Pregnancy Risks: Safe Sex and Condom Effectiveness

Are you pregnant?

Hello, I would like to inquire about my situation.
I had intercourse with my boyfriend for the first time on September 10th (during my fertile period), and we have had several encounters since then.
Each time, we used condoms throughout, and after each encounter, we checked for any leaks by filling the condom with water, but there were no breaks.
My last menstrual period started on August 24th, and now I am very worried about the possibility of pregnancy.
I would like to ask the doctor how high is the risk of pregnancy in this case?

Xu, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/09/24

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

This month, on September 10th (during the fertile period), I had intercourse with my boyfriend for the first time, and we have continued to have sex several times since then.
Each time, we used condoms throughout the entire act, and after finishing, we check for any holes by filling the condom with water, but none of the condoms have broken.
My last menstrual period started on August 24th, and now I am very worried about the possibility of pregnancy.
I would like to ask the doctor if the chance of getting pregnant is high in this situation.

Answer: Since you and your boyfriend used condoms every time during intercourse and checked for any holes afterward, and none of the condoms broke, the likelihood of pregnancy is low.

Reply Date: 2017/09/24

More Info

When it comes to understanding the risks of pregnancy and the effectiveness of condoms during sexual activity, it's essential to consider several factors. Based on your description, you have been using condoms consistently and checking for any leaks after intercourse, which is a responsible approach to contraception.

Condoms are one of the most effective forms of birth control when used correctly. According to studies, male condoms have a typical use effectiveness rate of about 85%, meaning that about 15 out of 100 women will become pregnant in a year if their partners use condoms as their only form of birth control. However, with perfect use, the effectiveness can rise to over 98%. This means that if you are using condoms correctly every time, the chances of pregnancy are significantly reduced.

In your case, since you mentioned that you have been using condoms throughout your sexual encounters and have checked them for leaks, the likelihood of pregnancy is low. However, it is important to note that no contraceptive method is 100% effective. Factors such as improper use of the condom, breakage, or slippage can increase the risk of pregnancy. Additionally, if the condom is not put on correctly or is expired, its effectiveness can be compromised.

Regarding your menstrual cycle, you mentioned that your last period started on August 24 and that you had sexual intercourse during your fertile window, which typically occurs around ovulation. Ovulation usually happens about 14 days before your next expected period. If your cycle is regular, this would place your ovulation around September 7-10, which aligns with your sexual activity on September 10. Engaging in sexual intercourse during this time does carry a higher risk of pregnancy, but since you used condoms, this risk is mitigated.

If you are still concerned about the possibility of pregnancy, there are a few steps you can take. First, consider taking a home pregnancy test if your period is late. These tests are generally reliable and can provide you with peace of mind. If you have any symptoms of pregnancy, such as nausea, breast tenderness, or fatigue, it may be worth consulting with a healthcare provider for further evaluation.

Additionally, if you are looking for more reliable contraception methods, you might want to explore options such as hormonal birth control pills, intrauterine devices (IUDs), or implants, which can provide more consistent protection against pregnancy. It's also beneficial to have open discussions with your partner about contraception and family planning to ensure that both of you are on the same page.

In summary, while the use of condoms significantly reduces the risk of pregnancy, no method is foolproof. Given your responsible use of condoms and the checks you performed, the likelihood of pregnancy is low, but if you have concerns, taking a pregnancy test or consulting with a healthcare provider can provide clarity and reassurance.

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