Pregnancy Chances After Unprotected Intercourse: Key Insights

Pregnancy probability

Hello Doctor, on December 5th, I had protected intercourse with my girlfriend (withdrawal method), but afterwards, I noticed a white (slightly transparent) fluid coming from her vagina, which was a bit sticky.
I'm unsure if this was fluid that leaked from the condom, or if it was vaginal discharge or arousal fluid.
I used the water test to confirm that the condom was intact, but I am still worried, so I bought emergency contraception (1.5 mg levonorgestrel) for my girlfriend, which she took within 2 hours.
Her menstrual cycle has been a bit irregular lately; December 5th was the seventh day after her period ended.
Before intercourse, there was some vaginal discharge, but after taking the emergency contraception, the discharge stopped the next day, and now, a week later, there has been no discharge.
I'm wondering if this is due to the medication delaying her period, but I'm not sure how long it might be delayed.
My girlfriend hasn't experienced any side effects, and I'm unsure if this is normal.
I would like to know if the presence of discharge indicates ovulation or the onset of menstruation.
Doctor, is there a chance of pregnancy in this situation?

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

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, the chances of pregnancy should be low.
If there is still vaginal discharge, it is recommended to see a gynecologist.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2020/12/12

More Info

Understanding the chances of pregnancy after unprotected intercourse can be a source of anxiety for many individuals, especially when there are concerns about the timing of the menstrual cycle and the use of emergency contraception. Based on the details provided, let's break down the situation and clarify some key points regarding fertility, ovulation, and the effects of emergency contraception.

Firstly, it's important to understand the menstrual cycle. A typical cycle lasts about 28 days, but it can vary significantly from person to person. Ovulation usually occurs around 14 days before the start of the next menstrual period. In your case, since the intercourse occurred on December 5, which was the seventh day after your girlfriend's last menstrual period, it is crucial to determine where she is in her cycle. If her cycle is irregular, pinpointing ovulation can be more challenging.

The presence of a white, somewhat transparent, and slightly sticky discharge could be indicative of several things. It might be normal cervical mucus, which can change in consistency throughout the menstrual cycle. Around ovulation, cervical mucus typically becomes more abundant and stretchy, resembling egg whites, which helps sperm travel through the cervix. However, this discharge could also be related to other factors, such as arousal or even the remnants of vaginal secretions.

Regarding the use of emergency contraception (EC), the fact that your girlfriend took the emergency contraceptive pill (1.5 mg) within two hours of intercourse is a positive step. EC is most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse, ideally within 72 hours, but it can work up to five days after. The pill works primarily by delaying ovulation; if ovulation has already occurred, it may not be effective in preventing pregnancy.

After taking the emergency contraceptive pill, it is common for women to experience changes in their menstrual cycle. This can include a delay in the onset of the next period, changes in the timing of ovulation, or even alterations in the characteristics of vaginal discharge. The absence of white discharge after taking the pill could be a result of hormonal changes induced by the medication, which may also affect her cycle.

As for the concern about pregnancy, if the condom was intact and there was no ejaculation inside the vagina, the chances of pregnancy are significantly reduced. However, no contraceptive method is 100% effective, and sperm can sometimes be present in pre-ejaculatory fluid. Given that your girlfriend took the emergency contraceptive pill, her chances of avoiding pregnancy are further increased.

In summary, while there is always a possibility of pregnancy with unprotected intercourse, the steps taken (using a condom and taking emergency contraception) have significantly reduced that risk. The changes in discharge and potential delay in her menstrual cycle are likely due to the effects of the emergency contraceptive pill. If her period does not arrive within a week of when it is expected, it would be advisable for her to take a pregnancy test for peace of mind. Additionally, if there are any concerns or unusual symptoms, consulting a healthcare provider would be beneficial for personalized advice and reassurance.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Pregnancy Risks: Unprotected Intercourse and Ovulation

The likelihood of pregnancy during the fertile window after having unprotected intercourse with your boyfriend twice in one day (with multiple thrusts) and ejaculation outside is significant.

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, the chances of pregnancy should be low. Wishing you good health.

Understanding Pregnancy Chances After Unprotected Intercourse: Key Insights

On October 20, I had sexual intercourse with my partner three times, one of which involved unprotected penetration for less than a minute before withdrawing and continuing with a condom. A mobile app indicates that October 26 is the ovulation day. What is the likelihood of pregna...

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, the probability of pregnancy should be low; just monitor the situation. Wishing you good health.

Understanding Pregnancy Chances After Unprotected Intercourse

The likelihood of pregnancy depends on several factors, including the timing of ovulation, the presence of sperm in pre-ejaculate fluid, and the frequency of unprotected intercourse. In your case, since you had unprotected intercourse on 8/9 and 8/10, there is a possibility of ...

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
On August 9th, during the fertile period, I had intercourse with my boyfriend for the first time using a condom, and it did not break. After that, we had unprotected intercourse but he withdrew before ejaculation. He penetrated deeply before pulling out. We had a few more session...

Understanding Pregnancy Chances After Unprotected Intercourse

If my girlfriend's menstrual cycle started on February 18 and we had intercourse from February 21 to February 24 with ejaculation inside, what is the likelihood of pregnancy? How long after that can we test for pregnancy?

Dr. Lin Wenbin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Any unprotected sexual intercourse carries the risk of pregnancy. Ovulation bleeding in females can sometimes be mistaken for menstruation. The method of tracking safe periods has a very poor contraceptive effectiveness. It must be combined with other forms of contraception, such...