no tears or leaks, the risk of sperm entering the vagina is significantly minimized.

2. Sperm Viability: Sperm can survive outside the body for a short period, but their viability decreases rapidly once exposed to air and other environmental factors. When sperm is on a dry surface or has been wiped away, the chances of it remaining active enough to cause pregnancy are very slim. In your case, the few drops that may have gotten on your hand were likely not enough to pose a risk, especially after washing your hands.

3. Washing Hands: You mentioned that you washed your hands thoroughly after handling the tissue that contained the sperm. This is an important step, as washing with soap and water effectively removes any residual sperm. The act of washing hands reduces the likelihood of transferring any viable sperm to your girlfriend.

4. Timing: The time elapsed between washing your hands and touching your girlfriend is also a factor. The longer the time after washing, the less likely it is that any sperm would remain viable on your hands. Given that you waited 5-10 minutes, this further reduces the risk.

5. Indirect Contact: Pregnancy typically requires direct ejaculation into the vagina or very close proximity to the vaginal opening. Indirect contact, such as touching after washing hands, does not provide the necessary conditions for sperm to travel to the egg. The chances of sperm being transferred in this manner are exceedingly low.

6. Psychological Factors: It's important to acknowledge the psychological aspect of this situation. Worrying about unintended pregnancy can cause significant stress. If you and your girlfriend are concerned about pregnancy, consider using emergency contraception if you believe there was a risk, and consult with a healthcare provider for peace of mind.

In conclusion, based on the details you've provided, the risk of pregnancy from the scenario described is extremely low. However, if either of you has ongoing concerns, it may be beneficial to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and reassurance. Additionally, if you are not planning to have children, consider discussing long-term contraceptive options that can provide peace of mind and prevent unintended pregnancies in the future.

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