7 Days Late: Am I Pregnant After Unprotected Intercourse?

Q: 7 Days Late: Am I Pregnant 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>It is r

Menstruation is delayed by 7 days?

I had unprotected intercourse with my boyfriend on January 2nd, but he did not ejaculate inside (he ejaculated on my abdomen).
My period, which was supposed to arrive around January 4th to 5th, has not come.
On January 9th, we had unprotected intercourse again, but he also did not ejaculate inside (he ejaculated on my abdomen).
I took emergency contraception on January 10th.
My period is now about 7 days late.
Is there a significant chance that I might be pregnant? Does this mean that the emergency contraception might not have worked?

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

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: 2023/01/10

More Info

Based on the information you provided, it seems that you are experiencing a delay in your menstrual cycle after engaging in unprotected intercourse. You mentioned that you had unprotected sex on January 2nd and again on January 9th, and you took emergency contraception (the morning-after pill) on January 10th. Your period was expected around January 4th to 5th, but it has not arrived, and you are now 7 days late.

To address your concerns, let's break down the situation:
1. Risk of Pregnancy: The risk of pregnancy from unprotected intercourse, even if there was no ejaculation inside the vagina, is still present. Sperm can be present in pre-ejaculatory fluid, and if any sperm comes into contact with the vaginal area, there is a possibility of pregnancy. However, since you took emergency contraception shortly after the second instance of unprotected intercourse, this significantly reduces the likelihood of pregnancy. Emergency contraception is most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex, ideally within 72 hours, but it can be effective up to 5 days after.

2. Effectiveness of Emergency Contraception: The effectiveness of emergency contraception varies depending on when it is taken in relation to the menstrual cycle and the timing of ovulation. If you took the emergency contraceptive pill within 24 hours after unprotected intercourse, it is likely to be effective. However, if ovulation has already occurred, the effectiveness may be reduced.
3. Delayed Menstruation: There are several reasons why your period may be delayed, including stress, hormonal imbalances, changes in weight, or the effects of taking emergency contraception. Emergency contraceptive pills can cause temporary changes in your menstrual cycle, including delays or changes in flow. It is not uncommon for periods to be irregular after taking these pills.

4. When to Test for Pregnancy: If your period does not arrive soon, it is advisable to take a home pregnancy test. Most home pregnancy tests are reliable and can detect pregnancy about a week after a missed period. Since you are already 7 days late, you should be able to get an accurate result if you test now. If the test is negative and your period still does not come, you may want to retest in a few days or consult a healthcare provider for further evaluation.

5. Consulting a Healthcare Provider: If you continue to experience a delayed period or have any other concerning symptoms (such as severe abdominal pain, unusual discharge, or other signs of pregnancy), it is important to consult a healthcare provider. They can perform a blood test for pregnancy, which is more sensitive than home urine tests, and can also evaluate any other potential causes for your delayed menstruation.

In summary, while there is a possibility of pregnancy due to the unprotected intercourse, the use of emergency contraception significantly reduces that risk. It is essential to monitor your body and consider taking a pregnancy test if your period does not arrive soon. If you have any further concerns or symptoms, seeking medical advice is the best course of action.

Similar Q&A

11-Day Late Period: Could I Be Pregnant After Unprotected Intercourse?

I would like to ask, on April 4th, I had sexual intercourse with my boyfriend. We used a condom, but there was a moment when he entered my vagina without a condom, although it was brief and he did not ejaculate. From April 4th until now, April 28th, my period is 11 days late. Is ...

Dr. Huang Yiwen reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, Miss Hsiao-Chun: The likelihood of pregnancy in the situation described by Yining should be low. However, if your period is already 11 days late, it would be prudent to take a urine pregnancy test. If the test is negative, you won't have to worry all day. I recommend ...

Could I Be Pregnant? Understanding Risks After Unprotected Sex

On February 13, I had unprotected intercourse with my boyfriend, and he ejaculated inside me. I didn't clean up immediately afterward and didn't take emergency contraception. My period is due in about 8 days, but my cycle is irregular. Is there a chance I could be pregn...

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, based on your description, it is possible that you may be pregnant. I recommend taking a pregnancy test if your period is more than a week late. Thank you! Wishing you peace and health, Dr. Zhang.

Understanding Pregnancy Risks After Unprotected Intercourse

Engaging in unprotected intercourse around the second day of the fertile window, even with withdrawal before ejaculation, can still carry a risk of pregnancy. If your menstruation is already three days late, it may be advisable to take a home pregnancy test to determine if you ar...

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

Is Pregnancy Possible After Unprotected Intercourse? Expert Insights

The last sexual intercourse was on April 7 without protection, using withdrawal method. A pregnancy test on April 14 was negative. Is there still a possibility of pregnancy?

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, based on your description, there is a significant chance of pregnancy. However, it is not possible to determine whether you are pregnant solely based on subjective symptoms. I recommend that if your period is a week late, you should take a urine test to check for pregnancy...