Will I get pregnant if I had sex 20 days after my last menstrual periods?

Question

Hello doctor,

My fiance and I had protected intercourse 20 days after her last LMP, and she generally has a 30-day cycle. She was supposed to get her periods today, but she did not get her periods. Is this physiological to be delayed by a few days, and was she in the safe period? Please help.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern and will surely help you.

Firstly, let me tell you that periods can be delayed due to multiple reasons like polycystic ovarian syndrome, hormonal imbalance, medication, intense exercise, dietary changes, etc. But pregnancy in your case cannot be ruled out completely as intercourse 20 days after your LMP (last menstrual period) cannot be considered a safe period. However, the probability of pregnancy is less as you had protected intercourse. There is no need to panic as delay can be due to any of the above likely reasons. A menstrual cycle ranging between 21-35 days is considered to be normal.

At this stage, I suggest you wait for a week and do a urine pregnancy test if you still do not get your periods. If the test comes negative and there is still a delay in the period, I will recommend certain medicines. No medicines are required at this stage. Do not take stress as stress can lead to further delay in periods. Feel free to ask any questions or to share any additional information.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

You had protected intercourse, and the chances of contraception failure are around 1% only, so please do not panic. Now coming to your periods, since there is a history of irregular periods, stress will only add to further delay. Wait for around four to five days, and if you do not get periods, we can do a urine pregnancy test at home or a blood hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) test through some diagnostic center.