Can You Get Pregnant from Close Contact? the Risks

Can I get pregnant?

Hello, doctor.
My last menstrual period was from January 2 to January 9, and then from January 31 to February 6.
On February 9, I was intimate with my boyfriend, and during foreplay, his glans slightly touched the vaginal opening but did not penetrate, and he did not ejaculate.
He then immediately wiped it off with tissue.
We used protection throughout.
Is there a chance of pregnancy? How likely is it?

vivian, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/02/09

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, the chances of pregnancy should be low.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2021/02/09

More Info

The question of whether you can get pregnant from close contact, particularly when there is no penetration involved, is a common concern among individuals who are sexually active. To address your specific situation, it is important to understand the mechanics of conception and the factors that influence pregnancy risk.

In general, pregnancy occurs when sperm fertilizes an egg. This typically requires sperm to be deposited in or near the vaginal canal, where it can travel through the cervix and into the uterus to meet an egg. In your case, you mentioned that there was no penetration, and your boyfriend did not ejaculate. While the risk of pregnancy in such a scenario is significantly lower, it is not entirely absent.

One key factor to consider is pre-ejaculate fluid, also known as pre-cum. This fluid can be released before ejaculation and may contain sperm. If there was any contact with this fluid and it reached the vaginal opening, there is a small chance of sperm entering the vagina and potentially leading to pregnancy. However, the likelihood of this happening is generally low, especially if there was no direct ejaculation and you took precautions by wiping away any potential sperm.

The timing of your menstrual cycle also plays a crucial role in assessing the risk of pregnancy. You mentioned that your last menstrual period was from January 2 to January 9, and you had sexual contact on February 9. If you have a typical 28-day cycle, ovulation would likely occur around day 14, which would be around January 16. By February 9, you would be past your ovulation window, reducing the chances of conception significantly. However, if your cycle is irregular or longer than 28 days, the timing of ovulation could vary, and this could affect your risk.

In summary, while the risk of pregnancy from the scenario you described is low, it is not zero. If you are concerned about the possibility of pregnancy, consider taking a home pregnancy test if your next period is late. Additionally, if you are sexually active and wish to avoid unintended pregnancy, it is advisable to use reliable contraception consistently.
For future reference, understanding your menstrual cycle, using protection, and being aware of the risks associated with different sexual activities can help you make informed decisions about your sexual health. If you have further questions or concerns, consulting with a healthcare provider can provide personalized guidance and support.

Similar Q&A

Can You Get Pregnant from Close Contact? Understanding Risks and Concerns

I would like to ask if there is a possibility of pregnancy if I had intimate contact with my boyfriend one month before my 16th birthday, where our genital areas touched but there was no penetration. If I go to the hospital for a check-up, will they report it?

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, based on your description, the chances of becoming pregnant are low but not impossible. As long as there are active sperm present in the vagina during the ovulation period, there is still a possibility of pregnancy, regardless of the method. It is advisable to take appropr...

Can You Get Pregnant from Close Contact? Understanding the Risks

Yesterday, on May 6th, I had intimate contact with my girlfriend. During arousal, a clear fluid was secreted and accidentally came into contact with her external genitalia. Later, I put on a condom but initially put it on inside out. I re-applied it and wiped the side that had co...

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Yesterday, on May 6th, I had intimate contact with my girlfriend. During arousal, a clear fluid was secreted and accidentally came into contact with her external genitalia. Later, I put on a condom, but I initially put it on inside out. I re-applied it and wiped the side that had...

Can You Get Pregnant from Close Contact Without Intercourse?

Hello doctor, when I am intimate with my girlfriend, I use masturbation as a method since we do not intend to get pregnant. There was one occasion when I was very close to her genitals but did not make direct contact. Is there a chance of pregnancy?

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, the chances of getting pregnant are low, but it is best to take preventive measures beforehand. Do not rely on the safe period. If your period is more than a week late, it is advisable to see a gynecologist. Wishing you good health.

Can You Get Pregnant from Close Contact? Understanding Risks and Symptoms

Two months ago, I had intimate contact with my girlfriend, but we did not engage in sexual intercourse. My hand, which had touched my penis, came into contact with the area near her genitalia, but I did not directly touch her genitalia. I cannot confirm whether there were any res...

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Two months ago, I had intimate contact with my girlfriend, but we did not engage in sexual intercourse. My hand, which had touched my penis, came into contact with the area near her genitalia, but did not touch her genitalia directly. I cannot confirm whether there were any resid...