Pregnancy Chances After Unprotected and Protected Intercourse

Probability of Pregnancy

Hello doctor, my last menstrual periods were on March 3, March 30, and April 29.
Then on May 29, which is the day before my expected period, I had sexual intercourse.
At first, there was unprotected penetration for a moment, but then we used a condom, and it did not break.
Now my period has not arrived yet, and I am experiencing breast tenderness and a feeling of heaviness in my lower abdomen.
What is the likelihood of pregnancy?

Lin, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/06/06

Dr. Huang Yuande reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

It is recommended to take a pregnancy test directly.
Although the chances are low, it is important to use condoms throughout the entire intercourse for safety, as there may be a small amount of sperm released before ejaculation.

Reply Date: 2023/06/06

More Info

When assessing the likelihood of pregnancy after engaging in both unprotected and protected intercourse, several factors must be considered, including the timing of the menstrual cycle, the nature of the sexual activity, and the effectiveness of the contraceptive methods used.

Based on your description, your last menstrual period started on March 3, with subsequent cycles on March 30 and April 29. This suggests a relatively regular cycle, with an average length of about 28-30 days. If we assume your cycle remains consistent, ovulation likely occurred around April 13-15, which is approximately 14 days after the start of your last period. Engaging in sexual activity on May 29, the day before your expected period, places you in a time frame where the chances of conception could be higher, especially if any unprotected intercourse occurred around your ovulation period.

You mentioned that there was a brief moment of unprotected intercourse followed by protected intercourse where the condom did not break. The risk of pregnancy from a single instance of unprotected intercourse is significant, particularly if it coincides with your fertile window. Sperm can survive in the female reproductive tract for up to five days, so if ovulation occurred shortly after the unprotected encounter, there is a possibility of pregnancy.

However, the use of a condom during subsequent intercourse significantly reduces the risk of pregnancy, provided that the condom was used correctly and did not fail. The effectiveness of condoms is about 98% with perfect use, meaning that while there is still a small chance of failure, it is considerably lower than with unprotected intercourse.

The symptoms you are experiencing, such as breast tenderness and lower abdominal discomfort, can be indicative of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or early signs of pregnancy. These symptoms are common in the luteal phase of your menstrual cycle, which occurs after ovulation and before your period starts. It is also important to note that stress and anxiety about the possibility of pregnancy can exacerbate these symptoms, leading to further discomfort.

Given that your period is late, it is advisable to take a home pregnancy test for a more definitive answer. These tests are designed to detect the hormone hCG, which is produced after a fertilized egg implants in the uterus. If the test is positive, it would confirm pregnancy; if negative and your period still does not arrive, consider consulting a healthcare provider for further evaluation.

In summary, while there is a possibility of pregnancy due to the unprotected intercourse, the subsequent use of a condom during protected intercourse significantly lowers that risk. Monitoring your symptoms and taking a pregnancy test will provide clarity on your situation. If you have ongoing concerns or if your symptoms worsen, seeking medical advice is always a prudent step.

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