Can You Get Pregnant? Risks and Symptoms After Safe Sex

Can I get pregnant?

Hello doctor, I had sexual intercourse with my girlfriend on June 27th.
We used a condom throughout, it didn't break, and I didn't ejaculate inside; I finished by masturbating.
After that, I washed thoroughly with soap.
Her period started on July 21st, and then we had intercourse again on July 28th (the eighth day of her period), again using a condom, which I checked for any holes, and I also finished by masturbating.
We cleaned up with a lot of wet wipes afterward.
However, today my girlfriend is feeling unwell with symptoms like headache, stomach pain, and vomiting.
She later saw a doctor who diagnosed her with gastroenteritis.
Is this diagnosis accurate? Is there a possibility of misdiagnosis? Also, pregnancy symptoms shouldn't appear that quickly, right? ...
Thank you, doctor...
I'm really worried...

Niming, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/07/31

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

On June 27, I had sexual intercourse with my girlfriend.
We used a condom throughout, which did not break, and I did not ejaculate inside; I finished by masturbating.
Afterward, I cleaned up thoroughly with soap.
Her period started on July 21, and then on July 28 (the eighth day of her period), we had intercourse again, again using a condom, which I checked for any holes.
I also finished by masturbating and cleaned up with a lot of wet wipes afterward.
However, today my girlfriend is feeling unwell, experiencing symptoms like headache, stomach pain, and vomiting.
She later saw a doctor who diagnosed her with gastroenteritis.
Is this diagnosis accurate? Could it be a misdiagnosis? Also, is it true that pregnancy symptoms wouldn't appear that quickly?

Reply Date: 2018/07/31

More Info

When it comes to understanding the risks of pregnancy after engaging in sexual activity, especially when using condoms, it's essential to consider several factors. Based on your description, you and your girlfriend have taken precautions by using condoms consistently and checking for any signs of breakage. This is a responsible approach to sexual health.

1. Contraceptive Effectiveness: Condoms are generally effective at preventing pregnancy when used correctly. The failure rate for condoms is about 2% with perfect use and approximately 18% with typical use. Since you mentioned that you used condoms throughout your sexual encounters and checked for any damage, the likelihood of pregnancy is significantly reduced. Additionally, since you did not ejaculate inside her, this further decreases the risk.

2. Timing and Ovulation: Understanding the menstrual cycle is crucial in assessing pregnancy risk. Ovulation typically occurs about 14 days before the start of the next menstrual period. If your girlfriend's period started on July 21, and you had sexual intercourse on July 28, this timing is generally considered to be within her safe period, assuming her cycle is regular. However, sperm can survive in the female reproductive tract for up to five days, so if she ovulated later than expected, there could be a slight risk.

3. Symptoms and Misdiagnosis: Your girlfriend's symptoms of headache, abdominal pain, and nausea are more indicative of gastrointestinal issues, such as gastroenteritis, rather than early pregnancy. Pregnancy symptoms typically do not manifest until at least a few weeks after conception, often around the time of a missed period. If she is experiencing these symptoms shortly after your sexual encounters, it is unlikely to be related to pregnancy. However, if her symptoms persist or worsen, it would be wise to follow up with her healthcare provider for further evaluation.

4. Pregnancy Testing: If there is still concern about the possibility of pregnancy, the most reliable way to confirm or rule out pregnancy is through a home pregnancy test. These tests are most accurate when taken after a missed period. If your girlfriend's next period is late, she should consider taking a test for peace of mind.

5. Emotional Considerations: It's understandable to feel anxious about the possibility of pregnancy, especially if your girlfriend is experiencing discomfort. Open communication about fears and concerns regarding sexual health is essential in any relationship. Reassuring her about the precautions you've taken can help alleviate some of the anxiety.

6. Future Precautions: If your girlfriend continues to feel anxious about the risk of pregnancy, discussing additional contraceptive methods, such as hormonal birth control, may be beneficial. These methods can provide an extra layer of protection and help manage any fears associated with unplanned pregnancy.

In conclusion, based on the information provided, the risk of pregnancy appears to be low given the precautions you have taken. The symptoms your girlfriend is experiencing are more likely related to a gastrointestinal issue rather than pregnancy. However, if there are ongoing concerns, a pregnancy test and further consultation with a healthcare provider would be prudent steps to take. Always prioritize open communication and mutual understanding in your relationship regarding sexual health and contraception.

Similar Q&A

Concerns About Pregnancy After Safe Sex: What You Need to Know

Hello doctor, I had sexual intercourse with my girlfriend on August 19. We used a condom initially, then removed it for oral sex, and put on a new condom to continue. Before ejaculation, I pulled out to ejaculate. Afterward, I checked both condoms by filling them with water, and ...

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
1. Before engaging in sexual intercourse with my girlfriend on August 19, we used a condom. After removing the condom for oral sex, we put on a new condom to continue. Before ejaculation, I pulled out. Afterward, I checked both condoms by filling them with water, and there were n...

Can You Get Pregnant After Unprotected Sex? Understanding the Risks

On October 27, I had unprotected sexual intercourse for the first time without ejaculation. I couldn't find the vaginal opening and did not fully penetrate. After 24 hours, I took emergency contraception (Ella) and experienced dizziness as a side effect. Am I at risk of preg...

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, sometimes dizziness can be a side effect after taking medication. The chances of pregnancy are low, but it is best to take preventive measures beforehand. If your period is more than a week late, it is advisable to consult a gynecologist. Wishing you good health.

Can You Get Pregnant After Safe Sex? Understanding the Risks

I had sexual intercourse with my girlfriend yesterday, and we used a condom throughout the entire act. Afterward, I checked the condom by filling it with water, and it did not break. However, I stayed inside for about a minute after ejaculation, and I suspect some semen may have ...

Dr. Wu Xianghui reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
For pregnancy concerns, please perform a home pregnancy test or consult a specialist in obstetrics and gynecology for evaluation four weeks after sexual intercourse.

Can You Get Pregnant with Safe Sex? Understanding Risks and Symptoms

On July 8, my girlfriend and I had intercourse. We both used condoms, and there was no ejaculation. Afterward, she also rinsed herself clean. Is there a chance of pregnancy? Her menstrual cycle is irregular, with a 39-day cycle over the past six months and a 43-day cycle in May. ...

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
1. On July 8, my girlfriend and I had intercourse, and we both used a condom, and there was no ejaculation. Afterward, she also rinsed herself clean. Is there a chance of pregnancy? Answer: There is no chance of pregnancy. 2. Additionally, her menstrual cycle is irregular, with ...