Can You Get Pregnant After Unprotected Sex Following Condom Use?

Is it possible to become pregnant?

Hello, Dr.
Tsao! I had intercourse with my girlfriend using a condom and ejaculated inside.
Afterward, I cleaned with a tissue but did not wash with water.
Later, we had intercourse again without a condom and I ejaculated outside.
I am concerned whether the semen that was on my penis from the first encounter, despite being cleaned with a tissue but not washed with water, could lead to pregnancy during the second encounter (which was external ejaculation).
I'm very worried and hope to get a response soon.
Thank you!

Chen, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/03/25

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, if you are wondering about pregnancy, it is best to take preventive measures beforehand.
If your period is more than a week late, you may consider consulting a gynecologist.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2016/03/25

More Info

When it comes to the question of whether pregnancy can occur after unprotected sex following condom use, there are several factors to consider. In your scenario, you used a condom during the first sexual encounter, which is a reliable method of contraception when used correctly. However, you mentioned that after this encounter, you cleaned your penis with a tissue but did not wash it with water before engaging in a second sexual encounter without a condom, where you practiced withdrawal (pulling out) before ejaculation.

To address your concern, it is important to understand how sperm can remain on the skin and the potential for pregnancy. After using a condom, if there is any residual semen on the penis, it is possible that some sperm could remain. While cleaning with a tissue may remove a significant amount of the semen, it does not guarantee that all sperm are eliminated, especially if any residual fluid is present in the folds of the skin or around the urethra.

During the second encounter, if you did not wash your penis with water and there was any sperm left from the first encounter, there is a possibility that some sperm could be transferred to your partner during the second encounter. This is particularly relevant if the withdrawal method is used, as it relies on the male partner being able to pull out before ejaculation, which can sometimes be difficult to execute perfectly.

However, it is also important to note that the likelihood of pregnancy occurring from this situation is relatively low, especially since you did not ejaculate inside your partner during the second encounter. The withdrawal method, while not the most reliable form of contraception, can reduce the risk of pregnancy when done correctly.
In summary, while there is a theoretical risk of pregnancy due to the potential transfer of sperm from residual semen, the actual risk in your specific situation may be low, particularly since you practiced withdrawal. If your girlfriend has missed her period or if you have any further concerns, it may be advisable for her to take a home pregnancy test or consult with a healthcare provider for further evaluation.

In the future, if you wish to avoid any risk of unintended pregnancy, consider using additional contraception methods, such as hormonal birth control or intrauterine devices (IUDs), in conjunction with condoms. This dual approach can significantly increase the effectiveness of preventing pregnancy and provide additional protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Always communicate openly with your partner about contraception and sexual health to make informed decisions together.

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