Risk of Pregnancy from Incorrect Condom Use During Fertility Window

Wearing a condom inside out?

Hello! On January 31, I had sexual intercourse with my boyfriend.
At first, the condom was put on inside out, but then we reversed it.
He was already erect and there was pre-ejaculate fluid.
We later wiped with tissue, but I was in my fertile window and did not take any pre- or post-coital contraception.
What is the likelihood of pregnancy in this situation?

Niming, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/02/12

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, based on your description, there is a possibility of pregnancy, as the failure rate of correctly using condoms is still about 5%.
As long as there are active sperm in the vagina during the ovulation period, there is a chance of pregnancy regardless of the method used.
Generally, it is not recommended to rely solely on condoms for contraception.
I suggest that you consider taking emergency contraception as a precaution.
Additionally, if your period is more than a week late, you should take a urine test to check for pregnancy.
Thank you! Wishing you safety and health.
Dr.
Zhang

Reply Date: 2018/02/12

More Info

When it comes to the risk of pregnancy during the fertility window, especially with incorrect condom use, it’s essential to understand several factors that can influence the likelihood of conception. Based on your description, you had sexual intercourse on January 31st, during your fertile window, and there were concerns regarding the condom being put on incorrectly initially, followed by some cleaning with tissue, and then using the condom correctly afterward.

Firstly, let's clarify what the "fertility window" means. This is the period in a woman's menstrual cycle when she is most likely to conceive, typically occurring around the time of ovulation. For a woman with a regular 28-day cycle, ovulation usually occurs around day 14. However, cycles can vary, and sperm can survive in the female reproductive tract for up to five days, which means that having unprotected intercourse in the days leading up to ovulation can increase the risk of pregnancy.

In your case, the initial incorrect placement of the condom raises some concerns. If the condom was put on inside out, it may have been contaminated with pre-ejaculatory fluid (pre-cum), which can contain sperm. Even if you wiped with tissue afterward, it is difficult to ensure that all sperm are removed, and any residual sperm could potentially lead to pregnancy if they come into contact with the vaginal canal.
However, the fact that you later used the condom correctly is a positive factor. Condoms are generally effective at preventing pregnancy when used properly. The typical failure rate of condoms is about 18% per year with typical use, but this rate can be significantly lower with perfect use, which includes ensuring that the condom is put on correctly and used throughout the entire sexual encounter.

Given that you were in your fertile window and had some exposure to pre-ejaculatory fluid, there is a potential risk of pregnancy, but it is difficult to quantify exactly how high that risk is without more specific details about your cycle and the timing of ovulation. If you are concerned about the possibility of pregnancy, it is advisable to take a home pregnancy test if your period is late, or consult with a healthcare provider for further guidance.

Additionally, if you are sexually active and wish to avoid pregnancy, it is crucial to consider more reliable contraceptive methods. While condoms are a good option for preventing sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and pregnancy, combining them with other forms of contraception, such as hormonal birth control, can significantly reduce the risk of unintended pregnancy.

In summary, while there is a risk of pregnancy due to the circumstances you described, the actual likelihood may vary. If you have further concerns or experience any unusual symptoms, it is always best to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and support.

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