Is There a Risk of Pregnancy After Condom Failure Post-Ovulation?

Third day after ovulation?

Your girlfriend's ovulation date was on November 18.
On November 21 at 5:00 AM, you had intercourse and discovered that the condom had broken, resulting in ejaculation inside.
You took the emergency contraceptive pill (Yuzpe regimen) at 2:00 PM on the same day.
Her period, which was expected on December 2, has not yet arrived.
Is there a possibility of pregnancy, considering you currently do not plan to have children and are concerned about the broken condom?

Xiao Xiao, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/12/02

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, the chances of pregnancy are low, but it is always best to take preventive measures beforehand.
Do not rely on the safe period.
If your period is more than a week late, it is advisable to see a gynecologist.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2016/12/02

More Info

When it comes to the risk of pregnancy after a condom failure, particularly post-ovulation, there are several factors to consider. In your case, since your girlfriend ovulated on November 18 and intercourse occurred on November 21, this timing is crucial. Sperm can survive in the female reproductive tract for up to five days, so if ovulation occurred shortly before the intercourse, there is a possibility of fertilization.

You mentioned that your girlfriend took emergency contraception (Plan B) shortly after the incident. Emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) like the one you mentioned are most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse, ideally within 72 hours, but they can be taken up to 120 hours (5 days) after. The sooner they are taken, the higher the efficacy in preventing pregnancy. However, they are not 100% effective, and their effectiveness decreases the longer you wait to take them.

Regarding the delayed menstruation on December 2, it is important to note that emergency contraception can cause changes in the menstrual cycle. Some women may experience their period earlier, while others may have a delay. Stress, hormonal fluctuations, and other factors can also contribute to a missed or delayed period. Therefore, while there is a possibility of pregnancy, the delay in menstruation could also be a side effect of the emergency contraception.

To determine if pregnancy has occurred, the most reliable method is to take a home pregnancy test. These tests are designed to detect the hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), which is produced during pregnancy. It is advisable to wait at least a week after the missed period for the most accurate results, as testing too early may lead to a false negative.

If the test is positive, it is essential to consult a healthcare provider to discuss the next steps. If the test is negative and the period does not arrive, it may be wise to follow up with a healthcare professional to rule out any other underlying issues.

In summary, while there is a risk of pregnancy due to the timing of ovulation and the condom failure, the use of emergency contraception significantly reduces that risk. The delayed menstruation could be a result of the emergency contraceptive rather than an indication of pregnancy. Taking a home pregnancy test will provide clarity on the situation. If there are any concerns or if the situation remains uncertain, seeking advice from a healthcare provider is always a prudent step.

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