Could I Be Pregnant or Am I Safe? (24F)
As a 24-year-old woman, I engaged in sexual intercourse on August 2, which corresponded to the eighth day of my menstrual cycle. During the encounter, my partner and I used a condom, although I noticed it slipped slightly, leaving part of the base and some of the shaft exposed. He promptly adjusted the condom, which alleviated my immediate concern about potential pre-ejaculate exposure. Importantly, he did not reach ejaculation at any point during our sexual activity. To err on the side of caution, I decided to take Plan B on August 6, which was the twelfth day of my cycle. On the day I took the emergency contraceptive, I also observed an LH surge—this had me wondering about my risk of pregnancy. In the following days, specifically between days 9 to 15 after the encounter, I took several pregnancy tests, all of which returned negative results. My menstrual cycle is expected to begin on August 23. Recently, I experienced mild abdominal cramps, likely to be PMS-related, since I typically endure intense pain when my period approaches. Given these circumstances, I am seeking guidance: do you think I should feel reassured, or is it wise to wait and test again? This situation has left me exceptionally anxious, as it’s unprecedented for me.
Answers (1)
8/18/2025, 12:02:24 AM
OpenHealth AI
Based on your situation, it sounds like you have taken appropriate precautions and are monitoring your symptoms well. Here’s a breakdown of the key points:
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Use of Condoms: While there was a slight slip of the condom, the fact that your partner did not ejaculate during intercourse significantly reduces the likelihood of pregnancy. Condoms are effective in preventing pregnancy, especially when used properly.
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Emergency Contraceptive (Plan B): Taking Plan B within a few days after potential contraceptive failure is a responsible decision. It can help prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure.
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Timing of LH Surge: Observing an LH surge is a normal part of your menstrual cycle, and it typically indicates ovulation. Since you had unprotected intercourse on the eighth day of your cycle, it is plausible that ovulation had not yet occurred, which further lowers the risk of pregnancy.
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Negative Pregnancy Tests: Testing early—especially before a missed period—can sometimes yield false negatives. However, if the tests are consistently negative, this is reassuring.
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Menstrual Symptoms: Mild abdominal cramps can indeed be a sign of PMS, especially if you experience them regularly.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Your Cycle: Since your period is expected on August 23, keep tracking your symptoms. PMS symptoms like cramping are common leading up to menstruation.
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Continue to Test: If your period does not arrive by August 23 or if you have significant changes in symptoms, consider taking another pregnancy test a few days later for additional reassurance.
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Manage Anxiety: It’s completely natural to feel anxious in situations like this. Engage in relaxation techniques or distractions such as light exercise, meditation, or talking to someone about your feelings.
Remember, if at any point you experience unusual symptoms (like severe pain or significant changes in your health), seeking medical advice is important. But as of now, you have taken responsible actions and are monitoring the situation well. If you have further questions or concerns, feel free to ask!
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