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How do I identify the paternity of a child?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I had sex with man A and had my period for five days in a particular month. After my period, on the 14th day, I stopped seeing man A, and I started having sexual intercourse with man B and had my period for five days for the next month. After which, I only continued sex with man B until I missed my period the following month. So who could be the father in man A and B?

Answered by Dr. Muhammad Majid Hanif

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I welcome you and want to assure you not to worry as everything is going to be fine if proper care and treatment are opted in for. I have thoroughly gone through your case and can well understand your genuine health concerns.

The Probable causes

There was no conception while being in a relationship with man A. Sperms inside the vagina after ejaculation remains alive only for 48 to 72 hours, and after that, they die and get destroyed. So, man, A can never be the father. If you are positive for pregnancy testing in a laboratory (beta-hCG urine levels testing), then it means that Man B is the father of that baby.

Investigations to be done

100% confirmation for legal aspects may sometimes need paternal DNA testing. In your case, it does not need to be mandatory.

Regarding follow up

I hope it helps you today. Read my articles from my profile that is written especially for my patients and are free to read anytime. If you have any doubts or further queries, feel free to contact me.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for the reply.

But can you be more explanatory, please, because I am kind of confused.

Answered by Dr. Muhammad Majid Hanif

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com,

I welcome you and want to assure you not to worry as everything is going to be fine if proper care and treatment are opted in for. I have thoroughly gone through your case and can well understand your genuine health concerns.

I am happy to clear all the doubts you have.

The Probable causes

Go for a laboratory test as advised below under investigations. If that is positive, it means you are pregnant. Now I come to the paternity issue between man A and B. Man A, you and pregnancy: While you were with man A, you never became pregnant. If you are worried and confused about the sexual intercourse with him might not have caused you to be pregnant. No, it is not possible as you have had your periods on the suspected date and time. And there was nothing left of him with you when you stopped sexual interaction with man A. Man B, you and pregnancy: Your periods were all normal before you started a sexual relationship with man B. But as you both remained together, you missed your periods. Now, if you are pregnant, it surely is due to man B, and he is the father of this fetus.

Investigations to be done

Laboratory urinary pregnancy test (beta-hCG Levels test) to confirm the pregnancy. If you want to be 100% sure about this paternity issue, go for man B and fetus DNA testing (the genetic paternity testing).

Regarding follow up

Please contact me again. Thank you

Answered byDr. Muhammad Majid Hanif

Medically reviewed byiCliniq medical review team

Published At August 30, 2022
Reviewed AtDecember 2, 2025

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Muhammad Majid Hanif
Dr. Muhammad Majid Hanif

Cardiology

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