Is There a Chance of Pregnancy After Unprotected Intercourse?

Q: Is There a Chance of Pregnancy After Unprotected Intercourse?

Hello, the questioner： There is a possibility of pregnancy even if ejaculation has not occurred during intercourse, as pre-ejaculatory fluid may contain sperm. <br>Additionally, the effectiveness of emergency contraception is not 100%, with a failure rate of about 3%. <br>If it h

Is there a chance of this happening?

Yesterday was my ovulation period, but I didn't pay attention and had intercourse with my boyfriend.
During the process, we didn't use a condom, and he entered my vagina for a few seconds without thrusting before he pulled out.
Later, when I performed oral sex on him, I noticed some fluid, but it wasn't ejaculation.
He said there was no fluid when he was inside me, but I'm not very convinced.
In the end, he didn't ejaculate.
Within two hours after the incident, I went to buy a second-generation emergency contraceptive pill (Ella).
Is there still a chance of pregnancy? I'm still a bit worried.

$, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/01/03

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%.
If it has been over a week, it is still advisable to check for pregnancy.
Thank you! Wishing you peace and health.
Dr.
Zhang

Reply Date: 2023/01/03

More Info

The concern regarding the possibility of pregnancy after unprotected intercourse is a common one, particularly during the ovulation period when a woman is most fertile. In your case, you mentioned that you had unprotected intercourse during your ovulation period, which indeed raises the likelihood of pregnancy. However, there are several factors to consider in assessing your risk.

Firstly, it's important to understand how ovulation works. Ovulation typically occurs about 14 days before the start of your next menstrual period. During this time, an egg is released from the ovary and can be fertilized by sperm for about 12 to 24 hours. Sperm can survive in the female reproductive tract for up to five days, which means that if you have unprotected intercourse in the days leading up to ovulation, there is a significant chance of sperm being present when the egg is released.

In your situation, you indicated that there was some vaginal penetration, albeit brief, and that your partner did not ejaculate inside you. While the withdrawal method (pulling out) can reduce the risk of pregnancy, it is not foolproof. Pre-ejaculate fluid, which can be released before ejaculation, may contain sperm, and this could potentially lead to pregnancy even if ejaculation does not occur inside the vagina.

You took emergency contraception (the morning-after pill) within two hours after the intercourse, which is a proactive step. The effectiveness of emergency contraception is highest when taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse. The second-generation emergency contraceptive pill you mentioned (Ella) is effective for up to 120 hours (five days) after unprotected sex, but its efficacy decreases the longer you wait to take it. Studies suggest that it can reduce the risk of pregnancy by up to 85% when taken within the recommended time frame.

Despite taking the emergency contraceptive pill, there is still a small chance of pregnancy. The effectiveness of these pills is not 100%, and factors such as your body weight, the timing of the pill in relation to your menstrual cycle, and how soon after intercourse you took it can all influence its effectiveness.

If you experience any unusual symptoms in the coming weeks, such as a missed period, nausea, breast tenderness, or other signs of pregnancy, it would be advisable to take a home pregnancy test or consult with a healthcare provider for further evaluation. Additionally, if you have concerns about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) due to unprotected intercourse, it would be wise to get tested.

In conclusion, while there is a possibility of pregnancy after unprotected intercourse, taking emergency contraception significantly reduces that risk. It is important to monitor your body for any signs of pregnancy and consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns or questions. Remember, for future sexual encounters, using condoms or other forms of contraception can help prevent unintended pregnancies and protect against STIs.

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