Concerns About Pregnancy: Risks and Symptoms in Relationships - Obstetrics and Gynecology

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I'm still very worried..?


Doctor, my girlfriend and I had an intimate encounter about 3-4 days before her expected period on the 24th-25th of last month.
During that time, I only engaged in manual stimulation and did not penetrate her vagina.
However, I did ejaculate, and my pants got wet.
Her labia were rubbing against my lower body.
I’m wondering if it’s even possible for her to get pregnant under these circumstances.

Her menstrual cycle is often irregular, sometimes starting at the beginning, middle, or end of the month.
During the days we were intimate, her body temperature was quite high, but she didn’t notice it herself.
I’m curious if this increase in temperature could be related to her impending period.

Are the symptoms of menstruation and pregnancy similar? As of now, her period still hasn’t arrived, which is causing me concern about the possibility of her being pregnant.
I am a student in a medical field and have some understanding that insufficient semen volume typically does not lead to pregnancy.
Could you please provide a detailed explanation? I’m really worried.

Cangjingren, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2005/07/01

Dr. Liang Yinpan reply Obstetrics and Gynecology


Hello, Cangjingren: Your girlfriend has irregular menstruation, so a delayed period does not necessarily mean she is pregnant.
It is advisable to take a pregnancy test as soon as possible to clarify the situation! Additionally, regarding your intimate activities, even though there was no actual intercourse, it cannot be completely ruled out that there is a chance of pregnancy, especially since there was ejaculation.
Wishing you all the best.
Sincerely, Liang Yinpan.

Reply Date: 2005/07/01

More Info


It's understandable to have concerns about pregnancy, especially when it comes to understanding the risks and symptoms associated with intimate relationships. Based on the scenario you've described, let's break down the key points regarding the possibility of pregnancy, menstrual cycle variations, and the symptoms that can arise.

First and foremost, while you mentioned that you did not have penetrative intercourse, it's important to note that pregnancy can occur even without direct vaginal penetration. This is due to the possibility of pre-ejaculate fluid (pre-cum) containing sperm, which can be released before ejaculation. If there was any contact between your genital area and your girlfriend's, there is a small chance of sperm transferring and leading to pregnancy. However, if you were fully clothed and there was no direct contact, the likelihood of pregnancy is significantly reduced.

Regarding your girlfriend's menstrual cycle, it's common for menstrual cycles to vary in length and timing due to various factors such as stress, hormonal changes, and lifestyle. If her period is typically irregular, this could explain the delay in menstruation. Additionally, a rise in body temperature can occur during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, which is the time between ovulation and the start of menstruation. This increase in temperature is often a sign of ovulation, but it does not necessarily indicate pregnancy.

As for the symptoms of pregnancy, they can sometimes overlap with premenstrual symptoms (PMS). Common early signs of pregnancy include missed periods, nausea, breast tenderness, fatigue, and mood swings. On the other hand, PMS can also cause similar symptoms, including bloating, mood changes, and breast tenderness. Therefore, if your girlfriend is experiencing symptoms but has not yet missed her period, it could be due to PMS rather than pregnancy.

If your girlfriend's period is significantly delayed, it would be advisable for her to take a home pregnancy test for a more definitive answer. These tests are generally accurate when taken after a missed period. If the test is positive, she should consult a healthcare provider for further evaluation and prenatal care. If the test is negative and her period still does not arrive, it may be worth discussing with a healthcare professional to rule out any underlying issues.

In summary, while there is a possibility of pregnancy from the encounter you described, the likelihood is relatively low given the circumstances. However, the best course of action is to monitor her menstrual cycle and consider taking a pregnancy test if her period does not arrive soon. Open communication with your girlfriend about these concerns is also crucial, as it can help alleviate anxiety and ensure that both of you are on the same page regarding your relationship and any potential outcomes.

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