Can You Get Pregnant from External Condom Use? the Risks

Can I get pregnant?

On the afternoon of June 8th, I had external intercourse with my boyfriend while using a condom, but he did not penetrate.
Later, he ejaculated, and after removing the condom, it broke.
I am unsure if any semen came into contact with me.
The next morning, I took emergency contraception.
The period tracking app did not indicate that it was my ovulation period, but I noticed a lot of clear discharge during those days.
Could I be pregnant?

Aa, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/06/12

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, based on your description, it is difficult to assess the likelihood of pregnancy, as early pregnancy may not present specific symptoms, and subjective symptoms cannot be used for judgment.
It is recommended that if your period is more than a week late, you should still check for pregnancy.
Thank you! Wishing you peace and health.
Dr.
Chang

Reply Date: 2022/06/12

More Info

When it comes to the question of whether you can get pregnant from external condom use, especially in the context of your situation, there are several factors to consider.
Firstly, it’s important to understand how condoms work. Condoms are designed to prevent sperm from entering the vagina during intercourse. However, if the condom is not used properly, or if it breaks, there is a risk of sperm coming into contact with the vaginal area, which can lead to pregnancy. In your case, you mentioned that the condom was removed after external contact, and there was a concern about it breaking. If the condom did break and sperm was present, there is a potential risk of pregnancy.

You also mentioned that you took emergency contraception the following morning. Emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) are most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse, ideally within 72 hours, but they can be effective up to 5 days after. The sooner you take it, the higher the chance of preventing ovulation and thus preventing pregnancy. Since you took the emergency contraceptive the next morning, you have taken a proactive step to reduce the risk of pregnancy.

Regarding your menstrual cycle, you noted that your app did not indicate that you were in your ovulation period, but you experienced increased clear discharge. This type of discharge can occur during ovulation, which typically happens about 14 days before your next expected period. However, it’s important to note that not all women have regular cycles, and ovulation can vary from month to month. If you were indeed in your fertile window, the risk of pregnancy would be higher.

In summary, while there is a possibility of pregnancy due to the condom breaking and the timing of your cycle, taking the emergency contraceptive pill significantly reduces that risk. If you are concerned about the possibility of pregnancy, it would be wise to take a pregnancy test if your period is late or if you experience any unusual symptoms.
Additionally, if you find yourself frequently in situations where you are concerned about unintended pregnancy, it may be beneficial to explore more reliable forms of contraception. Options such as hormonal birth control, IUDs, or other long-term methods can provide more consistent protection against pregnancy compared to condoms alone.

In conclusion, while the risk of pregnancy exists in your scenario, taking emergency contraception was a responsible choice. Monitoring your cycle and considering more reliable contraceptive methods in the future can help you manage your reproductive health more effectively. If you have further concerns or questions, consulting with a healthcare provider can provide personalized guidance based on your specific situation.

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