Am I at Risk of Pregnancy After Unprotected Intercourse?

Can I get pregnant?

My last menstrual period was from December 5 to December 9.
On December 11, following my doctor's instructions, I started taking the emergency contraceptive pill (Levonorgestrel).
Today (December 17) at 8:00 AM, I had sexual intercourse.
Initially, the condom was put on incorrectly, but after it made contact with the tip, we switched it to the correct side (there was no pre-ejaculate).
We also used a water-based lubricant.
Since it was my first time, I only inserted it for less than a minute before withdrawing due to pain.
At 4:00 PM, I purchased and took the emergency contraceptive pill.
What is the likelihood of pregnancy in this situation?

Miss Zheng, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/12/17

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello,
For first-time users of birth control pills, it is recommended to start taking them on the first day of your menstrual cycle.
If you begin taking the pills after the second day of your period, it is advised to use additional contraceptive measures for the first seven days of pill use.
The effectiveness of emergency contraception is not 100%, with a failure rate of about 3%, but it is still considered a remedial option.
If you do not experience expected withdrawal bleeding during the placebo period of the pill regimen, it is important to suspect the possibility of pregnancy.

Thank you! Wishing you peace and health.

Dr.
Zhang

Reply Date: 2022/12/17

More Info

When considering the risk of pregnancy after unprotected intercourse, several factors come into play, including the timing of the menstrual cycle, the use of contraceptives, and the nature of the sexual encounter itself. Based on your description, let's break down the situation.

You mentioned that your last menstrual period started on December 5 and ended on December 9. Given that you are on a contraceptive pill (Loette), which is designed to prevent ovulation, your risk of pregnancy is significantly reduced. However, it's important to note that no contraceptive method is 100% effective.

On December 17, you had a brief sexual encounter where the condom was initially put on incorrectly but was quickly corrected. Since you mentioned that the penetration lasted less than a minute and that your partner did not ejaculate, the likelihood of sperm entering the vagina is minimal. Additionally, using a water-based lubricant does not affect the efficacy of the condom, provided it was applied correctly.

Taking emergency contraception (the "morning-after pill") shortly after the encounter further decreases your risk of pregnancy. Emergency contraceptive pills are most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse, ideally within 72 hours, but they can work up to 5 days after. Since you took the emergency contraceptive pill in the afternoon of the same day, you maximized your chances of preventing an unintended pregnancy.

It's also worth mentioning that the hormonal changes from taking emergency contraception can cause temporary side effects, such as changes in your menstrual cycle, nausea, or breast tenderness. These symptoms can sometimes mimic early signs of pregnancy, which may lead to anxiety about potential pregnancy.

In summary, based on the information provided, your risk of pregnancy appears to be low due to the following reasons:
1. Use of Contraceptive Pills: You are on a regular contraceptive regimen, which helps prevent ovulation.

2. Short Duration of Intercourse: The penetration lasted less than a minute, and there was no ejaculation.

3. Immediate Use of Emergency Contraception: You took the morning-after pill shortly after the encounter, which is effective in preventing pregnancy.

If you experience any unusual symptoms or if your period is significantly delayed, it would be advisable to take a pregnancy test or consult with a healthcare provider for further evaluation. Remember, while the risk is low, it is not zero, and being proactive about your reproductive health is always a good practice.
In the future, consider discussing with your healthcare provider about long-term contraceptive options that may suit your lifestyle and provide peace of mind. Options include intrauterine devices (IUDs), implants, or continuing with oral contraceptives, depending on your preferences and health considerations.

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