Is Pregnancy Possible After Protected Intercourse? Symptoms

Is it possible to become pregnant?

I would like to ask the doctor: I had sexual intercourse on May 18th and used a condom throughout.
A week later, I went to the gynecology department for a pregnancy test, and the result was negative.
I am currently taking medication to induce menstruation, but according to my previous menstrual cycle, my period is due at the end of the month.
In the past two days, I have noticed some clear discharge accompanied by mild lower abdominal discomfort.
Does this indicate that my period is approaching? Is there still a possibility of pregnancy? Typically, there shouldn't be any discharge before menstruation; could the sudden appearance of clear discharge be an early sign of pregnancy? Thank you, doctor.

Niming, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/05/28

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, the failure rate of contraception using condoms throughout the entire intercourse is over 5%, which is less reliable compared to other methods.
Early pregnancy may not necessarily present specific symptoms, and subjective symptoms cannot be used to make a judgment.
It is recommended that if your period has not arrived more than a week after taking the menstrual induction medication, you should consult a physician for an examination.
Thank you! Wishing you peace and health.
Dr.
Zhang

Reply Date: 2022/05/28

More Info

When it comes to the possibility of pregnancy after protected intercourse, it is important to understand both the effectiveness of condoms and the timing of ovulation in relation to your menstrual cycle. Condoms, when used correctly, are highly effective at preventing pregnancy, with a typical use failure rate of about 13%. This means that while they are a reliable form of contraception, there is still a small chance of pregnancy occurring.

In your case, you mentioned that you had protected intercourse on May 18th and subsequently took a pregnancy test a week later, which came back negative. This is a good indicator that you are likely not pregnant, especially since you were using contraception correctly. Additionally, you are taking medication to induce menstruation, which can further reduce the likelihood of pregnancy.

Regarding your symptoms of slight abdominal discomfort and the presence of clear discharge, these can be attributed to several factors. Clear discharge is often a normal part of the menstrual cycle, particularly in the days leading up to menstruation. It can also be a sign of ovulation, which typically occurs about 14 days before your next expected period. If your menstrual cycle is regular and you expect your period at the end of the month, the clear discharge and abdominal discomfort could indeed indicate that your period is approaching.

It is also worth noting that some women experience changes in vaginal discharge during their menstrual cycle, and this can vary from person to person. While some women may notice an increase in clear discharge before their period, others may not. The presence of clear discharge alone is not a definitive sign of pregnancy, especially in the context of a negative pregnancy test and the use of contraception.

If you are concerned about the possibility of pregnancy despite the negative test and the use of condoms, it may be helpful to wait until your expected period date to take another test, as this will provide a more accurate result. If your period does not arrive as expected, or if you continue to experience unusual symptoms, it would be advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for further evaluation.

In summary, based on the information provided, the likelihood of pregnancy after protected intercourse is low, especially with a negative pregnancy test and the use of menstrual-inducing medication. The symptoms you are experiencing are more likely related to your menstrual cycle rather than an early sign of pregnancy. However, if you have any ongoing concerns or if your symptoms change, seeking medical advice would be the best course of action.

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Hello, I have responded to your question. Wishing you good health.