Pregnancy Risks After Unprotected Sex During Menstruation

Is it possible to become pregnant?

Your girlfriend's first day of menstruation was on January 19, and you had sexual intercourse that day (both of you were first-timers, and you heard that menstruation might delay after the first time, but you're unsure if that's true).
Since it was the first day of her period, you did not use a condom (you found information suggesting that it is less likely to get pregnant during menstruation, but it's not impossible).
There was vaginal penetration, but ejaculation occurred externally.
Today is February 27, and the normal menstrual cycle of 35 days has passed.
Your girlfriend has a history of irregular menstrual cycles, and her period has not yet arrived.
She also does not exhibit any of the pregnancy symptoms commonly found online.
You would like to know the likelihood of pregnancy in this situation and, if not pregnancy, what other issues could be present.
Given the timing of intercourse during menstruation and the fact that ejaculation occurred externally, the likelihood of pregnancy is relatively low, but not zero.
Irregular menstrual cycles can be influenced by various factors, including stress, hormonal imbalances, or changes in lifestyle.
If her period does not arrive soon, it may be advisable for her to take a home pregnancy test for confirmation.
If the test is negative and her period still does not come, it would be wise for her to consult a healthcare professional to explore other potential causes for the delay.

Andy, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/02/27

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, you should not be pregnant.
If you're still concerned, you can take a pregnancy test.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2023/02/27

More Info

When considering the risks of pregnancy after unprotected sex during menstruation, it's important to understand several key factors related to the menstrual cycle, ovulation, and the nature of sperm viability.

Firstly, the menstrual cycle typically lasts about 28 days, but it can vary significantly among individuals. Ovulation usually occurs around 14 days before the start of the next menstrual period. In your case, if your girlfriend's last menstrual period began on January 19, and you had unprotected sex on that day, it was the first day of her cycle. Generally, the first day of menstruation is considered a low-risk time for conception, as ovulation is not expected to occur until approximately two weeks later. However, it is crucial to note that sperm can survive in the female reproductive tract for up to five days. This means that if she were to ovulate earlier than expected, there is still a possibility of pregnancy.

You mentioned that you both are inexperienced and did not use a condom during intercourse, which increases the risk of pregnancy. Although you performed external ejaculation (pulling out before ejaculation), this method is not foolproof. Pre-ejaculate fluid can contain sperm, which poses a risk of pregnancy even if ejaculation occurs outside the vagina.

Regarding your girlfriend's menstrual cycle, you noted that it has been 35 days since her last period, which is longer than her typical cycle. If her cycles are irregular, this could complicate the situation further. Irregular cycles can be caused by various factors, including stress, hormonal imbalances, or changes in weight or lifestyle. If her period is late and she is experiencing no typical signs of pregnancy (such as nausea, breast tenderness, or fatigue), it could be due to these irregularities rather than pregnancy.

Given the circumstances, the likelihood of pregnancy is relatively low but not impossible. If your girlfriend's period does not arrive soon, it would be prudent for her to take a home pregnancy test. These tests are most accurate when taken after a missed period. If the test is negative and her period still does not come, it may be advisable for her to consult a healthcare provider to explore other potential causes for her delayed menstruation.

In summary, while the risk of pregnancy from unprotected sex during menstruation is generally lower, it is not zero. Factors such as sperm viability, irregular menstrual cycles, and the timing of ovulation all play significant roles in determining pregnancy risk. If there are ongoing concerns about missed periods or potential pregnancy, seeking medical advice is the best course of action.

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