Can You Get Pregnant After Unprotected Sex? the Risks

Pregnancy issues

After having sexual intercourse with my boyfriend, he removed the condom and, after drying his penis, forgot that his hands had touched the dried penis and then put his hand back into my vagina.
Is there a chance of getting pregnant from this? My period just ended on Monday, December 12, and today is December 16.
Thank you, doctor, for your answer.

Fen, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/12/16

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, based on your description, the chances of becoming pregnant are low but not impossible.
As long as there are active sperm in the vagina during the ovulation period, there is still a possibility of pregnancy regardless of the method of intercourse.
You may consider using emergency contraception, but its effectiveness is not 100%, with a failure rate of about 3%.
It is advisable to check for pregnancy if your period is more than a week late.
Thank you! Wishing you safety and health.
Dr.
Chang

Reply Date: 2022/12/16

More Info

After engaging in unprotected sexual activity, the question of whether pregnancy can occur is a common concern. In your specific situation, where your boyfriend removed the condom and then touched his penis before inserting it back into your vagina, there are several factors to consider regarding the risk of pregnancy.

Firstly, it’s important to understand how pregnancy occurs. Pregnancy happens when sperm fertilizes an egg, which typically occurs during ovulation. Ovulation usually happens about 14 days before the start of your next menstrual period, but this can vary based on individual cycles. Since you mentioned that your last menstrual period ended on December 12 and today is December 16, you are likely still in the early part of your cycle, which may be a time when you are less fertile. However, sperm can live inside the female reproductive tract for up to five days, so if you were to ovulate soon after this incident, there could be a risk of pregnancy.

Regarding the act of your boyfriend wiping his penis and then inserting it back into your vagina, there is a possibility that some sperm could have remained on his hands or on the penis itself. If any sperm were present and made its way into your vagina, there is a chance, albeit small, that pregnancy could occur. The likelihood of this happening depends on several factors, including the amount of sperm present and the timing of your ovulation.

If you are concerned about the possibility of pregnancy, there are a few steps you can take:
1. Emergency Contraception: If you are within 72 hours of the unprotected intercourse, you may consider taking emergency contraception (Plan B or similar). This can significantly reduce the risk of pregnancy if taken promptly.

2. Monitor Your Cycle: Keep track of your menstrual cycle and any symptoms you may experience. If your period is late, consider taking a home pregnancy test for confirmation.

3. Consult a Healthcare Provider: If you have further concerns or questions, it may be beneficial to speak with a healthcare provider. They can provide personalized advice based on your health history and circumstances.

4. Consider Future Protection: To avoid similar concerns in the future, consider discussing contraceptive options with your partner. Using condoms consistently and correctly is one of the most effective ways to prevent both pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

In conclusion, while the risk of pregnancy from the scenario you described is not extremely high, it is not zero. Taking proactive steps such as considering emergency contraception and consulting with a healthcare provider can help you manage your concerns effectively. Remember that open communication with your partner about sexual health and contraception is essential for both of your peace of mind.

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