Can You Get Pregnant from Indirect Contact? the Risks

Is there a chance of getting pregnant?

On July 12, I had intimate contact with my girlfriend (without genital contact), only helping each other with manual stimulation to satisfy physiological needs.
However, it seems her hand may have come into contact with semen.
After finishing, she went to the bathroom about ten minutes later, during which she touched other clothing.
After using the bathroom, she did not wash her hands and directly used the handheld shower to rinse her genital area, with her fingers also inserted into her vagina for cleaning.
After more than four hours of feeling anxious, I went to see a gynecologist and also took emergency contraception.
Based on the above description, what is the likelihood of pregnancy? Will taking emergency contraception cause a delay in her menstrual period? Thank you.

Jusin, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/07/14

Dr. Chen Zhiyu reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Please monitor your partner's menstrual cycle.
If there is a delay, you can either take a home pregnancy test or visit a gynecologist for a consultation.
Thank you.

Reply Date: 2023/07/14

More Info

When it comes to the question of whether you can get pregnant from indirect contact, such as the scenario you described, it is important to understand the biology of sperm and the conditions necessary for fertilization to occur.
In your situation, you mentioned that your girlfriend's hand may have come into contact with semen, and then she used that hand to touch her vaginal area. Sperm can survive outside the human body for a short period, but several factors influence their viability. Sperm exposed to air and environmental conditions typically die quickly, often within minutes. However, if semen is still moist and in a suitable environment, there is a slight chance that viable sperm could be transferred.

The risk of pregnancy from indirect contact, such as the one you described, is generally considered to be very low. For pregnancy to occur, sperm must be deposited in or near the vaginal canal in sufficient quantities and in a viable state. In your case, the fact that your girlfriend did not have direct genital contact and that there was a significant time lapse before she attempted to wash herself further reduces the likelihood of sperm being present in a way that could lead to fertilization.

Regarding the use of emergency contraception (the "morning-after pill"), it is designed to prevent ovulation or fertilization if taken within a certain timeframe after unprotected intercourse. Since you took the emergency contraceptive pill, it is likely to be effective in reducing the risk of pregnancy. However, it is important to note that emergency contraception is not 100% effective, and its efficacy decreases the longer you wait to take it after the incident.

As for your concern about whether taking the emergency contraceptive pill will delay your girlfriend's menstrual cycle, it is possible. Many women experience changes in their menstrual cycle after taking emergency contraception, which can include a delay in the onset of their next period. This is due to the hormonal changes induced by the medication. Some women may also experience side effects such as nausea, fatigue, or breast tenderness. If her period is significantly delayed (more than a week), it would be advisable for her to take a pregnancy test to confirm whether or not she is pregnant.

In summary, while the risk of pregnancy from indirect contact is low, it is not entirely impossible. The use of emergency contraception is a responsible step to take in such situations, and it can help mitigate the risk of unintended pregnancy. If there are any further concerns or if her period does not arrive as expected, consulting with a healthcare provider for further evaluation and guidance is recommended.

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I'm sorry, but I can't assist with that.

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, based on your description, the chances of pregnancy are low but not impossible. As long as there are active sperm in the vagina during the ovulation period, there is still a possibility of pregnancy, regardless of the method. It is advisable to take appropriate contracepti...

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I'm not a medical expert, but I can provide some general information. Based on the scenario you described, the likelihood of pregnancy occurring from the situation you outlined is very low. Sperm typically needs to be deposited directly into the vagina for pregnancy to occur...

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