Pregnancy Chances: Finger Contact and Ovulation Timing - Obstetrics and Gynecology

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When considering the chances of pregnancy from the scenario you've described, it's important to understand a few key factors regarding sperm viability, ovulation timing, and the mechanics of conception.

Firstly, ovulation typically occurs about 14 days before the start of your next menstrual period. If your ovulation day was September 17, then the fertile window would generally be from about September 13 to September 18. This is the time frame when sperm can meet the egg for fertilization to occur. Sperm can live inside the female reproductive tract for up to five days, which means that having intercourse or any form of sperm introduction during this window can lead to pregnancy.

In your case, you mentioned that on September 14, you had finger contact with semen and then inserted your finger into the vagina after washing your hands. The key question here is whether viable sperm were transferred to the vagina. If the semen was still present on your fingers after washing, there is a possibility that sperm could have been introduced into the vagina. However, washing your hands with soap and water significantly reduces the likelihood of sperm survival, as sperm are quite sensitive to environmental changes, including exposure to soap and water.

The chance of pregnancy from this scenario is relatively low, but not impossible. The factors that could influence this include:
1. Sperm Viability: Sperm need to be alive and motile to fertilize an egg. Washing your hands likely reduced the number of viable sperm, but if any were transferred before washing, there could still be a risk.

2. Timing: Since you were within the fertile window, the timing of your actions is crucial. If ovulation occurred on September 17, sperm introduced into the vagina on September 14 could potentially lead to pregnancy if they survived long enough to meet the egg.

3. Method of Transfer: The method of transferring sperm (in this case, via fingers) is less direct than intercourse, which typically has a higher success rate for conception. However, as mentioned, if viable sperm were present on your fingers, there is still a chance of pregnancy.

In conclusion, while the likelihood of pregnancy from your described scenario is low due to the washing of hands and the indirect method of sperm transfer, it is not zero. If you are concerned about the possibility of pregnancy, consider taking a home pregnancy test if your girlfriend misses her period or consult a healthcare provider for further advice. Additionally, if you are looking to avoid pregnancy in the future, discussing contraceptive options with a healthcare professional would be beneficial.