What Are the Chances of Getting Pregnant Without Protection One Time?

So, you’ve done the deed and didn’t use protection.

Now, you’re wondering, could you be pregnant? 🤔

And, what are the chances you can be pregnant from having sex just one time?

Well, that all depends on when you had sex — more accurately, at what point during your menstrual cycle.

So, let’s jump straight into it and go through the likelihood of whether you’re pregnant or not.

In this article: 📝

Can you get pregnant after having sex once unprotected?

Now, it may seem like a basic question (we’ve all seen enough teen pregnancy movies to know the answer… 🍿), but it’s important to cover all grounds…

Yes — you can get pregnant after having unprotected sex one time.

But, how likely is it?

Well, that all depends on you, and the regularity of your cycle. ⏱️

To get pregnant from unprotected sex, you would have had sex around the time you ovulated.

This is when an egg is released from your fallopian tubes which, if not fertilized, will prompt the shedding of the uterus, and you’ll have your period.

But, if any sperm gets into contact with this egg during ovulation, you could become pregnant.

When would I ovulate?

You usually ovulate around the middle of your cycle — that’s roughly about 12-16 days before your period starts.

For instance, if you have a regular cycle of 28 days, you’d typically ovulate around day 14.

But, you’re most fertile during the five days before ovulation.

This is because sperm can live inside your body for up to five days (persistent little things!), so bear that in mind if you’re trying to avoid becoming pregnant.

You may notice some signs you’re ovulating too, like changes in your vaginal discharge, mild abdominal pains, or an increased sex drive.

(Basically, it’s Mother Nature’s way of saying “the egg is on the way, ladies — it’s go time! 😈”)

Ovulation can last for as little as a few minutes, or up to 48 hours — it all depends on your individual cycle.

Plot twist: you can also get pregnant after ovulation, too!

🔍 Get clued up: Can You Get Pregnant After Ovulation?

How likely is it to get pregnant if you have unprotected sex around your ovulation?

It’s tricky to put an exact figure on it, as everybody is different.

But it’s thought that if you have sex five days before ovulation, it’s a 10% chance of pregnancy, and sex on the day (or two days before) ovulation, is about a 30% chance.

American Pregnancy Association also says that 30% of couples get pregnant within the first cycle (usually about a month).

So, that could be from having sex just one time at the height of your ovulation, or from several times during the ovulation period.

But, of course, your chances depend on many other factors, too, including your age.

For example, the chances of becoming pregnant are much higher for women who are under the age of 35.

That’s not to say you wouldn’t become pregnant after 35 though — just, that your chances of conception will likely change.

🤰 Read more: Complete Guide to Pregnancy After 35

Can I get pregnant if he only went in once?

Yep, you certainly can.

Whether he went in once, or multiple times, if any semen could have been on his penis, and then his penis entered your vagina, you run the risk of pregnancy.

It doesn’t matter how much of the penis went in, either. 🍆

Whether it was just the tip, or the whole shebang, if any sperm gets into contact with your vagina at the right time in your cycle, pregnancy could be on the cards.

What should I do if I had unprotected sex, but don’t want to become pregnant?

We get it, sometimes, the heat of the moment just takes over. 🌶️

But, it may result in circumstances you’re not quite ready for, or may never be.

In these cases, you can take emergency contraception (known as the morning-after pill) to prevent pregnancy after sex.

These pills, like Plan B, can prevent or delay ovulation, meaning that if you’ve had sex before you’ve ovulated, this could stop you from becoming pregnant.

It’s typically 95% effective when it’s taken within 24 hours of sex, and 61% effective when taken between 48 - 72 hours after sex.

But, if you’ve already ovulated, or think you’re currently ovulating when you’ve had sex, you may consider having the emergency copper coil fitted, instead.

This IUD works to stop the egg implanting in your womb, or being fertilized after you’ve had sex.

Plus, it can offer you protection against pregnancy for up to 5-10 years…

So if you’re trying to avoid having a baby, this could be a good method of birth control to try.

🤔 Find out more: Can You Get Pregnant With an IUD Fitted?

If you are trying for a baby, chances are you’ll probably have to have sex more than just once to conceive.

Looking for tips for getting pregnant, or want to know how to best prepare for pregnancy?

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