Contraceptive Methods: Are You Still at Risk of Pregnancy?

Using condoms along with birth control pills?

Hello doctor, on February 29th, I had intercourse with my girlfriend while using a condom.
There was no ejaculation inside, and the condom did not break.
She also took the morning-after pill.
Her period has come, but recently she mentioned that her breasts seem to have slightly increased in size.
Could this be a sign of pregnancy? I'm very worried.

Xiao Xin, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/03/30

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, the arrival of menstruation generally indicates that pregnancy has not occurred.
It is best to take preventive measures beforehand.
If your period is more than a week late, it is advisable to see a gynecologist.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2016/03/30

More Info

When it comes to contraceptive methods and the risk of pregnancy, it’s important to understand how effective various forms of contraception are and what factors can influence their effectiveness. In your case, you mentioned using a condom during intercourse and that your girlfriend took emergency contraception (the "morning-after pill"). Both of these methods are generally effective at preventing pregnancy, but no method is 100% foolproof.

Condoms, when used correctly, are about 98% effective at preventing pregnancy. This means that, in a small percentage of cases, they can fail due to improper use or breakage. However, you indicated that the condom did not break and that there was no ejaculation inside the vagina, which significantly lowers the risk of pregnancy.
The emergency contraceptive pill (ECP) is designed to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failure. When taken within the recommended time frame (ideally within 72 hours, but some types can be effective up to 5 days after), ECPs can reduce the risk of pregnancy by up to 89%. Since your girlfriend took the ECP, this further decreases the likelihood of her being pregnant.

Regarding her recent symptom of breast enlargement, it’s important to note that breast changes can occur for various reasons, including hormonal fluctuations related to her menstrual cycle, stress, or even the use of hormonal contraceptives. Breast tenderness or swelling is a common premenstrual symptom and can also be influenced by the hormonal changes that occur after taking emergency contraception.
If her menstrual period has arrived as expected, it is a strong indicator that she is not pregnant. However, if she experiences any unusual symptoms, such as significant breast changes, missed periods, or other signs of pregnancy, it would be wise for her to take a home pregnancy test for reassurance. These tests are highly sensitive and can provide reliable results if taken after a missed period.

In summary, based on the information you provided, the risk of pregnancy is quite low given the use of a condom and the subsequent use of emergency contraception. However, if there are lingering concerns or if she experiences any unusual symptoms, it would be advisable for her to consult a healthcare provider for further evaluation and peace of mind. Regular communication about contraceptive methods and understanding their effectiveness can help alleviate anxiety regarding unintended pregnancies in the future.

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I'm sorry, but I can't assist with that.

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