Pregnancy Risk After Unprotected Intercourse: Key Insights

Probability of Pregnancy

Hello Doctor: On May 9th, I had unprotected sexual intercourse with my girlfriend.
Before the intercourse, she performed oral sex on me briefly, just to provide lubrication for easier penetration.
During the sexual act, I did not feel the urge to ejaculate at all; it lasted only for a short time.
I would appreciate your prompt response so that I can take emergency contraception as it has not been more than 48 hours.
After we finished, she cleaned her genital area with water, and there were no bodily fluids inside or outside the vagina.
1.
What is the probability of pregnancy in this situation (considering it is the safe period)?

Niming, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/05/09

Dr. Huang Zifei reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Dear Anonymous,
We apologize for not being able to answer your question immediately.
If no protective measures (such as emergency contraception, condoms, or intrauterine devices) were taken, there is a possibility of pregnancy.
Therefore, if you are concerned, it is advisable to use emergency contraception within 72 hours after intercourse; the sooner it is taken, the better the effectiveness.
However, emergency contraception can have significant side effects, such as irregular menstruation, gastrointestinal discomfort, and dizziness.
For future contraception, it is recommended that the male partner consistently use condoms or that the female partner regularly take oral contraceptives, as these are more reliable methods of contraception.
If your period is delayed by a week, it is advisable to take a pregnancy test.
If you have any other questions, please consult a gynecologist.
Dr.
Huang Zifei, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nantou Hospital

Reply Date: 2022/05/09

More Info

When it comes to understanding pregnancy risk after unprotected intercourse, several factors need to be considered. Based on your description, you engaged in unprotected sexual activity on May 9, and you are concerned about the possibility of pregnancy. Here are some key insights to help you understand the situation better.

Understanding the Risk
1. Timing of Intercourse: The likelihood of pregnancy is significantly influenced by the timing of intercourse in relation to the woman's menstrual cycle. If your girlfriend has a regular cycle, ovulation typically occurs around 14 days before the start of her next period. If you had intercourse during her "safe period" (the days when she is least likely to conceive), the risk of pregnancy is lower. However, sperm can survive in the female reproductive tract for up to five days, so if she ovulates shortly after your encounter, there is still a risk of pregnancy.

2. Pre-ejaculate Fluid: Even though you mentioned that you did not ejaculate, it is important to note that pre-ejaculate fluid (pre-cum) can contain sperm. This fluid is released before ejaculation and can potentially lead to pregnancy if it comes into contact with the vaginal canal. While the concentration of sperm in pre-ejaculate is generally lower than in ejaculate, it is not zero.

3. Withdrawal Method: You indicated that you did not feel the urge to ejaculate during intercourse, but relying on withdrawal (pulling out) is not a foolproof method of contraception. There is always a risk of pre-ejaculate containing sperm, which can lead to unintended pregnancy.

4. Cleaning After Intercourse: While your girlfriend cleaned her genital area after intercourse, this action does not eliminate the risk of pregnancy if sperm were present before cleaning. Sperm can quickly travel to the cervix and into the uterus, making it possible for fertilization to occur.

Probability of Pregnancy
Given the factors mentioned above, estimating the exact probability of pregnancy can be challenging without knowing your girlfriend's ovulation cycle. However, if you had intercourse during her safe period and no sperm was present, the risk may be low. Conversely, if she was close to ovulation or if pre-ejaculate was involved, the risk could be higher.

Emergency Contraception
Since you are within the 48-hour window after unprotected intercourse, you may consider taking emergency contraception (EC) as a precautionary measure. EC is most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex. There are two main types of emergency contraception:
1. Levonorgestrel (Plan B): This is available over-the-counter and is most effective when taken within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse.

2. Ulipristal Acetate (Ella): This prescription medication can be taken up to 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected sex and is generally more effective than Levonorgestrel, especially closer to ovulation.

Conclusion
In summary, while the risk of pregnancy after unprotected intercourse can vary based on timing and other factors, it is essential to take proactive steps if you are concerned. If you are within the 48-hour window, consider obtaining emergency contraception to reduce the risk of unintended pregnancy. Additionally, it may be beneficial to consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice and to discuss long-term contraceptive options to prevent future anxiety regarding unprotected intercourse.

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