Can You Get Pregnant from Withdrawal Method During Ovulation?

Can I get pregnant?

I had unprotected intercourse with my boyfriend on the 6th day of my menstrual cycle.
He pulled out just three seconds before ejaculation.
My cycle is usually 28 days, but this time I ovulated earlier (on days 11 and 12).
Although he pulled out before ejaculation, I am still concerned about the possibility of a small amount of sperm entering my body.
I would like to know if pulling out before ejaculation can still result in some sperm entering me, and if sperm can survive in a woman's body for up to 5 days, could they still encounter an egg during ovulation?

Nìmíng, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/09/26

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Having unprotected intercourse with my boyfriend on the 6th day of my menstrual cycle, he pulled out just three seconds before ejaculation.
My cycle is usually 28 days, but this time I ovulated early (on days 11 and 12).
Although he pulled out before ejaculation, I'm still concerned about the possibility of a small amount of sperm entering my body.
Is it possible for a small amount to flow into me if he pulled out before ejaculation?
Answer: It is unlikely that a small amount of sperm would flow into your body if he pulled out before ejaculation.
However, sperm can survive inside a woman's body for up to 5 days.
Could they encounter ovulation?
Answer: Yes, sperm can survive in a woman's body for up to 5 days and may coincide with ovulation, but they would likely be in a weakened state.

Reply Date: 2018/09/26

More Info

The withdrawal method, also known as coitus interruptus, involves the male partner withdrawing the penis from the vagina before ejaculation to prevent sperm from entering the female reproductive tract. While this method can reduce the risk of pregnancy, it is not foolproof, especially during the fertile window of a woman's menstrual cycle.

In your case, you mentioned having unprotected intercourse on day 6 of your menstrual cycle, with ovulation occurring earlier than usual on days 11 or 12. This timing is crucial because sperm can survive in the female reproductive tract for up to five days, and if ovulation occurs shortly after intercourse, there is a possibility of sperm meeting the egg, leading to fertilization.

Even if your boyfriend withdrew before ejaculation, there is still a risk of pre-ejaculatory fluid (pre-cum) containing sperm. Studies have shown that pre-ejaculatory fluid can contain viable sperm, although the concentration is typically lower than that found in ejaculate. Therefore, if any pre-ejaculatory fluid was released before withdrawal, it could potentially lead to pregnancy, especially if you were already in your fertile window.

Given that you have a regular cycle of approximately 28 days, ovulation typically occurs around day 14. However, cycles can vary, and factors such as stress, illness, or hormonal changes can lead to earlier ovulation. Since you experienced an early ovulation this cycle, the risk of pregnancy from the withdrawal method is heightened.

If you are concerned about the possibility of pregnancy, it may be worthwhile to consider emergency contraception if you are within the appropriate time frame (usually within 72 to 120 hours after unprotected intercourse). Additionally, if you miss your next period or experience any unusual symptoms, taking a home pregnancy test or consulting with a healthcare provider would be advisable.

In summary, while the withdrawal method can reduce the risk of pregnancy, it is not entirely reliable, particularly during the fertile window. The presence of sperm in pre-ejaculatory fluid and the viability of sperm in the female reproductive tract for several days means that there is still a possibility of conception occurring even with careful withdrawal. If you are actively trying to avoid pregnancy, it may be beneficial to explore more reliable contraceptive methods.

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