Your Pregnancy Chances After Unprotected Intercourse

Probability of Pregnancy

Hello doctor, my last menstrual period started on September 7; in October, it was on October 9; in November, it was on November 4; in December, it was on December 11; in January, it was on January 8; and in February, it was also on February 8.
On March 8, I had unprotected intercourse with my boyfriend, followed by withdrawal.
However, as of today, March 12, my period has not arrived, and in the days leading up to March 8, I experienced premenstrual symptoms such as discharge and menstrual acne.
I would like to know if the likelihood of pregnancy is high in this situation, or should I wait a bit longer for my period to start? Thank you.

Hua, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/03/12

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

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

Reply Date: 2023/03/12

More Info

When it comes to understanding your chances of pregnancy after unprotected intercourse, several factors come into play. Based on the information you've provided, you had unprotected intercourse on March 8, and your menstrual cycle appears to be relatively regular, with your last period starting on February 8. Given that your cycle averages around 30 days, ovulation likely occurred around the middle of your cycle, which would be approximately February 22 to February 26.
Sperm can survive in the female reproductive tract for up to five days, which means that if you ovulated shortly after your unprotected intercourse on March 8, there is a possibility of pregnancy. However, if you ovulated before March 8, the chances of pregnancy from that encounter would be lower, especially since you mentioned that your boyfriend used withdrawal (pull-out method), which is not a foolproof method of contraception.

You also mentioned experiencing premenstrual symptoms, which can sometimes be confused with early pregnancy symptoms. These symptoms can include breast tenderness, mood swings, and changes in discharge. It's common for women to experience these symptoms in the days leading up to their period, and they can also occur in early pregnancy.
Since you are currently overdue for your period, it would be advisable to take a home pregnancy test. These tests are designed to detect the hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), which is produced shortly after a fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining. If you take a test now, it may still be too early to detect pregnancy, especially if you ovulated later than expected. If the test is negative and your period still does not arrive, you can wait a few days and test again or consult with a healthcare provider for further evaluation.

In summary, while there is a possibility of pregnancy given the timing of your unprotected intercourse, the likelihood depends on your ovulation timing and the effectiveness of the withdrawal method. If your period does not arrive soon, taking a pregnancy test would be the next best step to clarify your situation. If you have any concerns or if your symptoms persist, it would be wise to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and guidance.

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