Is the Risk of Pregnancy High After Unprotected Intercourse and Emergency Contraceptive? - Obstetrics and Gynecology

Share to:

The likelihood of pregnancy after unprotected intercourse without ejaculation, followed by taking emergency contraception (the morning-after pill) within 2 to 3 hours, is generally low. Emergency contraception is most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex, ideally within 72 hours. However, the effectiveness can vary based on the timing of ovulation and individual factors. It is important to consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice and information?


Hello, doctor.
My girlfriend and I had external friction and brief penetration the day before her ovulation period.
Her last menstrual period was from August 2 to August 8, and her cycle lengths over the past three months have been 35, 28, and 32 days.
We did not use a condom, and I did not ejaculate, but she took emergency contraception within 2 to 3 hours.
What is the likelihood of pregnancy? When would you recommend taking a pregnancy test?
Additionally, on the same morning, we took a hot water bath where I performed oral sex, and a drop of semen accidentally fell into the water.
What is the likelihood of pregnancy in this scenario?

Chen, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/08/16

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology


Hello, the probability of pregnancy should be low.
You can take a pregnancy test 12 days after unprotected intercourse.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2022/08/16

More Info


When it comes to the risk of pregnancy after unprotected intercourse, especially during the ovulation period, it is essential to understand the factors at play. In your case, you mentioned that there was external friction and brief penetration just before your girlfriend's ovulation. Given that her menstrual cycle has varied between 28 to 35 days, ovulation likely occurred around the midpoint of her cycle, which would be around 14 to 21 days after the first day of her last menstrual period (August 2).
Since you had unprotected intercourse close to her ovulation, there is a potential risk of pregnancy. Sperm can survive in the female reproductive tract for up to five days, which means that if ovulation occurred shortly after your encounter, there could be a chance of fertilization. However, since your girlfriend took emergency contraception (EC) within 2 to 3 hours after the intercourse, this significantly reduces the likelihood of pregnancy. Emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) are most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse, ideally within 72 hours, and can reduce the risk of pregnancy by up to 89% when taken within that timeframe.

Regarding when to take a pregnancy test, it is generally recommended to wait at least one week after the expected date of her next period for the most accurate results. Since her last menstrual period was from August 2 to August 8, if her cycle is regular, her next period would be expected around September 6 to September 13, depending on her cycle length. Therefore, taking a pregnancy test around September 13 would provide a reliable result.

As for the second part of your question regarding the risk of pregnancy from a drop of semen in hot water during oral sex, the risk is extremely low. Sperm need a specific environment to survive and swim toward an egg for fertilization to occur. Once sperm is exposed to air or water, its viability decreases significantly. Therefore, the likelihood of pregnancy from this scenario is negligible.

In summary, while there is a potential risk of pregnancy from the unprotected intercourse close to ovulation, the use of emergency contraception greatly reduces that risk. It is advisable to wait until after the expected period to take a pregnancy test for accurate results. The risk from the second scenario involving semen in water is minimal and unlikely to result in pregnancy. If there are any concerns or if your girlfriend experiences any unusual symptoms, it would be wise to consult a healthcare provider for further guidance.

Similar Q&A

Emergency Contraception: Can You Get Pregnant After Unprotected Sex?

Having unprotected intercourse during ovulation, even without ejaculation, carries a risk of pregnancy. Taking emergency contraception immediately after the encounter can reduce this risk significantly. If you had unprotected intercourse again the next morning, but also took emer...


Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, the questioner: There is a possibility of pregnancy even if ejaculation has not occurred during intercourse, as pre-ejaculatory fluid may contain sperm. Additionally, the effectiveness of emergency contraception is not 100%, with a failure rate of about 3%. It is recommend...

[Read More] Emergency Contraception: Can You Get Pregnant After Unprotected Sex?


Understanding Pregnancy Risks and Emergency Contraception Effects

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


Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, having unprotected intercourse without ejaculation still carries a risk of pregnancy. If you took emergency contraception the day after and had intercourse again, it generally should not have significant effects on your body. However, there is still a possibility of pregna...

[Read More] Understanding Pregnancy Risks and Emergency Contraception Effects


Understanding Pregnancy Risks After Unprotected Intercourse: Key Insights

Hello Doctor, I have been with my girlfriend for almost three months. In the first couple of weeks, we started having unprotected sex with ejaculation inside. My girlfriend was worried about getting pregnant, so she took emergency contraception once, but she hasn't taken it ...


Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, the effectiveness of emergency contraceptive pills is not 100%, with a failure rate of about 3%. It is recommended to check for pregnancy if your period is more than a week late. Please ensure to practice regular contraception. Thank you! Wishing you safety and health. Dr....

[Read More] Understanding Pregnancy Risks After Unprotected Intercourse: Key Insights


Understanding Pregnancy Risks After Unprotected Intercourse and Emergency Contraception

Hello, doctor. My girlfriend and I had unprotected sexual intercourse yesterday afternoon. Just before ejaculation, I pulled out and finished outside, but I noticed afterward that my girlfriend is currently in her ovulation period. This morning, she took emergency contraception. ...


Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, the chances of pregnancy should be low. Wishing you good health.

[Read More] Understanding Pregnancy Risks After Unprotected Intercourse and Emergency Contraception


Related FAQ

Emergency Contraceptive Pill

(Obstetrics and Gynecology)

High-Risk Pregnancy

(Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Can I Get Pregnant?

(Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Condom

(Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Pain During Intercourse

(Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Early Pregnancy

(Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Pregnancy Likelihood

(Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Sexually Transmitted Disease

(Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Post-Ectopic Pregnancy Surgery

(Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Safe Period

(Obstetrics and Gynecology)