Pregnancy Odds

[GotPlayed]

Hi there!  I have searched and searched the internet and there seems to be a lot of mixed information on odds of pregnancy during any one point of a woman's cycle.  I recently had unprotected sex with a woman who had just finished her period the day before.  She began menstration on Sept 30th and finished the morning of Oct 3rd and we had sex on the morning of the 4th.  Her cycles vary in length but are usually 26 to 30 days.   We used the withdrawal method as our only form of birth control.  I understand with unprotected sex there is ALWAYS a chance of getting pregnant.  But, I just want to know what the odds are for this situation.  Most information on the web tends to lean towards the opinion that the chances are a bit less during menstration and the few days after.  Would it be worth our time to try to get emergency contraception?

[Elaine Brown, MD]

Hi!
Unless a couple is actively trying to get pregnant, I ALWAYS suggest emergency contraception.  I admit that I am probably more conservative as a doctor than I might be otherwise, but the downside is so small, and the upside is so great--so why NOT?
Emergency contraception is available to anyone over 18 without a prescription from most major pharmacies.  It is most effective when used within 48 hours, but has some effectiveness up to 120 hours later.
Good luck!
Dr B

[NaturalMomma2B]

Most woman ovulate between cycle days 12 and 17.

[NaturalMomma2B]

I doubt that the doctor will give you actual statistics.  Sperm can stay alive for up to 72 hours. October 4th puts you on Day 6 of her cycle. Given the 72 hours,  the chances for conception go through to Day 9 of her cycle. This is earlier than average for ovulation,  but as you likely already know, not impossible.  If her cycles are regular, I personally think it unlikely that she ovulated by the 9th day of her cycle.  

There are risks to the woman with emergency contraception.It will affect her cycle and exposes her to extra hormones.  It is not without side effects.  Your decision depends on if you two are willing to take any risk at all. If she tracks her cycles and monitors her ovulation, then she'll even more likely know if she thinks she had a possible early ovulation.  Many woman can sense when they ovulate. There's often noticeable discharge.  Some times a cramp. Even increased sexual desire.  And there are ovulation predictor kits which catch the LH surge, which occurs 24-48 hours before ovulation.  It is already October 6th... your time is running out for a morning after pill. I forget the window...but if it hasn't passed, it's very near.  The withdrawal method should never be used alone, without knowledge of ones cycle. The sperm that is released in pre-ejaculate is enough to get a woman pregnant.  I would only use it when outside the ovulation window and when both partners have tested clear for STDs. Note that the egg can be fertilized for 48 hours after ovulation.. so there are at least 5 unsafe days in every woman's cycle.    

Good luck with your decision.  

[GotPlayed]

Hey there!  Thanks so much for the response.  But, like I said, I realize there IS a chance, I just want to know how big the chance is.  Hoping for an expert to answer.  No disrespect!  And, thanks again! ;)

[ashton_girl89]

hey there :) It is possible to get pregnant either a few days before or after or even during a period. so therefore i Would recommend emergency contaception. Not to scare you, but my ex had sex with a girl and went through the exact same thing and had a panic as this girl had got pregnant the second time she had sex with her previous bf. Hope this helps as i no there are a whole range of opinions on the web. Go to the docs or pharmacy or wherever , just to be on the safe side and explain your situation. Good luck mate