Can You Get Pregnant After Unprotected Sex? A Guide for First-Timers

The first time having sexual intercourse with a girlfriend?

Doctor, today I had sexual intercourse with my girlfriend for the first time.
We both used a family planning certified condom from the health center.
During the act, we briefly removed the condom for a couple of thrusts, but then put it back on.
At the end, when I was about to ejaculate, I took it off.
My girlfriend said her last menstrual period started on December 22, and we had intercourse on January 3.
Is there a possibility of pregnancy in this situation?

Niming, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/01/03

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, the failure rate of contraception using condoms alone is over 5%, which is less reliable compared to other methods.
It is generally not recommended to rely solely on condoms for contraception.
I suggest you consider emergency contraception methods (such as emergency contraceptive pills or intrauterine devices).
Additionally, if your period is more than a week late, it is important to take a urine test to check for pregnancy.
Thank you! Wishing you safety and health.
Dr.
Zhang

Reply Date: 2021/01/03

More Info

When it comes to the question of whether you can get pregnant after unprotected sex, especially in the context of your recent experience, it's important to understand a few key points about conception and the menstrual cycle.

First, let's clarify the timing of your sexual encounter. You mentioned that your girlfriend's last menstrual period started on December 22, and you had sexual intercourse on January 3. In a typical 28-day menstrual cycle, ovulation usually occurs around 14 days after the first day of the last menstrual period, which would be approximately January 5 in this case. However, cycles can vary significantly among individuals, and ovulation can occur earlier or later than the average.

Now, regarding the use of condoms: you indicated that you used a certified family planning condom but also had a moment during intercourse when you removed it for a few thrusts. This is a critical point because any exposure to pre-ejaculate fluid (pre-cum) or ejaculate during that time could potentially lead to pregnancy. Pre-ejaculate can contain sperm, and if it comes into contact with the vaginal canal, there is a risk of pregnancy, especially if it coincides with the fertile window around ovulation.

Given that you had unprotected sex, even briefly, there is a possibility of pregnancy. The likelihood increases if this unprotected exposure occurred close to the time of ovulation. If your girlfriend has a longer cycle or if she ovulates later, the risk could be higher.

If your girlfriend is concerned about the possibility of pregnancy, it would be wise for her to take a home pregnancy test if her period is late. Most home pregnancy tests are reliable and can detect pregnancy about a week after a missed period. Additionally, if there is a concern about potential pregnancy from the unprotected intercourse, she may consider consulting with a healthcare provider about emergency contraception, which can be effective if taken within a certain timeframe after unprotected sex.

In summary, while using condoms significantly reduces the risk of pregnancy, any moment of unprotected intercourse can introduce a risk. Given the timing of your encounter relative to her menstrual cycle, there is a possibility of pregnancy, and it would be prudent for her to monitor her cycle and consider taking a pregnancy test if her period does not arrive as expected. Open communication with your partner about these concerns is also essential, as it can help both of you navigate this situation together.

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