Can You Get Pregnant from Intercourse Five Days Before Your Period? - Obstetrics and Gynecology

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Having intercourse five days before menstruation can result in pregnancy, although the likelihood is generally lower compared to other times in the menstrual cycle. Sperm can survive in the female reproductive tract for up to five days, so if ovulation occurs shortly after intercourse, there is a possibility of fertil


I had sexual intercourse with my boyfriend five days before my period was due (according to the app on my phone).
During the first time, we used a condom the entire time, but during the second time, I only put on the condom right before ejaculation (both instances occurred on the same day).
What is the likelihood of becoming pregnant in this situation?

Chang, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/10/18

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology


Hello, the questioner: There is a possibility of pregnancy even if ejaculation has not occurred during intercourse, as pre-ejaculatory fluid may contain sperm.
Additionally, using condoms throughout intercourse does not guarantee 100% effectiveness, with a failure rate of over 5%.
It is advisable to check for pregnancy if your period is more than a week late.
Thank you! Wishing you peace and health.
Dr.
Chang

Reply Date: 2020/10/18

More Info


When considering the possibility of pregnancy from intercourse that occurs five days before your expected period, it is essential to understand the menstrual cycle and the timing of ovulation. The menstrual cycle typically lasts about 28 days, but it can vary significantly among individuals. Ovulation usually occurs around 14 days before the start of your next period. Therefore, if you have a regular cycle, having intercourse five days before your period would generally be close to the time of ovulation, which is when you are most fertile.

In your case, you mentioned that you had two instances of intercourse on the same day, with the first instance being fully protected by a condom and the second occurring just before ejaculation without a condom. The use of condoms is generally effective in preventing pregnancy, but it is important to note that no contraceptive method is 100% foolproof. The failure rate of condoms is about 2% with perfect use, but with typical use, it can be around 15%. This means that while the risk of pregnancy is lower with condom use, there is still a possibility of failure.

The second instance of intercourse, where the condom was not used until just before ejaculation, poses a higher risk of pregnancy. Pre-ejaculate fluid, which can be released before ejaculation, may contain sperm, and if this fluid comes into contact with the vaginal area, it can lead to pregnancy. Therefore, the risk of pregnancy from this second instance is more significant, especially if it occurred around the time of ovulation.

To summarize, the likelihood of getting pregnant from intercourse five days before your period depends on several factors, including your menstrual cycle length, the timing of ovulation, and the effectiveness of the contraceptive methods used. If you have a regular cycle and ovulate around day 14, then having intercourse five days before your period would be close to your fertile window, increasing the chances of pregnancy, especially with the second instance of unprotected intercourse.

If you are concerned about the possibility of pregnancy, consider taking a home pregnancy test if your period is late. These tests are most accurate when taken after a missed period. Additionally, if you find yourself frequently in situations where you are unsure about contraception, it may be beneficial to discuss long-term contraceptive options with your healthcare provider. Options such as hormonal birth control, IUDs, or other methods can provide more reliable protection against unintended pregnancy.
In conclusion, while the risk of pregnancy from the first instance of protected intercourse is low, the second instance without protection does carry a risk. Monitoring your cycle and understanding your ovulation patterns can help you make informed decisions about sexual activity and contraception in the future.

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