Can You Get Pregnant from Touching Semen and Then Your Vagina?

If semen comes into contact with the vaginal opening, there is a possibility of pregnancy. Sperm can potentially travel into the vagina and fertilize an egg, especially if there is enough viable sperm present. It is important to practice safe sex to prevent unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections?

Hello, doctor.
I have a question I would like to ask: On October 16, I performed oral sex on my boyfriend, and after he ejaculated, I touched it with my hand.
I then wiped my hand on my clothes (my hand was dry) and, without washing my hands, I touched the moist area around my vaginal opening (a little deeper inside).
After that, I remembered and went to the bathroom to wipe the vaginal area with tissue dampened with water.
Three hours later, I went home and took a shower, doing my best to clean my genital area.
My last menstrual period started on October 3, but I am unsure when it ended.
Today is October 31, and in the past few days, I have experienced breast tenderness, which usually occurs before my period.
Is there a possibility of pregnancy in this situation? How likely is it? I hope the doctor can provide a more detailed explanation.
Thank you!

Yueyue, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/10/31

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, based on your description, the chances of pregnancy are low since there are unlikely to be viable sperm present.
However, if there are active sperm in the vagina during ovulation, regardless of the method, there is still a possibility of pregnancy.
It is advisable to take appropriate contraceptive measures.
Additionally, early pregnancy may not present specific symptoms, and subjective symptoms cannot be used to make a determination.
If your period is more than a week late, it is recommended to consult a gynecologist for an examination.
Thank you! Wishing you peace and health.
Dr.
Zhang

Reply Date: 2021/10/31

More Info

The concern about the possibility of pregnancy from touching semen and then touching the vagina is a common question, and it's important to clarify the mechanics of how pregnancy occurs.
First, for pregnancy to happen, sperm must be deposited in the vagina or cervix in sufficient quantities. Sperm are present in semen, and while they can survive outside the body for a short period, they are highly sensitive to environmental conditions. When semen is exposed to air, the sperm begin to die off quickly. The likelihood of sperm remaining viable after being transferred from a hand that has touched semen to the vagina is extremely low.

In your specific scenario, you mentioned that after performing oral sex, you touched your boyfriend's semen with your hand, then wiped your hand on clothing, and later touched the vaginal area without washing your hands. While it is theoretically possible for some sperm to be transferred in this manner, the chances are minimal. The sperm would have to be in sufficient quantity and remain viable after the transfer, which is unlikely given the circumstances you described.

Regarding your menstrual cycle, you mentioned that your last period started on October 3rd, and you are now experiencing breast tenderness, which is a common premenstrual symptom. Many women experience breast tenderness or swelling in the days leading up to their period due to hormonal changes. If your period is late, it could be due to a variety of factors, including stress, hormonal fluctuations, or other health-related issues.

If you are concerned about the possibility of pregnancy, the most reliable way to determine if you are pregnant is to take a home pregnancy test. These tests are designed to detect the hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), which is produced shortly after a fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining. It is advisable to wait until at least the first day of your missed period for the most accurate result.

In summary, while the scenario you described does involve some risk, the likelihood of becoming pregnant from touching semen and then your vagina is very low. If you continue to have concerns or if your period does not arrive, consider consulting with a healthcare provider for further evaluation and guidance. They can provide you with more personalized advice and support based on your specific situation.

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