Could She Be Pregnant? Risks and Emergency Contraception

Q: Could She Be Pregnant? Risks and Emergency Contraception

Regarding your concerns, here is the response： Although there was no ejaculation inside the body, if there is no barrier (such as using condoms) during the time the sperm is retained in the vagina, there is still a possibility of unintended pregnancy due to the leakage of pre-eja

Can I get pregnant?

Your girlfriend's last menstrual period started on November 15 and lasted for 5 days.
Since you had unprotected intercourse on December 4, but did not ejaculate and only penetrated for about 1 minute, the risk of pregnancy is relatively low, but not zero.
It is generally recommended to consider emergency contraception if unprotected intercourse occurs, especially if it is close to the time of ovulation.
If there are concerns about potential pregnancy, it may be advisable to consult a healthcare provider for further guidance and to discuss the option of emergency contraception.

07248, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/12/06

Dr. Chen Zhiyu reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Regarding your concerns, here is the response: Although there was no ejaculation inside the body, if there is no barrier (such as using condoms) during the time the sperm is retained in the vagina, there is still a possibility of unintended pregnancy due to the leakage of pre-ejaculatory fluid that may contain sperm.
Emergency contraception should be taken within 72 hours of the incident for optimal effectiveness.
If the optimal time has been missed, it is advisable to monitor the next menstrual cycle and, if necessary, visit a healthcare facility to confirm whether pregnancy has occurred.
Thank you for your question, and I wish you health and happiness.

Reply Date: 2020/12/06

More Info

When considering the possibility of pregnancy after unprotected intercourse, it’s essential to understand the timing of the menstrual cycle, the nature of the sexual encounter, and the options available for emergency contraception.
In your case, your girlfriend's last menstrual period started on November 15 and lasted for five days. Assuming her cycle is regular, ovulation typically occurs around 14 days after the first day of her last period, which would be approximately December 1. Since you mentioned that the unprotected intercourse occurred on December 4, it is indeed close to her ovulation window. Sperm can live inside the female reproductive tract for up to five days, which means that if she ovulated shortly after December 4, there is a possibility of pregnancy.

Given that you did not ejaculate but only inserted for about a minute, the risk of pregnancy is lower, but it is not zero. Pre-ejaculate fluid (pre-cum) can contain sperm, and even a small amount can lead to pregnancy. Therefore, while the chances may be reduced, they are not eliminated.

Regarding emergency contraception, it is advisable to consider it if the unprotected intercourse occurred within the last 72 to 120 hours (3 to 5 days). There are two main types of emergency contraception:
1. Levonorgestrel (Plan B): This is most effective when taken within 72 hours after unprotected intercourse but can work up to 120 hours, though efficacy decreases over time. It is available over-the-counter without a prescription.

2. Ulipristal Acetate (Ella): This is a prescription medication that can be taken up to 120 hours after unprotected intercourse and is generally more effective than Levonorgestrel, especially closer to the time of ovulation.

If your girlfriend is considering emergency contraception, it is best to act quickly. The sooner it is taken after the unprotected intercourse, the more effective it will be.
Additionally, if your girlfriend experiences any unusual symptoms such as missed periods, nausea, or breast tenderness in the following weeks, it would be prudent for her to take a home pregnancy test or consult a healthcare provider for further evaluation.

In summary, while there is a possibility of pregnancy given the timing of the intercourse relative to her menstrual cycle, the risk is not guaranteed. Emergency contraception is a viable option if taken promptly. It’s essential for both partners to communicate openly about their concerns and options moving forward. If there are any further questions or uncertainties, consulting with a healthcare provider can provide personalized guidance and support.

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