Can You Get Pregnant? Risks and Symptoms in Women

Will this lead to pregnancy?

Your girlfriend's last menstrual period started on September 9.
You had sexual intercourse on September 19, 26, 28, and 29, all while using condoms.
On the 28th, when you withdrew, the condom slipped off slightly, and there was some fluid that felt like semen on her pubic hair, but it only touched the labia.
On the 29th, during intercourse, the condom slipped off and semen reached halfway down the condom, but there was also a fluid on her pubic hair that resembled semen but did not smell like it; it felt more like vaginal fluid and also only touched the labia.
Is there a chance of pregnancy from this?
What are the signs that menstruation is about to start, and how can we tell if she is pregnant? Recently, your girlfriend has been very worried about pregnancy, and she has developed some acne, her skin has worsened, and her mood has been poor, but she has not experienced breast tenderness.
Is breast tenderness always a sign that menstruation is coming? Does breast tenderness occur before menstruation?

Yz, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/10/07

Dr. Lü Lizheng reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

In the early stages of pregnancy, hormone levels have not yet significantly increased, so there may not be noticeable changes in the body.
Breast engorgement simply indicates that female hormones have risen, which could mean that menstruation is approaching, there may be irregular periods, or it could indicate pregnancy; therefore, one cannot determine pregnancy based on breast engorgement, acne, skin condition, mood changes, etc.
If there are concerns, it is advisable to take a urine pregnancy test.
Sincerely, Dr.
Li-Cheng Lu, Taoyuan Hospital.

Reply Date: 2015/10/07

More Info

When it comes to the question of whether pregnancy can occur under the circumstances you've described, it's important to understand the mechanics of conception and the factors that influence it. Based on the information provided, your girlfriend's menstrual cycle and the timing of your sexual activity are crucial in assessing the risk of pregnancy.

Firstly, ovulation typically occurs around 14 days before the start of the next menstrual period. If your girlfriend's last period started on September 9, she would likely ovulate around September 23. Sperm can live inside the female reproductive tract for up to five days, which means that if you had unprotected intercourse in the days leading up to ovulation, there is a possibility of conception. However, since you mentioned using condoms, this significantly reduces the risk of pregnancy, provided that the condoms were used correctly and did not break or slip off.

Regarding the incidents you described where the condom slipped or there was contact with what you believe might be semen, it is essential to note that any exposure to sperm near the vaginal opening can pose a risk of pregnancy, albeit a small one, especially if it occurred close to the time of ovulation. The concern about the condom slipping and the potential for sperm to come into contact with the vulva (the external part of the female genitalia) could theoretically lead to pregnancy, but the likelihood is lower compared to direct ejaculation into the vagina.

As for the signs of impending menstruation versus early pregnancy, they can sometimes overlap. Common premenstrual symptoms include mood swings, acne, bloating, and breast tenderness. These symptoms can also occur in early pregnancy, making it challenging to distinguish between the two without a pregnancy test. Not all women experience breast swelling or tenderness before their period, and the absence of these symptoms does not necessarily indicate that she is not pregnant.

If your girlfriend is experiencing changes in her skin and mood, these could be attributed to hormonal fluctuations associated with her menstrual cycle. The presence of acne and mood changes does not confirm pregnancy, nor does it rule it out. The only definitive way to determine if she is pregnant is through a home pregnancy test or a visit to a healthcare provider for a blood test.

Regarding the concern about breast swelling or lactation, it is important to note that not all women will experience breast changes before their period. Breast tenderness can occur due to hormonal changes, and while some women may notice changes in their breasts during early pregnancy, it is not a guaranteed sign. Lactation typically occurs after childbirth, although some women may experience a small amount of milk production during pregnancy due to hormonal changes.

In summary, while there is a possibility of pregnancy given the circumstances described, the use of condoms significantly reduces this risk. If your girlfriend is concerned about a potential pregnancy, the best course of action is to take a home pregnancy test after a missed period or consult with a healthcare provider for further evaluation. It is also advisable to have open and honest communication with her about her concerns and feelings during this time.

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