Can You Get Pregnant? Risks and Symptoms After Intimacy

Can I get pregnant?

On July 20th, my girlfriend and I were touching each other, and since we wanted to try having sex (we used a condom, but I didn't ejaculate), I had previously masturbated and I'm unsure if my hand had any sperm on it when I inserted it inside her.
We both had been staying up late, and after we finished, she didn't take any medication.
I'm not sure if staying up late affected her cycle, but she got her period six days later (on July 25th), which lasted for four days and gradually decreased (ending on July 28th).
During this time, she had trouble sleeping and usually went to bed around midnight.
She also experienced a sore throat, dryness, and phlegm.
On July 26th, she had stomach pain, and I'm really worried about the possibility of pregnancy.

1.
Is there a chance of pregnancy?
2.
Is her period that came six days late considered a normal menstrual cycle?
3.
Is a duration of 3-4 days for her period normal (the flow was quite heavy)?
4.
Is a sore throat and other symptoms indicative of pregnancy?
5.
She experienced pink spotting a few hours before her period started, but then there was a lot of normal-colored bleeding afterward.
Could this be a sign of pregnancy?
6.
Given that we often stay up late and her last period was on June 20th, and considering the events on July 20th, is there still a chance of pregnancy?

Xiao Zhe, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/07/28

Dr. Huang Zifei reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Dear Xiao Zhe,
1.
Based on your description, I cannot rule out the possibility of pregnancy.
I recommend purchasing a pregnancy test kit from a pharmacy or visiting an obstetrician-gynecologist for confirmation.
2.
Given your age, it is likely that your girlfriend is around the same age as you.
Adolescent girls often experience irregular menstrual cycles, so it could be related to her period.
3.
A sore throat with phlegm is more indicative of an upper respiratory infection.
4.
Menstrual symptoms can also present in this way.
5.
The likelihood of pregnancy is low, but to be certain, it is best to rely on a pregnancy test.
I suggest you consult with an obstetrician-gynecologist.
Dr.
Huang Zifei, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nantou Hospital

Reply Date: 2020/07/28

More Info

Understanding the risks of pregnancy, especially after intimate encounters, is crucial for both partners. Based on your description, let’s address your concerns systematically.

1. Can You Get Pregnant?
Yes, it is possible to get pregnant even if you did not ejaculate inside your partner. Pre-ejaculate fluid (pre-cum) can contain sperm, and if your hand had any sperm on it and you inserted it into your girlfriend, there is a risk of pregnancy. However, the likelihood is lower compared to direct ejaculation.

2. Delayed Menstruation:
Your girlfriend's period arrived six days later than expected. This delay can be attributed to several factors, including stress, hormonal fluctuations, or changes in lifestyle, such as lack of sleep. While a late period can be a sign of pregnancy, it can also occur due to these other factors. The fact that her period came eventually suggests that she likely is not pregnant, especially if it was a normal menstrual flow.

3. Duration and Flow of Menstruation:
The duration of her period lasting four days is within the normal range for many women. Menstrual cycles can vary in length and flow from month to month due to various factors, including stress, diet, and health. If the flow was heavier than usual, it could be a response to hormonal changes or stress rather than an indication of pregnancy.

4. Symptoms of Pregnancy:
The symptoms you mentioned, such as throat pain and discomfort in the abdomen, are not typical early signs of pregnancy. Early pregnancy symptoms often include missed periods, nausea, breast tenderness, and fatigue. Throat pain and abdominal discomfort could be related to other health issues, such as a cold or gastrointestinal discomfort, rather than pregnancy.

5. Pink Discharge:
The appearance of pink discharge before her period could be attributed to several factors, including ovulation spotting or the onset of her menstrual cycle. It is not uncommon for women to experience light spotting before their period begins. If the bleeding was normal in color and flow afterward, it is likely just her menstrual cycle starting.

6. Impact of Lifestyle Factors:
You mentioned that both of you have been staying up late. Lack of sleep can affect hormonal balance and menstrual cycles. Stress and lifestyle changes can lead to irregularities in periods, so it’s important to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including adequate sleep, nutrition, and stress management.

In summary, while there is a possibility of pregnancy from the encounter you described, the subsequent arrival of her period suggests that she is likely not pregnant. If there are ongoing concerns about her menstrual cycle or symptoms, it would be advisable for her to consult with a healthcare provider for further evaluation. Regular check-ups and open communication about sexual health can help both partners feel more secure and informed about their reproductive health.

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