Pregnancy Chances After Protected Intercourse

Probability of Pregnancy

On March 1st, I had sexual intercourse with my girlfriend using a condom.
Recently, she has been experiencing some premenstrual symptoms.
However, after we finished, I noticed some fluid that I couldn't tell if it was her vaginal discharge or my semen.
I didn't fully withdraw after ejaculation, but I didn't continue thrusting.
The position was woman on top, man on the bottom.
Is there a chance of pregnancy?

QQ, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/03/02

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, based on your description, there is a possibility of pregnancy, as the failure rate of correctly using condoms is still around 5%.
Generally, it is not recommended to rely solely on condoms for contraception.
Additionally, pregnancy cannot be determined by subjective symptoms.
I suggest that if your period is more than a week late, you should take a urine test to check for pregnancy.
Thank you! Wishing you safety and health, Dr.
Chang.

Reply Date: 2020/03/02

More Info

When it comes to understanding the chances of pregnancy after protected intercourse, it's essential to consider several factors, including the effectiveness of the contraceptive method used, the timing of the menstrual cycle, and the nature of the sexual activity.

In your case, you mentioned that you had protected intercourse with your girlfriend using a condom. Condoms are a highly effective form of contraception when used correctly, with a typical use failure rate of about 13% per year. This means that while they are effective, there is still a small chance of pregnancy if the condom fails or is used improperly.

You also noted that you experienced some concerns about whether your girlfriend's symptoms were related to her menstrual cycle or if there was any leakage of semen. It's important to clarify that if the condom was intact and used properly throughout the intercourse, the likelihood of pregnancy is significantly reduced. However, if there was any breakage or slippage of the condom, or if pre-ejaculate fluid (which can contain sperm) came into contact with the vaginal area, there could be a risk of pregnancy.

Regarding the timing of your girlfriend's symptoms, if they are similar to premenstrual symptoms, it could indicate that her period is approaching. The menstrual cycle typically has a fertile window, which is around ovulation (approximately 14 days before the next expected period). If intercourse occurred outside of this fertile window, the chances of conception are lower.

In your specific situation, since you mentioned that you did not continue to thrust after ejaculation and that the position was female-on-top, this may have further reduced the risk of sperm entering the vagina if the condom was intact. However, if there was any leakage or if the condom was not used correctly, there could still be a risk.

If your girlfriend is experiencing symptoms that are unusual for her cycle or if her period is late, it would be advisable for her to take a home pregnancy test. These tests are generally reliable and can provide a quick answer. If there are any concerns or if the test is positive, consulting a healthcare provider for further evaluation and guidance would be the next step.

In summary, while the use of a condom significantly reduces the risk of pregnancy, no contraceptive method is 100% effective. If there are any doubts about the effectiveness of the contraception used, or if your girlfriend's symptoms persist or change, it is always best to seek medical advice. Additionally, understanding the menstrual cycle and the timing of intercourse in relation to ovulation can help in assessing the risk of pregnancy more accurately.

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