the Risks of Pregnancy After Unprotected Intercourse

What is the rate of ectopic pregnancy during the danger period? Please provide an answer?

Hello doctor, my girlfriend's menstrual periods in February and March both started at the end of the month.
Based on this, her period should have arrived by the end of April.
However, we had sexual intercourse on April 28, and today is May 5, but her period has not come yet.
Is it possible that she is pregnant? (I used a condom.) If I go to the pharmacy to buy a pregnancy test, how long should I wait before taking the test to ensure an accurate result? Thank you very much for your help.

Kuài yào dāng bàba le, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2003/05/05

Dr. Peng Yiguo reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

If your period is late and hasn't arrived as expected, the first thing to consider is whether you might be pregnant.
Even if you have taken contraceptive measures, as you mentioned having sexual intercourse on April 28, the likelihood of pregnancy is low.
Generally, pregnancy tests, whether conducted in a hospital, purchased at a pharmacy, or bought from a convenience store, have similar accuracy.
You can take a test as soon as your period is late, and it is advisable to test every 7 to 10 days until you either get your period or confirm a pregnancy.
There are many factors that can affect the absence of menstruation, including emotions, stress, and environmental changes.

Reply Date: 2003/05/05

More Info

When considering the risks of pregnancy after unprotected intercourse, it is essential to understand the timing of ovulation, the menstrual cycle, and the effectiveness of contraceptive methods, including condoms. Based on your description, your girlfriend's menstrual cycle appears to be regular, with her last periods occurring at the end of February and March. If her cycle is typically around 30 days, she would be expected to have her next period around the end of April. Since you had intercourse on April 28 and her period has not yet arrived by May 5, there is a possibility that she could be pregnant, especially if her cycle is irregular or if ovulation occurred later than expected.

The effectiveness of condoms is generally high when used correctly, but they are not 100% foolproof. Factors such as breakage, slippage, or improper use can lead to unintended pregnancies. If you used the condom correctly and it did not fail, the likelihood of pregnancy is reduced, but not eliminated.

To determine if your girlfriend is pregnant, purchasing a home pregnancy test (HPT) is a practical step. Most HPTs are designed to detect the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which is produced shortly after a fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining. For the most accurate results, it is recommended to wait until at least the first day of the missed period to take the test. Since her period is expected at the end of April, testing on or after May 5 should provide a reliable result. However, testing too early may lead to a false negative, as hCG levels may not be high enough to detect.

If the test is positive, it is advisable for her to schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider for confirmation and to discuss prenatal care. If the test is negative but her period does not arrive, she should consider retesting a few days later or consulting a healthcare professional to rule out any underlying issues.

In summary, while there is a possibility of pregnancy given the timing of intercourse and the missed period, the use of a condom significantly reduces this risk. Waiting to take a pregnancy test until after the expected date of her period will provide the most accurate results. If there are any concerns or unusual symptoms, seeking medical advice is always a prudent choice.

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