Can I Get Pregnant? Risks After Unprotected Sex

Can I get pregnant?

I would like to ask the doctor, I have irregular menstruation and I had sexual intercourse with my boyfriend.
After oral sex, he put on a condom but it was on inside out for about 2 minutes.
He quickly changed it and put it on correctly before penetration, and he pulled out before ejaculation.
I also rushed to take a shower afterward.
Is there a chance I could be pregnant? Please help, doctor.

Niming, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/02/14

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, the failure rate of using condoms for contraception is over 5%, which is less reliable compared to other methods.
Therefore, it is recommended to check for pregnancy if your menstrual period is more than a week late.
Thank you! Wishing you peace and health.
Dr.
Zhang

Reply Date: 2023/02/14

More Info

When it comes to the possibility of pregnancy after engaging in sexual activity, especially when there are concerns about the use of condoms and the timing of intercourse in relation to your menstrual cycle, it is essential to understand a few key factors.

Firstly, it is important to note that pregnancy can occur if sperm comes into contact with the vaginal canal, even if ejaculation does not happen inside the vagina. In your case, you mentioned that your boyfriend wore a condom, but there was a brief moment when it was put on incorrectly. If the condom was properly used afterward and there was no ejaculation inside the vagina, the risk of pregnancy is significantly reduced. However, it is crucial to consider that pre-ejaculate fluid (pre-cum) can contain sperm, and if there was any contact with this fluid before the condom was correctly applied, there is a potential risk of pregnancy.

Your menstrual cycle also plays a vital role in determining the likelihood of pregnancy. If your cycle is irregular, it can be challenging to predict ovulation accurately. Ovulation typically occurs about 14 days before the start of your next period, but this can vary widely, especially in individuals with irregular cycles. If you had sexual intercourse close to your ovulation period, the chances of pregnancy would be higher. Conversely, if you were not near ovulation, the risk would be lower.

In your situation, since you mentioned that you quickly showered after the encounter, it is worth noting that washing the genital area does not prevent pregnancy if sperm has already entered the vaginal canal. Sperm can swim quickly and may reach the egg even if you attempt to wash it away.

If you are concerned about the possibility of pregnancy, the best course of action is to wait until your next expected period. If your period is late by a week or more, it would be advisable to take a home pregnancy test for confirmation. These tests are most accurate when taken after a missed period, as they measure the hormone hCG, which is produced during pregnancy.

In addition to pregnancy concerns, it is also important to consider sexually transmitted infections (STIs). If there was any uncertainty about the condom's integrity or if there was any exposure to bodily fluids, it may be wise to consult a healthcare provider about STI testing.

In summary, while the risk of pregnancy in your described scenario appears to be low, it is not entirely absent. Monitoring your menstrual cycle and taking a pregnancy test if your period is late will provide you with clarity. If you have ongoing concerns about contraception and sexual health, discussing these with a healthcare provider can help you make informed decisions moving forward.

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At the beginning, we used condoms, but after a long time without reaching climax, we took it off and went for a final push (about 2 to 3 minutes). When ejaculation was about to occur, I pulled out immediately. Is there a chance of getting pregnant?

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