Pregnancy Risks During Safe Period with Condom Use

What is the probability of pregnancy when using condoms throughout the entire safe period?

My girlfriend and I are eager to engage in intimate activities, but we are both concerned about the possibility of pregnancy.
We have downloaded an app to track her menstrual dates.
I would like to consult a doctor about her menstrual cycle, which is very regular, occurring around the 14th of each month, lasting for 7 days, with an average cycle length of 31 days.
If we have sexual intercourse during the safe period while using condoms, what is the likelihood of pregnancy?

Sun Xiansheng, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/10/22

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Both my girlfriend and I are eager to engage in intimate activities, but we are concerned about the possibility of pregnancy.
We have downloaded an app to track her menstrual dates.
I would like to ask the doctor: my girlfriend's menstrual cycle is very regular, occurring around the 14th of each month, with a duration of 7 days and an average cycle length of 31 days.
If we engage in sexual intercourse during the safe period while using condoms, what is the likelihood of pregnancy? Answer: The likelihood of pregnancy during the safe period while using condoms is close to zero.

Reply Date: 2019/10/22

More Info

When considering the risks of pregnancy during the so-called "safe period" while using condoms, it's essential to understand a few key concepts about the menstrual cycle, ovulation, and the effectiveness of contraceptive methods.

First, let's clarify the menstrual cycle. The average menstrual cycle lasts about 28 days, but it can vary from person to person. In your case, with a cycle length of approximately 31 days and a period lasting 7 days, ovulation typically occurs around 14 days before the next period starts. For example, if your girlfriend's period starts on the 14th of the month, ovulation would likely occur around the 14th of the following month, making the days leading up to and including ovulation the most fertile days.

The "safe period" refers to the days in the menstrual cycle when the likelihood of becoming pregnant is lower. However, relying solely on this method for contraception can be risky, especially if the menstrual cycle is not perfectly regular. Since you mentioned that your girlfriend's cycle is stable, this can help in predicting ovulation, but it's still not foolproof. Factors such as stress, illness, or hormonal changes can affect the timing of ovulation.

Now, regarding condom use: condoms are a highly effective form of contraception when used correctly. They have a typical use effectiveness rate of about 85% to 98%, depending on proper usage. If you and your girlfriend are using condoms consistently and correctly throughout the entire sexual encounter, the risk of pregnancy is significantly reduced. However, no contraceptive method is 100% effective, and there is always a small chance of failure due to factors like breakage or slippage.

In your situation, if you engage in sexual activity during the safe period and use condoms correctly, the likelihood of pregnancy is quite low, but not zero. If you are particularly concerned about pregnancy, you might consider additional contraceptive methods, such as hormonal birth control (the pill, patch, or ring), which can further reduce the risk of unintended pregnancy when used in conjunction with condoms.

It's also important to note that while tracking menstrual cycles with an app can be helpful, it should not be the sole method of contraception. If you have any doubts or concerns about the effectiveness of your contraceptive methods or the possibility of pregnancy, consider consulting a healthcare provider for personalized advice and options.

In summary, while the use of condoms during the safe period significantly lowers the risk of pregnancy, it's essential to remain aware of the limitations of this method. If you and your girlfriend are serious about preventing pregnancy, consider combining methods and consulting with a healthcare professional for the best approach tailored to your needs.

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