Can You Get Pregnant from Protected Intercourse? A Doctor's Insight

Pregnancy issues

Hello, doctor.
My girlfriend's last menstrual period was on November 2nd, and we had sexual intercourse on November 16th.
We used a condom throughout the entire act, and since it was our first time, the penetration lasted only about five minutes.
I pulled out with the condom still on and ejaculated externally.
About half an hour later, we repeated the same act (with a new condom).
Is there a chance of pregnancy? Thank you, doctor.

Xiao Chen, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/11/19

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Your girlfriend's last menstrual period was on November 2, and you had sexual intercourse on November 16, using a condom throughout the encounter.
Since it was your first time, the penetration lasted about five minutes, and you withdrew with the condom still on, ejaculating externally.
After about half an hour, you repeated the same act (with a new condom).
Is there a chance of pregnancy? Answer: There is no risk of pregnancy.

Reply Date: 2019/11/19

More Info

When it comes to the question of whether you can get pregnant from protected intercourse, the short answer is that the risk is significantly reduced but not entirely eliminated. Let's break down the factors involved in your situation.

1. Contraceptive Effectiveness: Condoms, when used correctly, are about 98% effective at preventing pregnancy. This means that out of 100 couples who use condoms as their only form of birth control, about 2 will experience an unintended pregnancy within a year. However, this effectiveness can drop to around 85% with typical use, which includes human error such as improper application or breakage.

2. Timing of Intercourse: You mentioned that your girlfriend's last menstrual period started on November 2, and you had intercourse on November 16. If we consider a typical menstrual cycle, ovulation usually occurs about 14 days before the start of the next period. For someone with a regular 28-day cycle, ovulation would likely occur around November 16. Engaging in intercourse on or around the time of ovulation increases the chances of conception. However, since you used a condom, the risk of pregnancy is still lower.

3. Withdrawal Method: You also mentioned that you withdrew before ejaculation. This is a common practice known as the withdrawal method, but it is not foolproof. Pre-ejaculate fluid (pre-cum) can contain sperm, and if any sperm were to enter the vagina, there is a potential risk of pregnancy. However, since you used a condom, this risk is minimized.

4. Proper Use of Condoms: It's essential to ensure that condoms are used correctly. This includes checking the expiration date, ensuring the package is intact, and using a new condom for each act of intercourse. If the condom was used properly and did not break, the likelihood of pregnancy is very low.

5. Follow-Up: If your girlfriend's next period is late, it would be advisable for her to take a home pregnancy test. These tests are quite accurate when taken after a missed period. If there are any concerns or if the test is positive, consulting a healthcare provider is recommended for further guidance.

In conclusion, while the risk of pregnancy from the protected intercourse you described is low, it is not zero. If you and your girlfriend are concerned about unintended pregnancy, consider discussing additional contraceptive methods or consulting with a healthcare provider for personalized advice. Understanding the menstrual cycle, proper condom use, and the effectiveness of various contraceptive methods can help you make informed decisions moving forward.

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