Pregnancy Risk of Unprotected Withdrawal During Fertile Period - Obstetrics and Gynecology

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When considering the risk of pregnancy from unprotected withdrawal during the fertile period, it is essential to understand the timing of ovulation and the effectiveness of the withdrawal method. The fertile window typically occurs around the time of ovulation, which is usually about 14 days before the start of the next menstrual period. For a woman with a regular menstrual cycle, ovulation generally occurs about 12 to 16 days after the first day of her last menstrual period.

In your case, your girlfriend's last menstrual period was from April 26 to April 30. Assuming she has a typical 28-day cycle, ovulation would likely occur around May 10 to May 14. Engaging in unprotected intercourse during this time significantly increases the risk of pregnancy, especially if withdrawal is not performed perfectly.

The withdrawal method, also known as coitus interruptus, involves the male partner withdrawing the penis from the vagina before ejaculation to prevent sperm from entering the female reproductive tract. While this method can reduce the risk of pregnancy, it is not foolproof. Pre-ejaculatory 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% per year with typical use, primarily due to improper timing or failure to withdraw in time.

In your situation, you mentioned that you had three instances of unprotected intercourse after the initial protected encounters, but you withdrew before ejaculation. While this reduces the risk of pregnancy compared to unprotected ejaculation, it does not eliminate it entirely. The likelihood of pregnancy depends on several factors, including the timing of your girlfriend's ovulation, the presence of viable sperm in pre-ejaculatory fluid, and the overall fertility of both partners.

If your girlfriend's ovulation occurred shortly after your last sexual encounter, the risk of pregnancy would be higher. Conversely, if ovulation occurred before your unprotected intercourse, the risk would be lower. However, without precise tracking of her ovulation, it is difficult to determine the exact risk.

If there is concern about potential pregnancy, it is advisable for your girlfriend to take a home pregnancy test if her period is late or if she experiences any early signs of pregnancy, such as nausea or breast tenderness. Additionally, if you are looking to avoid pregnancy in the future, consider discussing more reliable contraceptive methods with your healthcare provider, such as hormonal birth control, intrauterine devices (IUDs), or condoms.

In summary, while the withdrawal method can reduce the risk of pregnancy, it is not entirely reliable, especially during the fertile period. Given the timing of your sexual activity relative to your girlfriend's menstrual cycle, there is a possibility of pregnancy, and it would be wise to monitor for any signs of pregnancy or take a test if her period is delayed.