Pregnancy Risks: Unprotected Sex and Withdrawal Method

Withdrawal method?

I would like to ask the doctor.
My girlfriend experienced noticeable abdominal discomfort in the morning on November 26, which is likely related to ovulation.
We had unprotected intercourse the next day around 4:30 PM, but I pulled out before ejaculation.
What is the likelihood of pregnancy in this situation? Could you provide an estimate of the probability? Thank you, doctor.

De, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/11/28

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, if you did not use complete contraception, it is recommended to take emergency contraception as a precaution.
It should be taken within 48 hours to be effective.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2022/11/28

More Info

When it comes to understanding the risks of pregnancy, especially in the context of unprotected sex and the withdrawal method, it’s essential to consider several factors that influence the likelihood of conception. In your case, you mentioned that your girlfriend experienced noticeable abdominal discomfort on November 26, which could indicate ovulation. You then engaged in sexual intercourse without a condom but attempted to use the withdrawal method before ejaculation.

Firstly, it's important to note that the withdrawal method, also known as "pulling out," is not a reliable form of contraception. While it may reduce the risk of pregnancy compared to unprotected intercourse, it is not foolproof. Pre-ejaculate fluid (pre-cum) can contain sperm, and if any sperm is released before withdrawal, there is a possibility of pregnancy. Studies suggest that the failure rate of the withdrawal method can be as high as 22% with typical use, meaning that about 22 out of 100 women may become pregnant within a year of using this method alone.

Given that your girlfriend was likely ovulating at the time of intercourse, the risk of pregnancy is significantly higher. Ovulation typically occurs about 14 days before the start of the next menstrual period, and the egg is viable for fertilization for about 12 to 24 hours after ovulation. Sperm can live inside the female reproductive tract for up to five days, which means that if sperm are present during ovulation, the chances of conception increase.

To assess the likelihood of pregnancy in your situation, consider the following points:
1. Timing of Intercourse: Since you had intercourse on the day after your girlfriend experienced ovulation symptoms, the timing aligns with a higher risk of pregnancy.

2. Withdrawal Method: If there was any pre-ejaculate fluid released before withdrawal, this could also contribute to the risk of pregnancy.

3. Menstrual Cycle Regularity: If your girlfriend has a regular menstrual cycle, it may help in predicting ovulation more accurately. However, irregular cycles can complicate this.

4. Post-Intercourse Actions: If your girlfriend is concerned about the possibility of pregnancy, she may consider taking an emergency contraceptive pill (ECP) if it is within the appropriate time frame (typically within 72 to 120 hours after unprotected intercourse, depending on the type of ECP).

5. Pregnancy Testing: If her next period is late, it would be advisable for her to take a home pregnancy test or consult a healthcare provider for further evaluation.

In conclusion, while the withdrawal method can reduce the risk of pregnancy, it is not a reliable form of contraception, especially during the fertile window of the menstrual cycle. If you are looking to prevent pregnancy effectively, consider using more reliable contraceptive methods, such as condoms or hormonal birth control. Additionally, open communication with your partner about contraception and family planning is crucial for making informed decisions together. If there are any concerns about potential pregnancy, seeking medical advice promptly is recommended.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Pregnancy Risks After Unprotected Intercourse: Key Insights

The patient had her menstrual period on January 8 and had unprotected intercourse on January 11. Although her partner withdrew before ejaculation, there was still some accidental spillage outside. She would like to know the likelihood of pregnancy in this situation, considering t...

Dr. Huang Zifei reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Dear Xiang, Withdrawal is not an effective method of contraception, so there is still a chance of pregnancy. If you are concerned about pregnancy, please take emergency contraception within 72 hours; the later you take it, the less effective it will be. If your period is delaye...

Pregnancy Risk of Unprotected Withdrawal During Fertile Period

Hello doctor, my girlfriend's last menstrual period was from April 26 to April 30, and we had sexual intercourse on May 7. We used condoms for the first three times, and I also withdrew before ejaculation. However, we then had three instances of unprotected intercourse, but ...

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, if no safety measures were taken, it is recommended to take emergency contraception just in case. Wishing you good health.

Understanding Pregnancy Risks: Is It Safe to Have Unprotected Sex?

Hello, doctor. My menstrual periods were on July 22, August 22, and September 26, with a duration of 7 days. On October 13, I had unprotected intercourse with my boyfriend, and he withdrew before ejaculation. After resting for a while, we engaged in a second act of unprotected in...

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
The menstrual periods were on July 22, August 22, and September 26, with a duration of 7 days. On October 13, after engaging in unprotected intercourse with withdrawal and cleaning up, a second unprotected intercourse occurred with withdrawal. Is this considered a risky period? A...

Can You Get Pregnant from Unprotected Sex and Withdrawal Method?

I previously had unprotected intercourse with my boyfriend, and he ejaculated outside. Recently, I've been feeling unwell and am worried about the possibility of pregnancy, especially since my menstrual cycle has been irregular. My last period was from October 2 to October 8...

Dr. Lü Lizheng reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
If your period is late, there is a possibility of pregnancy, so please take a pregnancy test. In early pregnancy, you may consider taking the medication RU486, but you must first consult a doctor to confirm that it is an intrauterine pregnancy and that the gestational age is less...