Pregnancy Chances After Unprotected Intercourse: Key Insights - Obstetrics and Gynecology

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When it comes to understanding the chances of pregnancy after unprotected intercourse, several factors need to be considered. In your case, you had unprotected intercourse on March 19, and your girlfriend had her normal menstrual period on March 22. However, her period was expected again around April 20, and it is now four days late.
Firstly, it is important to note that the timing of ovulation plays a crucial role in determining the likelihood of pregnancy. Ovulation typically occurs about 14 days before the start of the next menstrual period in a regular cycle. If your girlfriend has a regular cycle, and assuming it is around 28 days, ovulation would likely have occurred around March 30. Since you had intercourse on March 19, it was before her ovulation window, which generally decreases the chances of conception.
However, sperm can survive in the female reproductive tract for up to five days, so there is still a possibility, albeit low, that sperm from the March 19 encounter could have been viable when she ovulated. The fact that she had a normal period on March 22 suggests that she was not pregnant at that time.
Now, regarding the missed period in April, there are several potential explanations. Stress, changes in routine, illness, or hormonal imbalances can all affect menstrual cycles, leading to a delayed period. Since you mentioned that your girlfriend's periods have been consistently regular, a delay could be concerning, but it does not automatically indicate pregnancy.
To determine whether she is pregnant, the most reliable method would be to take a home pregnancy test. These tests are designed to detect the hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), which is produced during pregnancy. It is advisable to wait a few days after the missed period for the most accurate results, as hCG levels may not be high enough to detect immediately after a missed period.

If the home pregnancy test is positive, it would confirm pregnancy, and she should schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider for further evaluation and prenatal care. If the test is negative and her period does not start soon, it may be wise to consult a healthcare professional to explore other potential causes for the missed period.

In summary, while there is a slight chance of pregnancy due to the timing of your intercourse relative to her ovulation, the fact that she had a normal period shortly after the encounter significantly lowers that risk. The delay in her April period could be due to various factors unrelated to pregnancy. Taking a home pregnancy test would be the next logical step to clarify the situation. If there are ongoing concerns or irregularities in her menstrual cycle, seeking medical advice would be beneficial.