Can You Get Pregnant from Dry Humping? the Risks

Can I get pregnant?

Recently, my menstrual cycle has been irregular due to frequently staying up late.
My last two periods were on July 16 and August 7.
Today is August 21, and I had external genital contact with my boyfriend.
I'm not sure if he released pre-ejaculate fluid, but I did have some vaginal secretions.
He did not ejaculate, and we did not use a condom.
However, I am a virgin, and after the encounter, I washed with hot water.
There was no penetration, just shallow friction, and it didn't hurt.
Is there a chance I could get pregnant?

Binggan, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/08/21

Dr. Huang Zifei reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Dear Cookie,
The behavior you described still falls under unprotected sexual intercourse.
Washing with hot water is not considered a method of contraception.
If your next menstrual period is delayed by a week, it is advisable to take a home pregnancy test or visit a gynecologist.

Dr.
Huang Tzu-Fei, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nantou Hospital

Reply Date: 2020/08/21

More Info

When it comes to the question of whether you can get pregnant from dry humping, it's important to understand the mechanics of how pregnancy occurs. Pregnancy typically happens when sperm fertilizes an egg, which usually occurs through vaginal intercourse. However, there are some nuances to consider when discussing dry humping, especially in the context you've described.

Dry humping, or external genital contact without penetration, generally poses a low risk for pregnancy. This is because for pregnancy to occur, sperm must be deposited in or near the vaginal canal. In your situation, you mentioned that your boyfriend did not ejaculate and that you are a virgin, which further reduces the likelihood of sperm entering the vagina. However, it is crucial to note that pre-ejaculate fluid (pre-cum) can contain sperm, and if there was any contact between this fluid and your vaginal area, there is a slight chance of pregnancy.

The timing of your menstrual cycle also plays a significant role in determining the risk of pregnancy. You mentioned that your periods have been irregular, which can complicate the situation. Ovulation typically occurs about 14 days before the start of your next period, and sperm can live inside the female reproductive tract for up to five days. If you were close to ovulation during the time of the dry humping, the risk of pregnancy, although still low, increases slightly.

Regarding your concern about washing afterward, while cleaning the genital area can help reduce the presence of sperm, it is not a foolproof method to prevent pregnancy. Sperm can be quite resilient, and if any sperm were already in the vaginal area, washing may not eliminate the risk entirely.

In summary, while the risk of pregnancy from dry humping is low, it is not zero, especially if there was any contact with pre-ejaculate fluid. If you are concerned about the possibility of pregnancy, consider taking a home pregnancy test if your period is late. Additionally, if you are sexually active, it may be beneficial to discuss contraceptive options with a healthcare provider to help prevent unintended pregnancies in the future.

Lastly, if you have further questions or concerns about your menstrual cycle or sexual health, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional who can provide personalized guidance based on your specific situation.

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