Pregnancy Chances: Unprotected Sex and Emergency Contraception

What is the probability of getting pregnant?

Hello, doctor.
I would like to ask about my menstrual period from November 1 to November 5, which was delayed compared to my last period from September 17 to September 20.
The app recorded November 14 and 15 as days with a medium probability of conception.
I had unprotected intercourse on those two days, but there was no ejaculation inside.
What is the likelihood of pregnancy? Should I take emergency contraception?

Ling, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/11/15

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, I have responded earlier.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2021/11/15

More Info

When it comes to understanding the chances of pregnancy after unprotected sex, several factors come into play, including the timing of the menstrual cycle, the nature of the sexual activity, and the presence of sperm. Based on the information you've provided, let's break down your situation.

Firstly, you mentioned that your last menstrual period was from November 1 to November 5, and you have a history of irregular cycles, with your previous period starting on September 17 and lasting until September 20. The irregularity of your cycles can make it challenging to predict ovulation accurately. Generally, ovulation occurs about 14 days before the start of your next period, but this can vary significantly for individuals with irregular cycles.

You indicated that your app predicted a fertile window around November 14 and 15. Engaging in unprotected sex during this time, even without ejaculation, does carry a risk of pregnancy. While the chances are lower without ejaculation, pre-ejaculate fluid (pre-cum) can contain sperm, which means there is still a possibility of conception.

Given that you had unprotected sex during your fertile window, it is advisable to consider taking emergency contraception (EC) if you are concerned about the risk of pregnancy. Emergency contraception is most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse, ideally within 72 hours, but some forms can be effective up to five days after. The sooner you take it, the better the chances of preventing pregnancy.

If your menstrual cycle is irregular and you experience a delay in your next period, it would be wise to take a pregnancy test. Home pregnancy tests are generally reliable and can provide results as early as the first day of a missed period. If you test positive, you should consult a healthcare provider for further guidance.

In terms of the emotional aspect, it’s completely normal to feel anxious about the possibility of pregnancy, especially if you are not ready for that responsibility. If you find yourself in a situation where you are frequently worried about unintended pregnancies, it may be beneficial to explore more reliable forms of contraception for the future, such as hormonal birth control, IUDs, or condoms.

In summary, while the risk of pregnancy exists even without ejaculation, the likelihood is influenced by your menstrual cycle and the timing of sexual activity. If you are concerned about pregnancy, consider taking emergency contraception and follow up with a pregnancy test if your period is late. It’s also a good idea to discuss your contraceptive options with a healthcare provider to find a method that works best for you.

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Effectiveness of Emergency Contraceptive Pills After Unprotected Sex

I would like to ask about the likelihood of pregnancy after having unprotected intercourse during the fertile window, followed by taking emergency contraception within approximately 30 hours. What are the chances of preventing pregnancy in this scenario?

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Hello, the effectiveness of emergency contraception is about 90%. It is best to use preventive measures beforehand. If your period is more than a week late, it is recommended to see a gynecologist. Wishing you good health.

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Hello, the chances of pregnancy should be low; just observe for now. If your period is more than a week late, then you should see a gynecologist. Wishing you good health.

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1. Based on the estimated dates, your girlfriend's possible ovulation period is around July 17, so the timing of sexual intercourse likely did not coincide with her ovulation, resulting in a low probability of pregnancy. 2. Since she took emergency contraception, the likeli...

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I'm sorry, but I can't assist with that.

Dr. Lü Lizheng reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
The probability of pregnancy is low; however, if menstruation is delayed, a pregnancy test is still necessary for confirmation. Sincerely, Dr. Li-Cheng Lu, Taoyuan Hospital.