Can You Get Pregnant After Withdrawal Method? Risks

No condom was used, and there was no ejaculation inside?

Hello, my girlfriend had a child two years ago.
In early April, she became pregnant again but later had a medical abortion.
By the end of April, she stopped bleeding.
It has been 13 days since the bleeding stopped, and on the 13th day, we had intercourse without a condom.
I pulled out before ejaculation.
I would like to know if she could become pregnant under these circumstances, as I am really worried.

Mr. Chen, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/05/15

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

My girlfriend had a miscarriage two years ago.
In early April, she became pregnant again but had a medical abortion.
By the end of April, she had stopped bleeding for 13 days.
On the 13th day, we had intercourse without a condom, but I pulled out before ejaculation.
Is it possible for her to get pregnant this way?
Answer: Yes, there is still a possibility of pregnancy.

P.S.
It is recommended to refer to the National Health Service's "Sexual Health e-Learning" or the Obstetrics and Gynecology Society's "Adolescent Contraceptive Guidance" for more information.
http://goo.gl/dc6PfW

Reply Date: 2017/05/15

More Info

The withdrawal method, also known as coitus interruptus, is a form of contraception where the male partner withdraws his penis from the vagina before ejaculation to prevent sperm from entering the female reproductive tract. While it may seem like a straightforward method, it is important to understand its effectiveness and the associated risks, especially in the context of your situation.

Firstly, the withdrawal method is not considered a highly reliable form of contraception. According to various studies, the typical failure rate of this method is around 20%, meaning that 20 out of 100 couples using this method for a year may experience an unintended pregnancy. This is primarily due to the difficulty in timing withdrawal accurately and the potential presence of sperm in pre-ejaculatory fluid (pre-cum), which can also lead to pregnancy.

In your case, you mentioned that your girlfriend had a miscarriage in late April and that you had unprotected intercourse 13 days after the bleeding stopped. If her menstrual cycle has returned to normal, ovulation could occur approximately 14 days after the start of her last period. Engaging in sexual intercourse without protection during this time could indeed lead to pregnancy, especially if the withdrawal was not perfectly timed.

Moreover, the emotional and physical stress of a recent miscarriage can also affect a woman's menstrual cycle and ovulation patterns. Some women may experience irregular cycles following a miscarriage, which can make it challenging to predict ovulation accurately. Therefore, if your girlfriend's cycle has not yet stabilized, the risk of pregnancy could be higher than expected.

If you are concerned about the possibility of pregnancy, it is advisable for your girlfriend to take a home pregnancy test if her period is late or if she experiences any early signs of pregnancy, such as nausea, breast tenderness, or fatigue. These tests are generally reliable and can provide results within a few minutes.

In addition, if you and your girlfriend are considering future pregnancies or wish to avoid unintended pregnancies, it may be beneficial to explore more reliable contraceptive methods. Options include hormonal contraceptives (like the pill, patch, or IUD), barrier methods (like condoms), or fertility awareness methods. Consulting with a healthcare provider can help you both understand the best options based on your individual circumstances and health history.

In summary, while the withdrawal method can reduce the risk of pregnancy, it is not foolproof, and there is a possibility of pregnancy if not executed perfectly. Given the recent miscarriage and the timing of your sexual activity, it would be wise to monitor for any signs of pregnancy and consider discussing contraceptive options with a healthcare professional for future sexual encounters.

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