Could I Be Pregnant? Symptoms and Condom Effectiveness

Is it possible to be pregnant?

Hello Doctor, my menstrual period in September was from September 1 to September 8.
I had sexual intercourse on September 10, 11, and 25, all with condoms, and they did not break.
I also had intercourse on October 1 and 2, again with condoms that did not break.
My period started from October 3 to October 9.
On October 11, I noticed some blood in my discharge after using the restroom, but it stopped afterward.
During those days, I also experienced some itching in my intimate area.
I went for a consultation and was diagnosed with bacterial vaginosis.
I would like to ask if the presence of blood is normal in this situation.
Even though I used condoms throughout, I am still worried that it could be implantation bleeding.
Additionally, I would like to inquire about the effectiveness rate of condoms for contraception, as I have seen varying statistics online.

Yi, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/10/14

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, your period started on October 3rd, so you should not be pregnant.
For now, just monitor your situation.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2022/10/14

More Info

When it comes to the possibility of pregnancy, understanding the symptoms and the effectiveness of contraception methods, such as condoms, is crucial. Based on your description, it seems you have been using condoms consistently during sexual intercourse, which is a reliable method of contraception when used correctly. The effectiveness of condoms is generally reported to be around 98% when used perfectly, meaning that only about 2 out of 100 women will become pregnant in a year of using condoms as their only form of birth control. However, typical use, which accounts for human error, brings this effectiveness down to about 85%. This means that while condoms are a highly effective form of birth control, there is still a small chance of pregnancy.

Regarding your symptoms, the presence of a small amount of blood in your discharge could be concerning, especially since you mentioned experiencing itching and being diagnosed with bacterial vaginosis. It is essential to differentiate between normal physiological changes and potential signs of pregnancy or other health issues. Implantation bleeding, which can occur when a fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining, is typically light and short-lived. However, given that you have been using condoms correctly, the likelihood of this being implantation bleeding is low.

The itching you are experiencing could be related to the bacterial vaginosis diagnosis. This condition is caused by an imbalance of bacteria in the vagina and can lead to symptoms such as unusual discharge, odor, and irritation. It is important to follow your healthcare provider's recommendations for treatment, as untreated bacterial vaginosis can lead to further complications, including an increased risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and complications during pregnancy if you were to become pregnant.

If you are concerned about the possibility of pregnancy, the best course of action is to take a home pregnancy test. These tests are most accurate when taken after a missed period. If your period is late or if you continue to experience unusual symptoms, consult your healthcare provider for further evaluation. They may recommend a blood test for pregnancy, which is more sensitive than a urine test and can provide definitive results.

In summary, while the use of condoms significantly reduces the risk of pregnancy, no method is 100% effective. The symptoms you are experiencing, including the slight bleeding and itching, should be discussed with your healthcare provider, who can provide a thorough evaluation and appropriate treatment. If you have any further concerns or if your symptoms persist, do not hesitate to seek medical advice. Your health and peace of mind are paramount, and addressing these issues promptly can help ensure your well-being.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Menstrual Irregularities and Pregnancy Risks

Hello, if you had intercourse with your boyfriend during the fertile window using a condom, and there was no ejaculation inside the condom, and the condom was checked and found to be intact, the likelihood of pregnancy is low. However, it is important to note that no contraceptiv...

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Using a condom during the fertile period without ejaculation and confirming that the condom is intact significantly reduces the risk of pregnancy. Therefore, the likelihood of becoming pregnant in this scenario is low. Currently, if you are experiencing premenstrual symptoms (suc...

Pregnant? Understanding Symptoms and Concerns After Safe Sex

On October 10, I used a condom throughout the entire sexual intercourse, and after finishing, I checked the condom in water and found no holes. On October 26, my menstrual period started, but the flow was lighter than usual. On November 1, I began to feel bloated and nauseous, wi...

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. Additionally, early pregnancy may not present specific symptoms, and subjective symptoms cannot be used to make a judgment. It is...

Understanding Pregnancy Chances After Protected Intercourse

On March 1st, I had sexual intercourse with my girlfriend using a condom. Recently, she has been experiencing some premenstrual symptoms. However, after we finished, I noticed some fluid that I couldn't tell if it was her vaginal discharge or my semen. I didn't fully wi...

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, based on your description, there is a possibility of pregnancy, as the failure rate of correctly using condoms is still around 5%. Generally, it is not recommended to rely solely on condoms for contraception. Additionally, pregnancy cannot be determined by subjective sympt...

Could I Be Pregnant? Understanding Symptoms and Risks After Intercourse

On June 23, I noticed a clear, protein-like discharge that seemed quite sticky. Starting on June 27, my breasts became very swollen and sensitive, and my nipples have been constantly erect and painful to touch. I would like to ask, since I had sexual intercourse on June 27, what ...

Dr. Dong Yuhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello: Women of childbearing age have a higher chance of pregnancy if no contraception is used. When using condoms for contraception, it is important to use them correctly to achieve the desired contraceptive effect. It is recommended to seek obstetric and gynecological care if t...