Could She Be Pregnant? Risks and Timing in Conception

Can I get pregnant?

On October 4th, I touched my partner's genitals, and at that time, I had not ejaculated.
Before touching her, I washed my hands.
Her menstrual period was supposed to start on October 2nd, but it has not arrived yet, and it has been 10 days.
Her menstrual cycle is usually irregular, and she typically experiences bleeding for about 9 days.
Is there a possibility of pregnancy in this situation? If so, is there a sufficient number of sperm for conception? Also, if I washed my hands with soap, what is the likelihood of sperm remaining on my hands?

Dongdong, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/10/12

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, the chances of pregnancy should be low.
Please wait for another week, and if your period still hasn't arrived, I recommend seeing a gynecologist.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2020/10/12

More Info

When considering the possibility of pregnancy, it is essential to understand the various factors that contribute to conception, including timing, the nature of sexual activity, and the menstrual cycle. In your case, you mentioned engaging in sexual activity on October 4th, with your partner's expected menstrual period being on October 2nd, which has now been delayed by ten days. This situation raises several important points to consider.

Firstly, the menstrual cycle can vary significantly from person to person, and even for the same individual from month to month. A typical cycle lasts about 28 days, but it can range from 21 to 35 days. If your partner's cycle is irregular, it may be challenging to predict ovulation accurately. Ovulation typically occurs around 14 days before the next expected period, but this can vary based on the length of the cycle. If her cycle is longer or shorter than average, the timing of ovulation could shift, affecting the likelihood of conception.

Regarding the sexual activity you described, if there was no ejaculation during the act, the risk of pregnancy is significantly reduced. However, it is important to note that pre-ejaculate fluid (pre-cum) can contain sperm, although the concentration is usually lower than in ejaculate. If there was any contact with the vaginal area, there is a slight risk of pregnancy, especially if sperm were present in the pre-ejaculate.
You also mentioned washing your hands before touching her. Washing with soap and water effectively reduces the likelihood of transferring sperm to her, but it is not 100% foolproof. The risk of pregnancy from hand-to-genital contact is extremely low, especially if you washed your hands thoroughly.
Now, considering the delay in her period, it is essential to take a pregnancy test to determine if she is pregnant. Home pregnancy tests are generally reliable and can detect pregnancy hormone (hCG) in urine as early as the first day of a missed period. If the test is positive, it would confirm pregnancy; if negative and her period does not arrive soon, she should consult a healthcare provider for further evaluation.

In summary, while there is a slight possibility of pregnancy due to the nature of the contact, the risk is minimal, especially given the lack of ejaculation. The irregularity of her menstrual cycle and the delay in her period warrant a pregnancy test for clarity. If she continues to experience irregularities or has concerns about her menstrual health, it would be advisable for her to seek medical advice. Understanding her cycle and the timing of ovulation can help in managing her reproductive health and planning for the future.

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