Is Pregnancy Possible After Unprotected Intercourse? A Guide for Women

Possible pregnancy

Your girlfriend had a urinary tract infection and took medication on May 15.
Her menstrual cycle is approximately 30 days, with her period occurring from May 21 to May 28, lasting about 6-8 days.
After her period ended, you both engaged in sexual intercourse every weekend, using condoms and ensuring they did not break.
However, on June 14, there was unprotected intercourse for less than a minute.
She has an irregular lifestyle and often stays up late.
Her next expected period was around June 20, but as of now, June 22, she has not started her period and does not feel like it is coming.
You would like to know the possibility of pregnancy.
Thank you for your response, doctor!

H, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/06/22

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, if you are wondering about pregnancy, the likelihood is probably low.
It is advisable to wait another week, and if your period still hasn't arrived, I recommend seeing a gynecologist.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2023/06/22

More Info

When considering the possibility of pregnancy after unprotected intercourse, it's essential to understand the various factors that can influence conception. In your case, you mentioned that your girlfriend had a urinary tract infection (UTI) and was on medication, which could potentially affect her menstrual cycle. However, the primary focus here is on the unprotected intercourse that occurred on June 14.

Firstly, let's discuss the menstrual cycle. A typical menstrual cycle lasts about 28 days, but it can vary from woman to woman, ranging from 21 to 35 days. You indicated that your girlfriend's last menstrual period started on May 21 and lasted until May 28, which suggests that her next expected period would be around June 20. Since she has not yet received her period as of June 22, this could be a sign of a potential pregnancy, especially considering the timing of the unprotected intercourse.

The likelihood of pregnancy occurring from unprotected intercourse depends on several factors, including the timing of ovulation. Ovulation typically occurs about 14 days before the start of the next menstrual period. In your girlfriend's case, if her cycle is around 30 days, she would likely ovulate around June 5 to June 10. Since the unprotected intercourse occurred on June 14, it was just a few days after her ovulation window, which means there is a possibility that sperm could still be viable and lead to conception.

Moreover, the fact that you mentioned using condoms during most of your sexual encounters is a positive aspect, as condoms are an effective method of contraception when used correctly. However, since there was a brief moment of unprotected intercourse, it is important to consider that sperm can survive in the female reproductive tract for up to five days. Therefore, if ovulation occurred shortly before the unprotected intercourse, there is a chance of pregnancy.

In addition to the timing of intercourse and ovulation, other factors such as stress, illness, and changes in routine can also affect menstrual cycles. Since you mentioned that your girlfriend has a somewhat irregular lifestyle and often stays up late, these factors could contribute to a delay in her period.

If your girlfriend's period does not arrive within a week or so, it would be advisable for her to take a home pregnancy test. These tests are generally accurate and can provide a reliable indication of pregnancy if taken after a missed period. If the test is positive, it would be wise for her to consult with a healthcare provider for further evaluation and prenatal care.

In summary, while there is a possibility of pregnancy due to the unprotected intercourse on June 14, it is essential to consider the timing of ovulation, the use of condoms during other encounters, and any lifestyle factors that may affect her menstrual cycle. If her period does not arrive soon, taking a pregnancy test will provide clarity on the situation.

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Hello, the chances of pregnancy should be low. Wishing you good health.

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