What's the Chance of Pregnancy After Condom Failure?

Can I get pregnant?

The last menstrual period started on February 5, with an average cycle of 28-30 days.
Intercourse occurred on February 15, during which the condom accidentally slipped off, resulting in ejaculation inside.
The morning after, emergency contraception was taken (6 hours later).
What is the likelihood of pregnancy in this situation?

Niming, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/02/19

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, it should not be a big issue.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2020/02/19

More Info

The chance of pregnancy after a condom failure can vary based on several factors, including the timing of the menstrual cycle, the timing of ovulation, and the effectiveness of emergency contraception. In your case, since you had unprotected intercourse on February 15 and took emergency contraception (Plan B or similar) within six hours, you have taken a proactive step to reduce the risk of pregnancy.

Emergency contraception is most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse. It can reduce the risk of pregnancy by up to 89% if taken within 72 hours, and its effectiveness decreases the longer you wait. Since you took the emergency contraceptive pill within six hours, you maximized your chances of preventing pregnancy.

To understand your specific situation better, let’s consider your menstrual cycle. You mentioned that your last period started on February 5 and that your average cycle is 28-30 days. This means that you would likely ovulate around February 19 to February 21. If you had unprotected intercourse on February 15, it was just a few days before your expected ovulation. Sperm can live inside the female reproductive tract for up to five days, which means there was a possibility of sperm being present when you ovulated.

However, since you took emergency contraception shortly after the incident, it is likely that ovulation was inhibited or delayed, which would further reduce the chance of pregnancy. The emergency contraceptive works primarily by preventing ovulation; if ovulation has already occurred, it may not be effective.

In summary, while there is always a risk of pregnancy with any unprotected intercourse, your prompt action in taking emergency contraception significantly lowers that risk. The likelihood of pregnancy in your case is relatively low, but not zero.
If you do not get your period within three weeks of the incident, it would be advisable to take a pregnancy test to confirm whether or not you are pregnant. Additionally, if you have any concerns or experience unusual symptoms, consulting with a healthcare provider is always a good idea. They can provide further guidance and support based on your individual health needs.

In the future, consider discussing more reliable contraceptive methods with your healthcare provider to prevent similar situations. Options include hormonal birth control, intrauterine devices (IUDs), or other long-term contraceptive methods that can provide more consistent protection against unintended pregnancy.

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