Could I Be Pregnant? Risks After Unprotected Intercourse

Can I still get pregnant this way?

Hello doctor, my girlfriend and I had intercourse on February 13 and 14.
On the 14th, we had unprotected sex, and I was a bit worried about the possibility of pregnancy, so about an hour after, I went to the pharmacy to buy emergency contraception.
On February 22 and 23, my girlfriend mentioned that she was experiencing abdominal discomfort and had brown discharge.
As of today, the 25th, she is still in pain, and the discharge remains brown.
Additionally, she said her period ended on February 10, with the next expected period on March 7, and she was supposed to ovulate on February 21, but ovulation was delayed until the 23rd.
I would like to ask the doctor what the chances of pregnancy are in this situation.
Should she see a gynecologist for an examination?

Tang Chai, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/02/25

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, the probability of pregnancy should be low, just monitor the situation.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2023/02/25

More Info

When it comes to the possibility of pregnancy after unprotected intercourse, there are several factors to consider. Based on the information provided, you had unprotected sex with your girlfriend on February 14, and you took emergency contraception (Plan B) about an hour later. This is a crucial step in reducing the risk of pregnancy after unprotected intercourse, as emergency contraception is most effective when taken as soon as possible after the event.

Your girlfriend's menstrual cycle is also an important factor. You mentioned that her last period ended on February 10, and her next expected period was around March 7. If we consider a typical 28-day cycle, ovulation usually occurs around 14 days after the first day of the last menstrual period. However, cycles can vary, and ovulation can occur earlier or later. You noted that her ovulation was expected around February 21, which aligns with the timing of your unprotected intercourse.

The symptoms your girlfriend is experiencing, such as abdominal discomfort and brown discharge, can be concerning. However, these symptoms are not definitive indicators of pregnancy. Brown discharge can occur for various reasons, including hormonal changes, implantation bleeding, or even the onset of her next menstrual cycle. The abdominal pain could also be related to ovulation or other non-pregnancy-related issues.

Given that she took emergency contraception shortly after the unprotected intercourse, the likelihood of pregnancy is significantly reduced. Emergency contraception works primarily by preventing ovulation; if ovulation has already occurred, it may not be effective. However, since she was expected to ovulate around the time of your intercourse, the emergency contraception likely played a role in preventing fertilization.

In terms of the need for a gynecological examination, it may be prudent for your girlfriend to consult with a healthcare provider if her symptoms persist or worsen. A healthcare professional can perform a pregnancy test to confirm whether or not she is pregnant and assess her symptoms more thoroughly. Additionally, if her next period is significantly delayed, a pregnancy test would be advisable.

It's also important to note that while emergency contraception is effective, it is not 100% guaranteed to prevent pregnancy. Therefore, if there is ongoing concern about the possibility of pregnancy, a follow-up with a healthcare provider is the best course of action.

In summary, while the risk of pregnancy exists after unprotected intercourse, the use of emergency contraception shortly afterward significantly reduces that risk. The symptoms your girlfriend is experiencing could be related to various factors, and a visit to a healthcare provider can provide clarity and peace of mind. It's always best to communicate openly with your partner about concerns and to seek professional advice when in doubt.

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