Missed Period: Is Pregnancy Still Possible After Safe Sex?

Missed menstruation?

On April 29, I had sexual intercourse with a condom on the first day of my menstrual cycle, which started on April 9.
Afterward, I checked the condom for any leaks and found it intact.
As of May 21, my period has not arrived, and pregnancy tests have shown only one line.
Is there still a possibility of pregnancy in this situation? Thank you.

Zeng, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/05/21

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, it seems you are not pregnant.
Wait another week, and if your period still hasn't arrived, it is advisable to see a gynecologist.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2023/05/21

More Info

When it comes to the possibility of pregnancy after engaging in sexual intercourse with a condom, the situation can be quite nuanced. Based on the information you've provided, it appears that you had protected sex on April 29, and the condom was intact after the encounter. Since your period was due on May 21 and you have taken a pregnancy test that showed a negative result (one line), the likelihood of pregnancy is very low.

Condoms, when used correctly, are highly effective at preventing both pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The effectiveness of condoms is around 98% with perfect use, which means 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, results in about 15% of women experiencing an unintended pregnancy within a year.

In your case, since you have confirmed that the condom did not break during intercourse, and you have not experienced any other signs of pregnancy (such as nausea, breast tenderness, or unusual fatigue), it is reasonable to conclude that the risk of pregnancy is minimal. The negative pregnancy test further supports this conclusion.
It's also important to consider the timing of your menstrual cycle. If your cycle is typically regular, missing your period could be attributed to various factors such as stress, hormonal imbalances, or changes in routine. Stress, in particular, can significantly affect your menstrual cycle, leading to delays or missed periods.
If you are still concerned about the possibility of pregnancy, it is advisable to wait a few days and take another pregnancy test, especially if your period does not arrive. Home pregnancy tests are most accurate when taken after a missed period, as they measure the hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), which is produced during pregnancy. If you take a test too early, it may not detect the hormone yet, leading to a false negative.

In addition, if your period remains absent after taking another test, or if you experience any unusual symptoms, it would be wise to consult with a healthcare provider. They can offer further testing and guidance to determine the cause of your missed period and address any other concerns you may have.

In summary, given that you used a condom correctly and it was intact after intercourse, along with a negative pregnancy test, the chances of pregnancy are very low. However, if your period does not arrive soon, consider retesting or seeking medical advice for peace of mind and to rule out any other underlying issues.

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