Can You Get Pregnant from Touching After Ejaculation?

Can I get pregnant?

Hello, doctor: My boyfriend and I currently only use our hands to help each other.
Yesterday, after he masturbated and got semen on his hands, he didn't wash them and just wiped them with a tissue.
About two hours later, he touched me down there, completely forgetting that he hadn't washed his hands.
What is the likelihood of getting pregnant from this?

Liu Xiaojie, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/04/12

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

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

Reply Date: 2021/04/12

More Info

The concern about the possibility of pregnancy from touching after ejaculation is a common one, and it's important to clarify the facts surrounding this issue. Based on the information provided and the medical insights shared, let's break down the situation.

1. Understanding Sperm Viability: Sperm can survive outside the human body for a limited time, but its viability decreases significantly once exposed to air and dries out. When sperm is deposited on the skin, it typically dries quickly, and once dried, it loses its ability to fertilize an egg. The likelihood of sperm remaining viable enough to cause pregnancy after being wiped away with a tissue and then coming into contact with another person is extremely low.

2. Touching After Ejaculation: In your scenario, your boyfriend touched his genital area and then, after a period of time, touched you without washing his hands. While it is theoretically possible for some sperm to transfer from his hands to your genital area, the chances of this leading to pregnancy are minimal. This is because:
- The sperm would have to be in a sufficient quantity and still viable.

- The transfer would need to occur in a way that allows the sperm to reach the vaginal canal, which is unlikely if there was no direct penetration.

3. Time Factor: The two-hour interval between ejaculation and touching you is significant. Sperm that has dried on the skin is unlikely to be capable of causing pregnancy. Moreover, the act of wiping with a tissue would further reduce the number of viable sperm.

4. Medical Consensus: Medical professionals generally agree that the risk of pregnancy from such indirect contact is very low. Most cases of pregnancy occur through direct ejaculation into the vagina or through penetrative sexual intercourse. Touching, even with some residual sperm on the hands, does not typically result in pregnancy.

5. Psychological Aspect: It's also worth noting that anxiety about unintended pregnancy can lead to unnecessary stress. If your menstrual cycle is regular and you have not experienced any symptoms of pregnancy (such as missed periods, nausea, or breast tenderness), the likelihood of being pregnant from this incident is very low.

6. Conclusion: In summary, while the concern about pregnancy from touching after ejaculation is understandable, the actual risk in your situation is negligible. If you continue to have concerns or if your menstrual cycle is irregular, it may be beneficial to take a pregnancy test or consult with a healthcare provider for peace of mind. Additionally, if you and your boyfriend are considering becoming sexually active, discussing contraception methods can help alleviate worries about unintended pregnancy in the future.

In conclusion, while it is always wise to be cautious and informed about sexual health, the specific scenario you described does not present a significant risk for pregnancy.

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Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, it is generally unlikely to become pregnant. Wishing you good health.

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