Could my partner be pregnant despite withdrawal?

Question

Hello doctor,

I would like clarification regarding the possible risk of pregnancy. Her last natural menstrual period began 40 days ago. On approximately day 11 of her cycle, we had brief unprotected penetration a few times, but I did not ejaculate inside her. I ejaculated outside her body. About 30 minutes after masturbating and ejaculating outside, I wiped my penis thoroughly with a tissue and briefly inserted it again without ejaculating inside. Within two hours of that encounter, she took Postinor-1 (Levonorgestrel 1.5 milligrams).

On approximately day 17, she began bleeding with cramps, and the bleeding lasted for about five days. Around five to six days after that bleeding ended, we were intimate again, but there was no penetration. I only stimulated her manually using saliva, and I ejaculated outside her body, not inside or near the vagina.

Currently, she has been experiencing cramps similar to menstrual cramps that come and go, but there has been no clearly confirmed new period yet. We are concerned about the possibility of pregnancy, especially due to potential exposure to pre-ejaculatory fluid during the first encounter.

Could you please advise on the likelihood of pregnancy in this situation, whether the withdrawal bleeding suggests that the emergency contraception was effective, when her next natural period may be expected, and when a pregnancy test would be appropriate?

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com

I completely understand your concern.

Let me tell you, since ejaculation did not occur near the vaginal area, the chances of pregnancy are extremely low. Regarding the penetration that occurred about 30 minutes after ejaculation, sperm typically do not survive long after exposure to the external environment and drying. Although pre-ejaculatory fluid can sometimes contain sperm, the overall risk of conception in this situation is very low.

Emergency contraception was also taken, which further reduces the likelihood of pregnancy. For reassurance, a home pregnancy test may be performed. A pregnancy test is generally reliable about 12 to 14 days after possible conception. Based on the timing you described, a test performed now should provide an accurate result.

Oral or manual stimulation does not cause pregnancy. Emergency contraception is highly effective, although no method is completely guaranteed. Based on the history you provided, the probability of pregnancy appears to be very low.

The cramps she is experiencing may represent premenstrual symptoms. It would be reasonable to perform a home pregnancy test for reassurance. If the result is negative, you may simply wait for the next menstrual period.

Please note that emergency contraception can temporarily alter the menstrual cycle. As a result, the exact timing of the next period may vary. Mild cramping and temporary cycle irregularity are common after using emergency contraception.

If you have any further questions or concerns, you may seek medical advice.

I hope this explanation helps clarify your doubts.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

It might be premenstrual cramps. If you have any doubt, then ask her to do a pregnancy test. If a test rules out negative, she can take Paracetamol for a backache.

Thank you.