Is Pregnancy Likely? Symptoms and Concerns After Ovulation

Q: Is Pregnancy Likely? Symptoms and Concerns After Ovulation

Hello, the questioner： There is a possibility of pregnancy even if ejaculation has not occurred during intercourse, as pre-ejaculatory fluid may contain sperm. <br>Additionally, the effectiveness of emergency contraception is not 100%, with a failure rate of about 3%, but it is s

What is the likelihood of pregnancy?

Hello doctor, the app indicated that September 22 was the last day of the ovulation period.
On that evening around 9:00 PM, I had sexual intercourse with my girlfriend; there was no full penetration and no ejaculation, but there may have been some pre-ejaculate fluid.
The next morning, on September 23, she took emergency contraception (Ella).
Her menstrual period came between October 2 and October 7 (or October 8).

On October 20, she felt unwell with a sore throat and slight fever.
After taking Tylenol, her symptoms changed to nasal congestion by October 21.
On October 24, during a school experiment involving oil, she felt nauseous and had a strong urge to vomit.
On October 25, she visited a doctor and after taking medication, her nausea intensified.
The medications included Ucefa and Broen-C, which I checked and found that nausea and vomiting are listed as side effects.
By October 28-29, her symptoms had somewhat improved.
I would like to know if these symptoms are side effects of the medication or if there is a possibility of pregnancy.
Additionally, the app indicated that the ovulation period was from October 16 to October 25, with October 21 being the ovulation day.
During the weeks of October 16 to October 29, she was very busy and did not have much rest, which may have contributed to fatigue.

Xiao Ye, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/10/30

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, the questioner: There is a possibility of pregnancy even if ejaculation has not occurred during intercourse, as pre-ejaculatory fluid may contain sperm.
Additionally, the effectiveness of emergency contraception is not 100%, with a failure rate of about 3%, but it is still considered a remedial option.
In the early stages of pregnancy, there are not necessarily specific symptoms, and subjective symptoms cannot be used to make a determination.
It is recommended to check for pregnancy if your period is more than a week late.
Thank you! Wishing you peace and health.
Dr.
Zhang

Reply Date: 2023/10/30

More Info

Determining whether pregnancy is likely based on symptoms and events surrounding ovulation can be complex. In your case, you mentioned that the last day of ovulation was September 22, and you engaged in sexual activity that evening. Although you indicated that there was no full penetration or ejaculation, the presence of pre-ejaculatory fluid can still carry sperm, which means there is a possibility of conception.
You also noted that your girlfriend experienced her menstrual period from October 2 to October 8, which typically suggests that she is not pregnant, as a regular menstrual cycle usually indicates that ovulation did not result in fertilization. However, it is important to consider that some women may experience light bleeding or spotting even when they are pregnant, particularly in the early stages, but this is less common.

Following her menstrual period, your girlfriend began to experience symptoms such as a sore throat, slight fever, and nausea. These symptoms could be attributed to a variety of factors, including a viral infection or the side effects of medication she took, such as Ucefa and Broen-C. Both medications can have side effects that include nausea and gastrointestinal discomfort, which could explain her symptoms during that time.

Given that she experienced nausea and vomiting after taking the medication, it is plausible that these symptoms are a result of the drugs rather than pregnancy. Additionally, the stress and fatigue from a busy schedule could also contribute to her feeling unwell. Stress can impact the body in various ways, including causing gastrointestinal symptoms and exacerbating feelings of nausea.

To summarize, while there is a slight possibility of pregnancy due to the timing of sexual activity, the presence of a menstrual period and the timing of her symptoms suggest that it is more likely that her discomfort is related to the medication or an illness rather than pregnancy.
If there is still concern about the possibility of pregnancy, the most reliable way to confirm or rule it out would be to take a home pregnancy test. These tests are designed to detect the hormone hCG, which is produced during pregnancy, and can provide results as early as a few days after a missed period. If the test is negative and symptoms persist, it would be advisable for her to consult a healthcare provider for further evaluation.

In conclusion, while the symptoms your girlfriend is experiencing could be concerning, they are more likely related to medication side effects or other health issues rather than pregnancy, especially given the timing of her menstrual cycle. If there are ongoing concerns or if her symptoms worsen, seeking medical advice is always a prudent step.

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