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

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When it comes to the possibility of getting pregnant after unprotected sex during a menstrual cycle, several factors need to be considered. First, let's clarify the menstrual cycle and the timing of ovulation. The average menstrual cycle lasts about 28 days, but it can vary from person to person, typically ranging from 21 to 35 days. Ovulation, which is when an egg is released from the ovary, usually occurs around 14 days before the start of the next menstrual period. This means that if your girlfriend has a regular cycle, she is most likely to be fertile around the midpoint of her cycle.

In your case, since you had unprotected sex a week after her menstrual period, it is important to determine where she was in her cycle. If her cycle is regular and her period ended about a week prior, she may be approaching her ovulation period, which would increase the chances of pregnancy. However, sperm can live inside the female reproductive tract for up to five days, so if she ovulates shortly after your encounter, there is a possibility of pregnancy.

You mentioned that you took an emergency contraceptive pill (ECP), specifically Ella (ulipristal acetate), within an hour after unprotected intercourse. This is a crucial step in reducing the risk of pregnancy. Ella is effective up to 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected sex and works primarily by delaying ovulation. If ovulation has not yet occurred, the pill can significantly lower the chances of pregnancy. However, if ovulation has already taken place, the effectiveness of the pill may be reduced.

It is also important to note that while emergency contraceptive pills are effective, they are not 100% guaranteed to prevent pregnancy. Factors such as the timing of the pill in relation to ovulation, the regularity of your girlfriend's menstrual cycle, and individual variations in response to the medication can all influence the outcome.

In summary, while there is a possibility of getting pregnant after unprotected sex during the menstrual cycle, taking an emergency contraceptive pill shortly after the encounter significantly reduces that risk. If your girlfriend's menstrual cycle is regular and she is approaching ovulation, the risk of pregnancy is higher, but the timely use of the ECP is a proactive measure to prevent it. If there are any concerns about potential pregnancy or if her period is late, it would be advisable for her to take a pregnancy test or consult with a healthcare provider for further guidance.

In the future, to avoid such uncertainties, consider discussing and implementing regular contraceptive methods with your partner. Options include hormonal birth control, condoms, or other long-term contraceptive methods, which can provide more reliable protection against unintended pregnancies.