Pregnancy Concerns After Unprotected Sex: What You Need to Know

Q: Pregnancy Concerns After Unprotected Sex: What You Need to Know

Hello, the questioner： There is a possibility of pregnancy even if ejaculation has not occurred during intercourse, as pre-ejaculatory fluid may contain sperm. <br>The effectiveness of emergency contraception is not 100%, with a failure rate of about 3%. <br>Additionally, emergen

Are you pregnant?

It should be the third day of the ovulation period.
My girlfriend's last menstrual period was from May 13 to 18, and the one before that was from April 14 to 18.
She mentioned that her menstrual cycle is not very regular.
We had unprotected intercourse on June 1, but I only penetrated once, and it wasn't very deep—just the head of my penis and a little more.
My girlfriend said it felt like I was just at the entrance.
I pulled out within 20 seconds and did not ejaculate at all.
I'm very worried about the possibility of pre-ejaculate containing sperm remaining inside her.
We are quite anxious, so we bought the emergency contraceptive pill Ella and she took it, but it was almost 24 hours later.
I'm unsure if there is still a chance of pregnancy.
Is there a high chance of pregnancy three days after the ovulation period? Is taking the emergency contraceptive pill nearly 24 hours later too late? Should we take a pregnancy test around June 15? My girlfriend is expected to get her period on June 11; will taking the emergency contraceptive pill affect her menstrual cycle? Can we take a pregnancy test if her period comes? How many times should we take a pregnancy test for it to be more accurate? Thank you for your help, doctor.

Song Ai, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/06/08

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, the questioner: There is a possibility of pregnancy even if ejaculation has not occurred during intercourse, as pre-ejaculatory fluid may contain sperm.
The effectiveness of emergency contraception is not 100%, with a failure rate of about 3%.
Additionally, emergency contraception may not consistently cause menstruation to arrive earlier or later.
It is recommended to check for pregnancy if your period is more than a week late.
Thank you! Wishing you peace and health.
Dr.
Chang

Reply Date: 2021/06/08

More Info

When it comes to concerns about pregnancy after unprotected sex, there are several important factors to consider, especially regarding the timing of intercourse in relation to the menstrual cycle, the use of emergency contraception, and the potential for pregnancy.

First, understanding the menstrual cycle is crucial. The average menstrual cycle lasts about 28 days, but it can vary significantly from person to person. Ovulation typically occurs around 14 days before the start of the next period. In your case, if your girlfriend's last period started on May 13 and lasted until May 18, and considering her cycle is irregular, it's possible that she ovulated around the end of May or early June. Engaging in unprotected sex on June 1 could place you close to her ovulation window, which would increase the likelihood of pregnancy.

Regarding the use of emergency contraception, Ella (ulipristal acetate) is effective when taken within 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected intercourse. Since you mentioned that you took it approximately 24 hours after the incident, you are still within the effective window. However, the sooner it is taken after unprotected sex, the more effective it is. The fact that you did not ejaculate during intercourse may reduce the risk of pregnancy, but pre-ejaculate fluid can contain sperm, so there is still a possibility of pregnancy.

As for the timing of your girlfriend's next period, if she is expecting her period around June 11, taking the emergency contraceptive may affect her menstrual cycle. It's not uncommon for emergency contraception to cause changes in the timing of the next period, leading to either an earlier or later onset. If her period is delayed by more than a week, it would be advisable for her to take a pregnancy test.
When it comes to pregnancy testing, the best time to take a home pregnancy test is after a missed period for the most accurate results. If she takes a test on June 15 and it is negative, but her period does not arrive, she should consider retesting a few days later. It is generally recommended to wait at least a week after a missed period for the most reliable results, as this allows enough time for the hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) to build up in the body if she is pregnant.

In summary, while there is a possibility of pregnancy given the timing of intercourse and the irregularity of your girlfriend's cycle, taking Ella within 24 hours significantly reduces that risk. The emergency contraceptive may alter her menstrual cycle, so it is essential to monitor her period and conduct a pregnancy test if her period is late. If there are any further concerns or unusual symptoms, it would be wise for her to consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice and support.

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