Can I Get Pregnant? Risks and Symptoms After Unprotected Sex

Can I get pregnant?

Last month, on June 19th (three times) and June 20th (once), I had sexual intercourse with my girlfriend four times, and we used condoms each time.
We used the ultra-thin Okamoto 003 condoms and were worried about them breaking, so we checked for any damage after each use (none were found).
During foreplay, we did not use a condom, but the penis did not come into contact with her vagina.
My girlfriend was in her fertile window and did not take emergency contraception.
Is there a chance she could become pregnant?
She mentioned that her vaginal discharge has increased recently, but I read articles that state increased discharge can occur before menstruation and in early pregnancy.
She has experienced breast engorgement but has not felt nauseous or exhibited other early pregnancy symptoms (such as changes in appetite, vomiting, protruding nipples, frequent urination, fatigue, etc.).
The only symptom is breast engorgement (she has experienced this before and usually has pain, but this time she does not).
Is this breast engorgement due to pregnancy or premenstrual symptoms? Does pregnancy-related breast engorgement cause pain?
After reading many articles, I still don't understand when to use a pregnancy test.
Should it be seven days after intercourse, or seven days after the expected date of her period? Is it possible to use a pregnancy test nearly 20 days after intercourse? If her period is four days late (either early or late), does that indicate irregular periods? (I withdrew immediately after ejaculation each time.) Both early pregnancy and the onset of menstruation can cause lower back pain, so is my girlfriend experiencing pregnancy symptoms or just premenstrual symptoms? Tomorrow is the expected date of her period, and she is experiencing lower back pain.
Is this a sign of pregnancy or just her period?
Please help clarify this for me.
Thank you.

hen jin zhang, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2009/07/09

Dr. Chen Changfu reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

In the early stages of pregnancy or just before menstruation, women may experience breast tenderness, and pelvic congestion can lead to feelings of lower back pain.
Therefore, it is not possible to determine pregnancy solely based on symptoms.
When menstruation is delayed, a urine pregnancy test can be used to confirm whether or not a woman is pregnant.

Reply Date: 2009/07/09

More Info

The question of whether one can become pregnant after engaging in unprotected sexual intercourse, especially during the fertile window, is a common concern. Based on the details you've provided, let's break down the situation and clarify the risks and symptoms associated with potential pregnancy.

Firstly, you mentioned that you and your girlfriend engaged in sexual activity on June 19 and 20, during which you used condoms each time and checked for any breakage. It's important to note that while condoms are a highly effective form of contraception when used correctly, they are not infallible. The risk of pregnancy exists even if the condom does not appear to have broken, particularly if there was any pre-ejaculate fluid (pre-cum) that may have come into contact with the vaginal area before the condom was put on. This fluid can contain sperm, albeit in smaller quantities.

You also noted that your girlfriend is experiencing changes in her vaginal discharge and breast tenderness, which can be indicative of both premenstrual symptoms and early pregnancy. It's worth mentioning that breast tenderness or swelling can occur due to hormonal changes associated with the menstrual cycle, as well as during early pregnancy. The absence of other common early pregnancy symptoms, such as nausea or increased urination, makes it less likely that she is pregnant, but it does not completely rule it out.

Regarding the timing of pregnancy tests, it is generally recommended to wait until at least one week after a missed period for the most accurate results. If her expected period is due tomorrow, you could consider testing a few days after that if her period does not arrive. Home pregnancy tests are designed to detect the hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), which is produced shortly after a fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining. Testing too early may result in a false negative if hCG levels are not yet high enough to be detected.

As for the irregularity of her menstrual cycle, a variation of a few days (early or late) is not uncommon and does not necessarily indicate a serious issue. Stress, changes in routine, and other factors can all contribute to slight fluctuations in the menstrual cycle.

In summary, while the risk of pregnancy exists, especially during the fertile window, the use of condoms significantly reduces this risk. The symptoms your girlfriend is experiencing could be related to her menstrual cycle rather than pregnancy, but the only way to confirm this is through a pregnancy test. If her period does not arrive and the test is positive, it would be advisable to consult a healthcare provider for further guidance.
In conclusion, while the situation may be concerning, it is essential to approach it with a clear understanding of the facts and to utilize appropriate testing methods to determine the next steps. If there are ongoing concerns about pregnancy or reproductive health, seeking advice from a healthcare professional is always a wise choice.

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