Pregnancy Chances After Unprotected Intercourse - Obstetrics and Gynecology

More Info

---

When considering the chances of pregnancy after unprotected intercourse, several factors come into play, including the timing of the menstrual cycle, the use of emergency contraception, and individual fertility factors. 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 important to understand how this timing affects the likelihood of pregnancy.

Sperm can survive in the female reproductive tract for up to five days, so if you had unprotected intercourse on May 8, there is a possibility that sperm could still be viable during the ovulation window. However, since the unprotected intercourse occurred just after her period, the chances of sperm meeting an egg during the ovulation period are relatively low, but not impossible.

The use of emergency contraception (in this case, Ella, or ulipristal acetate) is a significant factor in reducing the risk of pregnancy after unprotected intercourse. Ella is most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex, ideally within 120 hours (5 days). It works primarily by delaying or inhibiting ovulation, which means that if taken before ovulation occurs, it can effectively prevent pregnancy. Since you mentioned that you took the emergency contraceptive shortly after the unprotected intercourse, this further reduces the likelihood of pregnancy.

In summary, while there is a small chance of pregnancy due to the timing of your unprotected intercourse relative to her ovulation, the immediate use of emergency contraception significantly lowers that risk. It is also important to note that individual factors, such as the regularity of your girlfriend's menstrual cycle and her overall reproductive health, can influence these probabilities.

If your girlfriend experiences any symptoms of pregnancy, such as a missed period, nausea, or breast tenderness, it would be advisable for her to take a home pregnancy test or consult with a healthcare provider for further evaluation. Additionally, if there are any concerns about the effectiveness of the emergency contraception or if she has any unusual symptoms, seeking medical advice is always a good step.

In conclusion, while there is a theoretical risk of pregnancy given the timing of the unprotected intercourse, the use of emergency contraception significantly mitigates that risk. It is essential to monitor for any signs of pregnancy and consult a healthcare professional if there are any concerns.