Pregnancy Chances After Unprotected Intercourse - Obstetrics and Gynecology

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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 nature of the sexual activity, and the use of emergency contraception. In your case, you had unprotected intercourse on the first day after your girlfriend's menstrual period ended, which is typically considered a low-risk time for conception. However, since you mentioned that her ovulation period was from May 18 to May 27, with May 23 being the estimated ovulation day, it is essential to consider how close your unprotected intercourse was to her fertile window.

Sperm can live inside the female reproductive tract for up to five days, so if ovulation occurs shortly after unprotected intercourse, there is a possibility of pregnancy. Since you had unprotected sex on May 8, and her ovulation was expected around May 23, the sperm could potentially still be viable when she ovulates, increasing the risk of pregnancy.

However, you took emergency contraception (the "morning-after pill") shortly after the unprotected intercourse. Emergency contraception is most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex, ideally within 72 hours, but it can be taken up to 120 hours (5 days) after. The effectiveness of emergency contraception decreases the longer you wait to take it, but it can significantly reduce the chances of pregnancy if taken promptly.

Given that you took the emergency contraceptive pill, the likelihood of pregnancy is reduced, but it is not eliminated entirely. The effectiveness of the pill can vary based on the timing of ovulation and when the pill was taken relative to the unprotected intercourse.
In summary, while there is a chance of pregnancy due to the timing of the unprotected intercourse in relation to the ovulation period, the use of emergency contraception significantly lowers that risk. It is important for your girlfriend to monitor for any signs of pregnancy, such as a missed period or unusual symptoms, and to take a pregnancy test if her period is late. If there are any concerns or questions, consulting with a healthcare provider can provide further guidance and support.
In addition, it is worth noting that while emergency contraception is a useful option, it should not be relied upon as a regular form of birth control. For ongoing sexual activity, discussing long-term contraceptive options with a healthcare provider can help in effectively managing reproductive health and preventing unintended pregnancies.