Could You Be Pregnant? Risks and Symptoms - Obstetrics and Gynecology

Are you pregnant?

Hello doctor, my girlfriend and I are both students, and we have only used our hands to help each other.
Her last menstrual period started on August 18, and we used our hands to help each other from August 25 to September 4.
After each time, we cleaned with 75% alcohol and wet wipes, but there was one time when I accidentally touched a wet wipe that had come into contact with semen and inserted it into her vagina.
On September 6, she said she has been feeling nauseous.
Could she be pregnant? Can pregnancy occur if fingers that have touched semen are inserted into the vagina? Is 75% alcohol effective in killing sperm? Is feeling nauseous on September 6 a sign of pregnancy?

Xianghe, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/09/06

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, based on your description, the chances of pregnancy are low because inactive sperm are unlikely to survive.
There have been no confirmed reports of pregnancy under such circumstances in the past.
However, if there are active sperm present in the vagina during the ovulation period, regardless of the method of exposure, there is still a possibility of pregnancy.
Early pregnancy may not present specific symptoms, and subjective symptoms cannot be used to make a determination.
I recommend that you take appropriate contraceptive measures, and if your period is more than a week late, you should check for pregnancy.
Thank you! Wishing you peace and health.
Dr.
Zhang

Reply Date: 2021/09/06

More Info

When it comes to understanding the risks and symptoms of pregnancy, it's essential to clarify a few key points regarding conception and the signs that may indicate pregnancy. Based on your description, it seems you are concerned about the possibility of your girlfriend being pregnant after some intimate interactions. Let's break down your questions and concerns.

Firstly, regarding the act of using hands for sexual stimulation, the risk of pregnancy is generally low. Pregnancy typically occurs when sperm fertilizes an egg, which usually happens through vaginal intercourse. In your case, if your fingers came into contact with semen and then were inserted into the vagina, there is a theoretical risk of pregnancy, but it is quite minimal. Sperm can survive outside the body for a short time, but once exposed to air and surfaces, their viability decreases significantly.
The use of alcohol wipes or hand sanitizers can effectively kill many bacteria and viruses, but they are not designed to kill sperm. While the alcohol may reduce the number of viable sperm, it is not a reliable method for preventing pregnancy. Therefore, while the risk is low, it is not entirely absent.

Now, regarding the symptoms your girlfriend is experiencing, such as nausea and the urge to vomit, these can indeed be early signs of pregnancy. However, they can also be attributed to other factors, such as stress, anxiety, or even a stomach virus. The timing of her symptoms is also crucial; if her last menstrual period was on August 18 and she is experiencing nausea around September 6, it is relatively early for pregnancy symptoms to manifest, but not impossible.

If your girlfriend is concerned about the possibility of being pregnant, the best course of action would be to take a home pregnancy test. These tests are designed to detect the hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), which is produced during pregnancy. For the most accurate results, it is advisable to wait until after her expected period to take the test.

In terms of timing, the first few weeks of pregnancy are when many women experience symptoms like nausea, often referred to as "morning sickness." This can occur at any time of day and is a common experience for many pregnant women. However, not all women experience these symptoms, and some may not even realize they are pregnant until later.

If your girlfriend does test positive for pregnancy, it is essential to schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider to discuss her options and ensure she receives appropriate prenatal care. If the test is negative and her symptoms persist, it would also be wise for her to consult a doctor to rule out any other underlying issues.

In summary, while the risk of pregnancy from the situation you described is low, it is not zero. The symptoms your girlfriend is experiencing could be related to pregnancy, but they could also stem from other causes. Taking a home pregnancy test and consulting with a healthcare professional would be the best steps to take to clarify the situation and address any concerns.

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