What's the Chance of Pregnancy After Condom Mishaps?

What is the likelihood of getting pregnant?

Yesterday, I had sexual intercourse with my boyfriend.
We used a condom, but he initially put it on the wrong way and then quickly corrected it.
Towards the end, the condom accidentally got stuck at the vaginal opening, and my boyfriend did not ejaculate.
What is the likelihood of pregnancy in this situation?

Ru Ru, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/02/04

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, the chances may be slim, but just to be safe, it is still recommended to take emergency contraception.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2020/02/04

More Info

When it comes to the chances of pregnancy after a condom mishap, several factors need to be considered. In your situation, where the condom was initially put on incorrectly and then later got stuck at the vaginal opening, the risk of pregnancy is relatively low, but not zero.

First, it's important to understand how condoms work. They are designed to prevent sperm from entering the vagina and reaching an egg, thus preventing pregnancy. However, if a condom is put on incorrectly, there is a risk that it may not provide adequate protection. In your case, since your boyfriend did not ejaculate, the likelihood of sperm being present is significantly reduced. Sperm must be present in the vaginal canal for fertilization to occur.

However, it’s worth noting that pre-ejaculate fluid (pre-cum) can contain sperm. If any pre-ejaculate was released before the condom was properly applied, there is a slight risk of pregnancy. Additionally, if the condom was damaged or if there was any leakage, that could also increase the risk.
Given that the condom got stuck at the vaginal opening, it’s crucial to ensure that it was removed carefully to avoid any further complications. If the condom was intact and there was no ejaculation, the chances of pregnancy remain low. However, if you are concerned about the possibility of pregnancy, it is advisable to take a pregnancy test if your next period is late.
In terms of emergency contraception, if you are worried about the risk of pregnancy, you may consider taking emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs), which are most effective when taken within 72 hours after unprotected intercourse. However, they can be taken up to 5 days after the incident, with decreasing effectiveness over time.
It's also important to keep in mind that while condoms are effective in preventing pregnancy, they are also crucial in protecting against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). If you have any concerns about STIs, it would be wise to consult a healthcare provider for testing and advice.

In conclusion, while the risk of pregnancy in your situation is low, it is not entirely absent. Monitoring your menstrual cycle and considering emergency contraception are prudent steps to take. If you have further concerns or experience any unusual symptoms, consulting with a healthcare professional would be beneficial for personalized advice and peace of mind.

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