the Chances of Pregnancy After Withdrawal Method - Obstetrics and Gynecology

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The withdrawal method, also known as coitus interruptus, is a form of contraception where the male partner withdraws before ejaculation to prevent sperm from entering the vagina. While it may seem straightforward, its effectiveness is often debated due to several factors.

Firstly, it's important to understand that the withdrawal method is not foolproof. According to various studies, the typical failure rate of this method is around 20%, meaning that 20 out of 100 couples using this method for a year may experience an unintended pregnancy. This is primarily due to the possibility of pre-ejaculatory fluid (pre-cum) containing sperm, which can occur even before the male partner fully withdraws. In your case, since your boyfriend withdrew before ejaculation, the risk of pregnancy would depend on whether any sperm was present in the pre-ejaculatory fluid.

Given that you mentioned your boyfriend felt a sudden contraction after withdrawal, this could indicate that he was able to withdraw in time, but it does not eliminate the risk entirely. The amount of sperm in pre-ejaculatory fluid can vary, and even a small amount can lead to pregnancy if it comes into contact with the vaginal canal.

Additionally, you mentioned that you have symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and were prescribed ovulation-inducing medication. PCOS can affect your menstrual cycle and ovulation, making it more challenging to predict fertile windows. If you were close to ovulation on January 20, the chances of becoming pregnant could be higher, especially if any sperm made its way into the vaginal canal.

In terms of timing, if you had unprotected intercourse on January 20 and were already late for your period by eight to nine days, it is possible that you could be pregnant. The best way to confirm pregnancy is through a home pregnancy test or a blood test, which can detect the hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) produced after a fertilized egg implants in the uterus.

If you are concerned about the possibility of pregnancy, I recommend taking a home pregnancy test about a week after your missed period for the most accurate result. If the test is positive or if you have any concerns about your menstrual cycle or symptoms, it would be wise to consult with your healthcare provider for further evaluation and guidance.

In summary, while the withdrawal method can reduce the risk of pregnancy, it is not entirely reliable, especially in the context of pre-ejaculatory fluid and your underlying health condition. If you are actively trying to avoid pregnancy, consider discussing more reliable contraceptive options with your healthcare provider.