Could She Be Pregnant? Risks and Emergency Contraception

Can I get pregnant?

Hello, doctor: My girlfriend's last menstrual period started on November 15 and lasted for 5 days.
On December 4, we had unprotected intercourse, but I did not ejaculate; I only inserted for about 1 minute, and there was some pre-ejaculatory fluid.
Is there a possibility of pregnancy? Should we consider emergency contraception?

Ren99, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/12/07

Dr. Huang Yuande reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

In principle, the chances are low, but since condoms were not used consistently throughout, it is still not possible to confirm safety with 100% certainty.

Reply Date: 2020/12/07

More Info

When it comes to the possibility of pregnancy after unprotected intercourse, there are several factors to consider. Based on the information provided, your girlfriend's last menstrual period started on November 15 and lasted for five days. Assuming her cycle is regular, ovulation likely occurred around December 1 to December 6, which is typically about 14 days before the start of her next period. Since you mentioned that unprotected intercourse occurred on December 4, this timing falls within her fertile window, which increases the likelihood of conception.

The pre-ejaculate fluid (often referred to as "pre-cum") can contain sperm, although the concentration is usually lower than in ejaculate. Even if ejaculation did not occur, there is still a risk of pregnancy if pre-ejaculate fluid was present, especially if it came into contact with the vaginal canal. Given these circumstances, there is a possibility that your girlfriend could be pregnant.

Regarding emergency contraception, it is generally recommended to take it as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse. The effectiveness of emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) decreases the longer you wait, and they are most effective when taken within 72 hours (3 days) after the event. Some types of emergency contraception can be effective up to 5 days after unprotected sex, but the sooner it is taken, the better the chances of preventing pregnancy.

If your girlfriend is concerned about the possibility of pregnancy, it would be wise for her to consider taking emergency contraception if she has not done so already. Additionally, she should monitor for any signs of pregnancy, such as a missed period, nausea, breast tenderness, or fatigue. If her period is late, taking a home pregnancy test or consulting with a healthcare provider would be the next steps to confirm whether she is pregnant.

In summary, based on the timing of her menstrual cycle and the nature of the intercourse, there is a possibility of pregnancy. Emergency contraception is an option if taken promptly, and monitoring for pregnancy signs is essential. If there are any uncertainties or concerns, it is always best to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and guidance.

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