Can You Get Pregnant After Cleaning Up Post-Intercourse with a Condom?

Is it possible to get pregnant if ejaculation occurs and then a condom is put on? Additionally, can the method of cleaning ensure that it is completely clean?

On November 22, I had sexual intercourse with my girlfriend.
My menstrual cycle averages 31 days, and according to the Flo app, November 22 was my ovulation day.
We were unaware that it was an ovulation day at the time.
We are usually very careful and do not engage in sexual activity frequently.
We used a condom throughout the entire act, putting it on during erection to ensure there was no air trapped inside.
I withdrew before ejaculation, and the semen was contained within the condom to avoid any spillage.
After ejaculation, I went to the bathroom and took a hot shower, thoroughly washing my genital area, including the glans and the foreskin, using soap and body wash.
I also urinated and washed my hands carefully before drying off completely.
Afterward, I used a new condom for a second round of intercourse while in an erect state.
Given this situation, what is the likelihood of pregnancy? Does exposure of semen to soap and hot water (37-40 degrees Celsius) effectively kill or clean it? My girlfriend has been experiencing dull pain and swelling in her lower abdomen three days after intercourse, and she is worried about early pregnancy symptoms or internal injury.
Thank you, doctor.

Neng Shui Er, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/11/25

Dr. Wu Xianghui reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

1.
For pregnancy concerns, please take a home pregnancy test or visit a gynecologist for examination and evaluation four weeks after your most recent sexual intercourse.
2.
The menstrual cycle can be influenced by various psychological and physiological factors.
If your period is more than two months late, it is recommended to see a gynecologist for examination and evaluation.

Reply Date: 2021/11/25

More Info

When it comes to the question of whether you can get pregnant after cleaning up post-intercourse with a condom, it's important to understand a few key points regarding sexual health, contraception, and the reproductive process.

First and foremost, if you used a condom correctly throughout the entire sexual encounter, including during ejaculation, the likelihood of pregnancy is significantly reduced. Condoms are a highly effective form of contraception when used properly, as they create a barrier that prevents sperm from entering the vagina. In your case, since you ensured that the condom was intact and removed it carefully after ejaculation, the chances of sperm entering the vaginal canal are minimal.

Now, regarding your cleaning routine after intercourse, washing the genital area with warm water and soap does not affect the sperm that may have been deposited during intercourse, especially if the condom was used correctly. Sperm are quite resilient, but they do not survive long outside the body. When exposed to soap and water, sperm will be rendered inactive almost immediately. Therefore, your cleaning process, which involved washing your genital area thoroughly, would not increase the risk of pregnancy if the condom was used properly.

It's also worth noting that the timing of your sexual encounter coinciding with your girlfriend's ovulation day (as indicated by the Flo app) does increase the potential for pregnancy if contraception is not used effectively. However, since you used a condom, this risk is mitigated.

Regarding your girlfriend's symptoms of lower abdominal discomfort and swelling three days after intercourse, it is essential to consider that these symptoms can arise from various causes, including ovulation pain, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), or even other medical conditions unrelated to pregnancy. While early pregnancy symptoms can include abdominal discomfort, they typically do not manifest this soon after conception. If your girlfriend is concerned about the possibility of pregnancy or if her symptoms persist or worsen, it would be advisable for her to take a home pregnancy test or consult a healthcare provider for further evaluation.

In summary, based on the information provided, the likelihood of pregnancy in your situation is low due to the proper use of a condom. Your cleaning routine post-intercourse does not pose a risk of increasing that likelihood. However, if there are any concerns about symptoms or potential pregnancy, seeking medical advice is always a prudent step. Regular communication with your partner about contraceptive methods and sexual health is also vital for ensuring both partners feel secure and informed.

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