Concerns About Condom Breakage During Menstruation: Pregnancy Risks Explained

Condom rupture?

Hello Dr.
Tsao,
I have some questions regarding condoms.
My menstrual cycle started on April 9, and I had sexual intercourse on April 11.
During the process, the condom broke, and my boyfriend immediately withdrew his penis upon noticing something was wrong.
He pulled out right when the condom broke and did not ejaculate inside.
On April 14, we had intercourse again, and the condom broke once more.
My boyfriend discovered the break while trying to use lubricant, and he also did not ejaculate.

I would like to ask if having sexual intercourse during my menstrual period with a broken condom and no ejaculation inside, and with the condoms being dry, poses a risk of pregnancy.
I have read online that pre-ejaculate fluid may contain a small amount of sperm, but I am unsure if my boyfriend released any pre-ejaculate fluid.
He has previously taken emergency contraception, and I am concerned about taking it again due to potential health risks.

Thank you, Dr.
Tsao, for your assistance.
Best wishes.

Xiao Ruo, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/04/14

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, you should be in your safe period, so you are unlikely to be pregnant.
Don't worry.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2022/04/14

More Info

When it comes to concerns about condom breakage during menstruation and the associated risks of pregnancy, it's essential to understand the biological and physiological factors at play.
Firstly, during menstruation, the likelihood of pregnancy is generally lower compared to other times in the menstrual cycle. This is because ovulation typically occurs around the midpoint of the cycle, and if you are on a regular 28-day cycle, ovulation would usually happen around day 14. However, sperm can survive in the female reproductive tract for up to five days, so if you have a shorter cycle or irregular cycles, there is still a possibility of becoming pregnant if you have unprotected intercourse close to ovulation.

In your case, you mentioned that the condom broke on two occasions during your menstrual period, but your boyfriend did not ejaculate inside you. While it is true that pre-ejaculate (pre-cum) can contain sperm, the amount is usually minimal, and the risk of pregnancy from pre-ejaculate is significantly lower than from ejaculate. However, it is not zero.
Given that you were on your period, the chances of sperm successfully fertilizing an egg are reduced, but not eliminated. If you are concerned about the risk of pregnancy, it may be prudent to take a pregnancy test if your next period is late.
Regarding the use of emergency contraception, it is designed to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failure. If you have already taken emergency contraception in the past and are concerned about taking it again, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider. They can provide guidance on the safety and appropriateness of using emergency contraception multiple times and discuss alternative long-term contraceptive methods that may be more suitable for your situation.

In summary, while the risk of pregnancy during menstruation is lower, it is not impossible, especially with the potential presence of sperm in pre-ejaculate. If you are worried about the possibility of pregnancy, consider taking a pregnancy test and discussing your contraceptive options with a healthcare professional to ensure you have a plan that works for you. Always remember that using condoms correctly and consistently is one of the best ways to reduce the risk of unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.

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