Pregnancy Chances After Unprotected Intercourse: Key Insights

What is the likelihood of getting pregnant?

The menstrual cycle is regular, with ovulation occurring around the 6th of each month.
Last month, menstruation started on September 19 and typically lasts for 7 days.
On the morning of October 9, sexual intercourse occurred with a condom, but the condom was removed before ejaculation, with shallow penetration of 3-5 cm and only a couple of thrusts without ejaculation.
The emergency contraceptive pill (Plan B) was taken within 12 hours.
Is there a significant chance of pregnancy? I went to a gynecologist for an ovarian ultrasound, and the doctor said there were no signs of anything in the ovaries.
Does this mean ovulation has already occurred? Is the medication still effective (the doctor mentioned it could be considered as a way to induce menstruation)?

R, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/10/10

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, the failure rate of condoms when used consistently is over 5%, making it less reliable compared to other methods.
Emergency contraceptive pills are not 100% effective, with a failure rate of about 3%, but they are still considered a backup option.
It is recommended to check for pregnancy if your period is more than a week late.
Thank you! Wishing you peace and health.
Dr.
Chang

Reply Date: 2023/10/10

More Info

When it comes to understanding the chances of pregnancy after unprotected intercourse, several factors come into play, including the timing of the menstrual cycle, the method of contraception used, and the effectiveness of emergency contraception. Based on the details you've provided, let's break down the situation.

Firstly, you mentioned that your menstrual cycle is regular, with ovulation occurring around the 6th of the month. If your last menstrual period started on September 19 and lasted for about seven days, ovulation would likely have occurred around October 6. You then had sexual intercourse on October 9, which is just a few days after your estimated ovulation window. This timing is crucial because the chances of conception are highest when intercourse occurs close to ovulation.

You indicated that you used a condom during intercourse but removed it before ejaculation, which introduces a risk of sperm exposure. Even though you did not ejaculate inside, pre-ejaculate fluid (pre-cum) can contain sperm, which means there is still a possibility of pregnancy, albeit lower than if ejaculation had occurred inside the vagina.

Taking emergency contraception (the "morning-after pill") within 12 hours after the intercourse is a proactive step. Emergency contraceptive pills are most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse, ideally within 72 hours, but they can still be effective up to 120 hours (5 days) after. The effectiveness decreases the longer you wait, but since you took it promptly, you have maximized your chances of preventing pregnancy.

Regarding your visit to the gynecologist and the ultrasound examination, the doctor noted that there were no visible signs of ovarian activity, which could suggest that you may have already ovulated. However, it's important to note that an ultrasound performed shortly after ovulation may not always show a developing follicle or corpus luteum, especially if it was done very soon after the ovulation window.

In terms of your concerns about the effectiveness of the emergency contraception you took, it is generally considered effective in preventing pregnancy if taken within the recommended time frame. However, no method is 100% effective, and there is still a small chance of pregnancy.

If you are experiencing any unusual symptoms or have concerns about your menstrual cycle or potential pregnancy, it is advisable to follow up with your healthcare provider. They may recommend a pregnancy test if your period is late or if you have any symptoms of pregnancy, such as nausea, breast tenderness, or fatigue.

In summary, while there is a possibility of pregnancy given the circumstances, taking emergency contraception promptly significantly reduces that risk. Monitoring your menstrual cycle and being aware of any changes will be important in the coming weeks. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for personalized advice and support.

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