Concerns About Condom Breakage: Pregnancy Risks

The condom broke twice?

Hello Doctor, I would like to ask about an incident that occurred on June 11th when my boyfriend and I had intercourse twice.
The first time, he got tired and took a break, during which I removed the condom without checking for any tears.
The second time, after he rested, we used a new condom, but I noticed a tear in it during intercourse.
The first tear was a small hole, and the second was a complete rupture at the tip.
In both instances, he did not ejaculate, and the condom was dry when removed.
My last menstrual period was from May 28 to May 31, and I have not taken any emergency contraception.
I would like to know what the chances of pregnancy are.
Thank you, Doctor.

33, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/06/11

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

On June 11, I had intercourse with my boyfriend twice.
The first time, he got tired and took a break, during which I removed the condom without checking for any holes.
The second time, after he rested, we used a new condom, but I noticed a hole during intercourse.
The first hole was small, and the second was a complete tear at the tip.
In both instances, he did not ejaculate, and the condom was dry when removed.
My last menstrual period was from May 28 to May 31, and I have not taken emergency contraception.
I would like to know what the chances of pregnancy are.
Answer: The chances of pregnancy are low.

Reply Date: 2019/06/11

More Info

When it comes to concerns about condom breakage and the associated risks of pregnancy, it’s important to understand a few key points regarding how condoms work, the timing of your menstrual cycle, and the implications of potential breakage.

Firstly, condoms are a highly effective form of contraception when used correctly. They not only prevent pregnancy but also protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). However, they can fail due to various reasons, including improper use, manufacturing defects, or wear and tear. In your case, you mentioned that the first condom had a small hole and the second one had a significant tear at the tip. This raises valid concerns about the effectiveness of the protection provided during intercourse.

The timing of your menstrual cycle is also crucial in assessing the risk of pregnancy. You indicated that your last menstrual period was from May 28 to May 31. Typically, ovulation occurs about 14 days after the first day of your last period, which would place it around June 11, the day you had intercourse. If you were indeed ovulating during that time, the risk of pregnancy would be higher, especially if the condom broke.

Since you mentioned that there was no ejaculation during both instances of intercourse, this significantly reduces the likelihood of pregnancy. However, it’s important to note that pre-ejaculate fluid (pre-cum) can contain sperm, and if the condom was compromised, there is still a potential risk of pregnancy.
Regarding the use of emergency contraception (the "morning-after pill"), it is most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse, ideally within 72 hours, but it can be effective up to 5 days after. If you are concerned about the possibility of pregnancy, it may be worth considering taking emergency contraception if you have not already done so.

In terms of the likelihood of pregnancy, it is difficult to provide a precise percentage without knowing more about the specifics of your cycle and the timing of ovulation. However, given that there was no ejaculation and considering the timing of your menstrual cycle, the risk may be lower than if there had been ejaculation.
If you are experiencing any unusual symptoms or if your period is late, it would be advisable to take a home pregnancy test for peace of mind. These tests are generally accurate and can provide you with a clearer answer regarding your pregnancy status.

In summary, while there is a risk of pregnancy due to the condom breakage, the absence of ejaculation and the timing of your menstrual cycle play significant roles in determining that risk. If you have concerns, consider consulting with a healthcare provider for personalized advice and to discuss options for emergency contraception if you feel it is necessary. Regular follow-ups and open communication with your partner about contraception can help mitigate these concerns in the future.

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