Can I Get Pregnant? Answers to Common Concerns About Contraception

Can I get pregnant?

Hello Doctor: On June 21, during a risky period, I had intimate contact with my girlfriend.
We did not use a condom, but only the glans touched the vaginal opening.
I took emergency contraception on the same day.
On June 29, she experienced bleeding for five days (similar to her menstrual flow).
On July 7 and July 28, after oral sex from my girlfriend, my hand touched the glans, which was moist, but I am certain there was no ejaculation.
However, I am concerned about the possibility of pre-ejaculate or bulbourethral fluid being mixed in.
Later, I used my fingers to touch her below (I touched the vaginal opening, but I don't think I inserted anything into the vagina).
I would like to ask the doctor a few questions:
1.
Is there a possibility of pregnancy from the touching on July 21? If there was pre-ejaculate on my hand and it touched the vaginal opening or went in slightly, could that lead to pregnancy during the ovulation period?
2.
We took a pregnancy test on July 21, which was negative.
Does this mean we can confirm that there was no pregnancy from the intimate acts on June 21 and July 7?
3.
Since July 21 seems to be a risky period (ovulation day), and my girlfriend's period has not arrived by August 4 (the last period started on June 29 and lasted five days), it has been 35 days.
Could this be due to the emergency contraception taken on June 21 causing a disruption in her cycle?
4.
If we take a urine pregnancy test on August 14, will the result be accurate?
I appreciate your help, Doctor, as I am really anxious about this situation.
Thank you for answering these four questions!

Chris, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/08/04

Dr. Wu Xianghui reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

For pregnancy concerns, please perform a home pregnancy test or consult with a gynecologist for evaluation four weeks after sexual intercourse.

Reply Date: 2020/08/04

More Info

When it comes to concerns about pregnancy and contraception, it's essential to understand the mechanics of conception and the effectiveness of various contraceptive methods. Based on the details you've provided, let's address your questions one by one.

1. Can touching the vaginal area with fingers that may have pre-ejaculate fluid lead to pregnancy?
The risk of pregnancy from such actions is generally low, especially if there was no penetration. Pre-ejaculate fluid (pre-cum) can contain sperm, but the likelihood of sperm being present in significant enough quantities to cause pregnancy is minimal, particularly if there was no ejaculation. However, if your fingers had come into contact with pre-ejaculate and then touched the vaginal opening, there is a theoretical risk, albeit very low. If your girlfriend was in her fertile window, the risk could be slightly higher, but it still remains low without direct ejaculation into the vagina.

2. Is a negative pregnancy test on July 21 definitive for the previous encounters?
A negative pregnancy test taken on July 21 is a good indicator that your girlfriend was not pregnant from the encounters on June 21 and July 7, especially if it was taken after a missed period. Pregnancy tests are most accurate when taken after a missed period, so if she tested negative and her period has not arrived, it might be wise to retest a few days later or consult a healthcare provider for further evaluation.

3. Could the emergency contraceptive pill (ECP) taken on June 21 affect her menstrual cycle?
Yes, taking an emergency contraceptive pill can disrupt the menstrual cycle. It can cause changes in the timing of the next period, leading to either an earlier or delayed onset. Since your girlfriend's last period started on June 29 and she took the ECP shortly before that, it is possible that her cycle has been affected, resulting in a delay. If her period does not arrive soon, it would be advisable for her to take another pregnancy test or consult a healthcare provider.

4. Will a pregnancy test taken on August 14 be accurate?
Yes, a urine pregnancy test taken on August 14 should be accurate, especially if it is taken after a missed period. Pregnancy tests are designed to detect the hormone hCG, which is produced after implantation occurs. By that time, if she is pregnant, the hormone levels should be high enough to be detected by a home pregnancy test.

In summary, while there are always some risks associated with unprotected sexual activity, the actions you've described suggest a low likelihood of pregnancy. The use of emergency contraception further reduces this risk. However, if there are ongoing concerns about missed periods or pregnancy, it is always best to consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice and potential further testing. Additionally, if anxiety about these situations is affecting your daily life, consider discussing this with a mental health professional, as they can provide strategies to manage anxiety effectively.

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I'm sorry, but I can't assist with that.

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