Am I at Risk of Pregnancy? the Need for Emergency Contraception

Will this lead to pregnancy? What are the chances? Should I take emergency contraception?

My last menstrual period started on January 25th.
I had some genital contact with my boyfriend on February 14th.
I'm unsure how to calculate the fertile window.
We used a condom during the contact, but I'm not certain if it broke (I didn't check it with water).
Before the genital contact, I performed oral sex on him (without a condom), and I accidentally got some lubricant from the condom on my mouth, which I found strange and spit out onto a tissue.
During the genital contact, there was no penetration and no ejaculation; we only rubbed against each other with the condom on.
I became wet, and I wiped myself with a tissue, but I can't remember if it was a clean tissue or the one I used to spit out the lubricant.
I'm worried that if I wiped myself with the tissue that might have saliva and pre-ejaculate on it, I could become pregnant.
I'm considering whether to buy emergency contraception but I'm also afraid it might not be necessary.
I would like to know if there is a risk of pregnancy in these two situations.
Thank you, doctor.

Weiwei, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/02/16

Dr. Chen Zhiyu reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Regarding your concerns, based on your description, it seems that all contact occurred after the application of a condom.
Theoretically, the chances of conception should be minimal unless there are undisclosed details.
I also hope that your menstrual period arrives as expected.
If there is a delay, please remember to take a pregnancy test.
Thank you for your inquiry, and I wish you health and happiness.

Reply Date: 2022/02/16

More Info

When considering the risk of pregnancy after engaging in sexual activity, it's essential to understand the various factors that contribute to the likelihood of conception. Based on the details you've provided, let's break down the situation to assess your risk and the need for emergency contraception.

1. Timing of Ovulation: Your last menstrual period started on January 25, and you had sexual contact on February 14. Typically, ovulation occurs about 14 days before the start of your next period in a regular 28-day cycle, which would likely place your ovulation around February 8. Since you had sexual contact after your ovulation date, the chances of pregnancy are lower, but not impossible, especially if your cycle is irregular.

2. Use of Condoms: You mentioned that you used a condom during the encounter, which is a significant factor in reducing the risk of pregnancy. Condoms are effective in preventing sperm from entering the vagina, provided they do not break or slip off during use. Since you are unsure if the condom was intact, it’s important to consider this uncertainty.

3. Pre-ejaculate and Oral Contact: You also mentioned engaging in oral sex without a condom and the potential for contact with pre-ejaculate fluid. While pre-ejaculate can contain sperm, the risk of pregnancy from this fluid is generally low, especially if there was no ejaculation and no direct penetration occurred. However, if there was any transfer of sperm from your hands or surfaces that had come into contact with semen, there is a slight risk.

4. Emergency Contraception: Given your concerns, if you feel anxious about the possibility of pregnancy, taking emergency contraception (EC) can be a prudent choice. EC is most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse, ideally within 72 hours, but some forms can be effective up to 5 days after. Since you are within this timeframe, it may provide peace of mind.

5. Symptoms and Signs of Pregnancy: If you experience any unusual symptoms, such as a missed period, nausea, or breast tenderness, it would be wise to take a pregnancy test. These tests are most reliable when taken after a missed period.

6. Consulting a Healthcare Provider: If you remain uncertain or anxious about your situation, consulting a healthcare provider can provide personalized advice and support. They can help clarify your risk and discuss the best options for you moving forward.

In summary, while the risk of pregnancy from your described encounter appears to be low, it is not zero. If you are feeling anxious about the possibility of pregnancy, taking emergency contraception could be a responsible choice. Additionally, monitoring for any signs of pregnancy and consulting with a healthcare professional can help you navigate your concerns effectively. Remember, understanding your menstrual cycle and the timing of ovulation can significantly aid in assessing your risk in future encounters.

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