Pregnancy Chances After Unprotected and Protected Intercourse - Obstetrics and Gynecology

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Probability of Pregnancy


Hello doctor, my period started on August 11 and ended on August 17.
My cycle is irregular, ranging from 25 to 33 days over the past six months.
On August 22, I had unprotected intercourse without ejaculation, and I took emergency contraception within an hour afterward.
Then, on August 25, I had protected intercourse, but the male partner masturbated and ejaculated, and after a slight cleaning, he touched my genital area.
I would like to know if there is a possibility of pregnancy in this situation.

//, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/08/27

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 recommended to check for pregnancy if your period is more than a week late.
Thank you! Wishing you peace and health.
Dr.
Chang

Reply Date: 2022/08/27

More Info


When it comes to assessing the risk of pregnancy after both unprotected and protected intercourse, several factors must be considered, including the timing of the menstrual cycle, the nature of the sexual activity, and the effectiveness of contraceptive methods used.

In your case, you mentioned that your last menstrual period started on August 11 and ended on August 17, with a cycle length that varies between 25 to 33 days. This means that your ovulation could occur anywhere from approximately August 24 to September 1, depending on the length of your cycle. Since sperm can live inside the female reproductive tract for up to five days, having unprotected intercourse on August 22, which is just a couple of days before your estimated ovulation window, does pose a risk for potential pregnancy, even if there was no ejaculation.

However, you took emergency contraception (the "morning-after pill") within an hour after the unprotected intercourse. Emergency contraception is most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex, ideally within 72 hours, but it can still be effective up to 120 hours (5 days) after the event. The effectiveness of emergency contraception decreases the longer you wait, but taking it promptly significantly reduces the chance of pregnancy.

Regarding the subsequent protected intercourse on August 25, if the condom was used correctly and did not break, the risk of pregnancy from that encounter is minimal. Condoms are generally effective at preventing pregnancy when used properly, with a failure rate of about 2% with perfect use and about 15% with typical use.
You also mentioned that the male partner engaged in manual stimulation and then touched your genital area. While this could theoretically introduce some risk if there were viable sperm on his hands, the likelihood of pregnancy from this scenario is very low, especially if he had cleaned himself beforehand and there was no direct ejaculation involved.

In summary, while there is a potential risk of pregnancy from the unprotected intercourse on August 22, your prompt use of emergency contraception significantly mitigates that risk. The protected intercourse on August 25 further reduces the chances of pregnancy. If your period is delayed beyond your expected date, it would be advisable to take a pregnancy test for confirmation.
It's also important to consider that stress and anxiety about potential pregnancy can affect your menstrual cycle, potentially causing delays. If you find yourself frequently worried about pregnancy, it may be beneficial to discuss more reliable contraceptive options with a healthcare provider to help alleviate these concerns in the future. Remember, understanding your cycle and using effective contraception consistently are key components in managing your reproductive health.

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