Can You Get Pregnant After Unprotected Sex During Menstrual Cycle? - Obstetrics and Gynecology

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When considering the possibility of pregnancy after unprotected sex during a woman's menstrual cycle, it's essential to understand the timing of ovulation and the effectiveness of emergency contraception.
Typically, a woman's menstrual cycle lasts about 28 days, but it can vary from 21 to 35 days. Ovulation usually occurs around the midpoint of the cycle, approximately 14 days before the start of the next menstrual period. Sperm can live inside a woman's reproductive tract for up to five days, which means that if a woman has unprotected sex in the days leading up to ovulation, there is a chance she could become pregnant.

In your case, since you had unprotected sex one week after your girlfriend's menstrual period, it is important to determine where she was in her cycle. If her cycle is regular and she ovulates around day 14, having sex one week after her period (which would be around day 7) would typically be considered a lower-risk time for conception. However, cycles can vary, and some women may ovulate earlier or later than the average.

You mentioned that you took emergency contraception (Ella, or ulipristal acetate) within an hour after unprotected sex. This medication is designed to prevent pregnancy by delaying ovulation, inhibiting fertilization, or preventing implantation of a fertilized egg. Ella is most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse and can be taken up to 120 hours (five days) after. The sooner it is taken, the more effective it is at preventing pregnancy.

Given that you took the emergency contraceptive pill shortly after the unprotected encounter, the likelihood of pregnancy is significantly reduced. Studies have shown that emergency contraception can reduce the risk of pregnancy by up to 85% when taken within the recommended time frame. However, it is not 100% effective, and there is still a small chance of pregnancy.

It's also worth noting that emergency contraception does not terminate an existing pregnancy; it only prevents a pregnancy from occurring. If your girlfriend experiences a delayed period or has any signs of pregnancy (such as nausea, breast tenderness, or fatigue), it would be advisable for her to take a pregnancy test or consult with a healthcare provider for further evaluation.

In summary, while the risk of pregnancy after unprotected sex during the menstrual cycle is generally lower, it is not impossible, especially if ovulation occurs earlier than expected. However, since you took emergency contraception promptly, the chances of pregnancy are significantly reduced. If there are any concerns or uncertainties, it is always best to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and guidance.