Can You Get Pregnant After Unprotected Sex? the Risks

Is there a chance of getting pregnant?

Hello doctor, my girlfriend had her period on February 1st.
We had unprotected sexual intercourse on February 20th, but I did not ejaculate inside her.
After we finished, she experienced a lot of vaginal bleeding.
Could you please tell me if she could be pregnant?

Ding, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/03/01

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, the chances are low, but it's not advisable to rely on the safe period.
It's better to take preventive measures for contraception before engaging in sexual activity.
If your period is more than a week late, it's recommended to see a gynecologist.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2016/03/01

More Info

When it comes to the question of whether you can get pregnant after unprotected sex, there are several factors to consider. In your case, since you had unprotected intercourse on February 20, and your girlfriend's last menstrual period started on February 1, we can analyze the situation based on her menstrual cycle and the timing of ovulation.

Typically, a woman's menstrual cycle lasts about 28 days, but it can vary from 21 to 35 days for different individuals. Ovulation usually occurs around 14 days before the start of the next menstrual period. If your girlfriend's cycle is regular and approximately 28 days, she would likely ovulate around February 14. This means that by February 20, she would be past her ovulation window, which significantly reduces the likelihood of pregnancy.

However, it is important to note that sperm can live inside a woman's reproductive tract for up to five days. If she had ovulated later than expected, there is still a small chance of pregnancy if sperm were present in her system during ovulation. Since you mentioned that there was no ejaculation inside her, this further decreases the chances of conception, but it does not eliminate the risk entirely.

Regarding the bleeding that occurred after intercourse, it is essential to consider that this could be due to various reasons. It could be related to the physical activity during sex, especially if it was vigorous, or it could be a sign of other issues such as hormonal fluctuations, cervical irritation, or even an early sign of menstruation. If the bleeding is significant or accompanied by pain, it would be advisable for her to consult a healthcare provider to rule out any underlying conditions.

In summary, while the likelihood of pregnancy in your situation appears low due to the timing of intercourse in relation to her menstrual cycle, it is not impossible. If there are concerns about potential pregnancy, it would be wise for your girlfriend to take a home pregnancy test if her next period is late. Additionally, if she experiences any unusual symptoms or if the bleeding continues, seeking medical advice is crucial.

For future reference, using protection such as condoms not only helps prevent unintended pregnancies but also reduces the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). If you and your girlfriend are sexually active, discussing contraception options and safe sex practices can help ensure both of your health and peace of mind.

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