Concerns About Pregnancy After Unprotected Intercourse: What to Know - Obstetrics and Gynecology

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I am very worried about being pregnant?


On the 14th day of the menstrual cycle, during the fertile period (the 9th), there was vaginal rubbing without penetration.
The next day (the 11th), emergency contraception was taken.
On that day, fingers were inserted into the vagina (possibly with some pre-ejaculate fluid, and she mentioned that the fingers were inserted quite deeply).
The following day, another emergency contraception pill was taken.
The name of both emergency contraceptive pills is "Postinor." Is there a risk of pregnancy in this situation?

duì bù qǐ……, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/11/15

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology


Hello, you cannot rely on probabilities; the chances of pregnancy are not high, but the effectiveness of emergency contraception is only 75-80%.
Therefore, it is recommended to use contraception beforehand and not to take chances.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2015/11/15

More Info


When it comes to concerns about pregnancy after unprotected intercourse, particularly during the fertile window, it's important to understand the mechanisms of conception and the effectiveness of emergency contraception.
In your case, you mentioned having unprotected intercourse on the 9th day of your menstrual cycle, which is typically around the time of ovulation for many women, especially those with a regular cycle. This is considered the "danger zone" for potential pregnancy, as sperm can survive in the female reproductive tract for up to five days, and an egg is viable for about 12 to 24 hours after ovulation.
You took emergency contraception (Plan B) the day after the intercourse, which is a crucial step in preventing pregnancy. Emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) like the one you mentioned (妊止) are most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse. They work primarily by delaying ovulation, preventing fertilization, or preventing a fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus. The effectiveness of ECPs decreases the longer you wait to take them after unprotected intercourse, but taking them within 72 hours can significantly reduce the risk of pregnancy.

Taking a second dose of emergency contraception the following day further increases your chances of preventing pregnancy. However, it is essential to note that taking multiple doses of emergency contraception in a short period can lead to side effects such as nausea, fatigue, and changes in your menstrual cycle.
Regarding the concern about the potential for pregnancy from manual stimulation (using fingers), if there was no direct ejaculation into the vagina, the risk is considerably lower. However, if pre-ejaculate fluid (which can contain sperm) was present on your fingers and then introduced into the vagina, there is a theoretical risk of pregnancy, albeit much lower than with direct intercourse.

In summary, while there is a possibility of pregnancy due to the timing of the intercourse and the potential transfer of sperm via manual stimulation, your proactive use of emergency contraception significantly reduces that risk. If your period is delayed by more than a week after your expected date, it would be advisable to take a pregnancy test to confirm whether or not you are pregnant.
Additionally, if you have ongoing concerns about your reproductive health or the effectiveness of emergency contraception, consulting with a healthcare provider can provide personalized advice and reassurance. They can also discuss long-term contraceptive options if you are looking to prevent pregnancy in the future.
In conclusion, while the risk of pregnancy exists, your actions have significantly mitigated that risk. Monitoring your menstrual cycle and being aware of your body’s signals will be key in the coming weeks.

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