Pregnancy Risks: Safe Practices During Non-Penetrative Sex

Probability of Pregnancy

Hello, doctor.
My girlfriend and I had sexual intercourse on August 4th, but there was no penetration, and we used a condom.
Question: If the condom was not pulled down yet (and there was contact with the glans), and I realized it was on the wrong way and immediately changed it, is there a possibility of pregnancy? Question: If during the act the penis becomes soft and cannot maintain its hardness inside the condom, should I change the condom? Following up on the previous question: If the penis becomes soft and then hard again while still in the condom, does the condom need to be changed? All of these situations are being asked in the context of non-penetrative intercourse.

Niming, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/08/04

Dr. Wu Xianghui reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

For pregnancy concerns, please perform a home pregnancy test or consult a specialist in obstetrics and gynecology for evaluation four weeks after sexual intercourse.

Reply Date: 2020/08/04

More Info

When it comes to understanding pregnancy risks during non-penetrative sex, it's essential to consider several factors, including the use of condoms, the nature of the sexual activity, and the timing of any potential exposure to sperm.

Firstly, if you and your girlfriend engaged in sexual activity without penetration and used a condom throughout, the risk of pregnancy is significantly reduced. Condoms are designed to prevent sperm from entering the vagina, which is the primary way pregnancy occurs. However, there are a few scenarios to consider based on your questions.

1. Using a Condom Inside Out: If you initially put the condom on the wrong way (inside out) but realized it before any ejaculation occurred and then switched it to the correct side, the risk of pregnancy remains low. The primary concern with using a condom inside out is that it may have come into contact with pre-ejaculatory fluid (pre-cum), which can contain sperm. However, if there was no ejaculation and the condom was switched before any significant exposure, the risk is minimal.

2. Erection and Softness of the Penis: If your penis became soft while wearing the condom, it is generally advisable to maintain the condom's integrity. If you feel that the condom is slipping off or if it has become too loose, it may be wise to replace it with a new one to ensure that it remains effective. If the penis becomes erect again while the condom is still on, there is no need to change the condom as long as it has not slipped off or been compromised.

3. Non-Penetrative Activities: Engaging in non-penetrative sexual activities, such as mutual masturbation or outercourse (where the genitals do not enter the vagina), carries a lower risk of pregnancy compared to penetrative sex. However, it is still important to be cautious about any potential transfer of bodily fluids. If there was any direct contact between the condom and the vagina, even without penetration, there is a slight risk of pregnancy if sperm were present.

In summary, while the risk of pregnancy during non-penetrative sex with proper condom use is low, it is not entirely absent. To minimize any potential risks, always ensure that condoms are used correctly, check for any damage or slippage during use, and consider using a new condom if there are any doubts about its effectiveness. If you have further concerns about pregnancy risks or sexual health, consulting with a healthcare provider can provide personalized guidance and reassurance.
Additionally, if you are looking for more reliable contraception methods, consider discussing options such as hormonal birth control, IUDs, or other barrier methods with your partner and a healthcare professional. These methods can provide additional peace of mind and help you both enjoy your sexual experiences without the worry of unintended pregnancy.

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