Can You Get Pregnant If a Condom Breaks During Withdrawal?

Condom breakage?

I got my period on June 12 (Monday), and after having intercourse with my boyfriend on the 16th, I discovered that the condom had broken.
However, he withdrew before ejaculation.
At that moment, I didn't think much of it, and I also rinsed with water.
The next day, I had a little bit of bleeding again.
Is there a chance I could be pregnant?

Zhang Jie, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/06/21

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, it should be safe during this period and you are unlikely to get pregnant.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2023/06/21

More Info

When it comes to the concern of potential pregnancy after a condom breaks during withdrawal, it’s important to understand a few key points about how pregnancy occurs and the effectiveness of condoms as a contraceptive method.

Firstly, pregnancy can occur if sperm comes into contact with the vaginal canal, which can happen even if ejaculation occurs outside the vagina. This is because pre-ejaculatory fluid, or pre-cum, can contain sperm. If the condom broke during withdrawal, there is a possibility that some sperm could have entered the vaginal canal, leading to the risk of pregnancy.

In your case, since you mentioned that you noticed the condom broke after withdrawal and that ejaculation occurred outside, the risk of pregnancy is lower compared to if ejaculation had occurred while the condom was still inside. However, the presence of pre-ejaculatory fluid still poses a risk, albeit a smaller one.

You also noted that you experienced a slight menstrual bleed the following day. This could indicate that your menstrual cycle is continuing as expected, but it is not a definitive sign that you are not pregnant. Some women may experience light bleeding or spotting even if they are pregnant, especially in the early stages.
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, but some can detect pregnancy as early as a few days before a missed period. If you take the test and it is positive, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare provider for further guidance.

In terms of contraceptive effectiveness, condoms are generally considered to be about 85% effective with typical use, meaning that there is still a chance of pregnancy even when used correctly. To enhance protection against unintended pregnancies, many couples choose to use additional contraceptive methods, such as hormonal birth control, alongside condoms.

If you find yourself in a situation where a condom breaks in the future, emergency contraception (EC) is an option to consider. EC pills can be taken within a certain timeframe after unprotected intercourse to help prevent pregnancy. The sooner they are taken, the more effective they are, so it’s important to act quickly if you feel you are at risk of pregnancy.

In summary, while the risk of pregnancy after a condom breaks during withdrawal is lower if ejaculation occurs outside, it is not entirely eliminated due to the potential presence of sperm in pre-ejaculatory fluid. If you have concerns about pregnancy, taking a home pregnancy test and consulting with a healthcare provider can provide clarity and guidance on your next steps.

Similar Q&A

Can You Get Pregnant If You Pull Out with a Condom On?

If you put on a condom before engaging in sexual activity and withdrew before ejaculation, while ensuring that you did not come into contact with the semen, the risk of pregnancy is significantly reduced. However, it's important to note that no contraceptive method is 100% e...

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, you should not be pregnant. Wishing you good health.

Can You Get Pregnant If a Condom Breaks During Ovulation?

Hello, the day the condom broke was the first day of the fertile window, with five days remaining until the expected ovulation day. The condom broke in half, and the front end came into direct contact. I only realized it after withdrawal, but ejaculation occurred outside. Is ther...

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, I have already responded to your question earlier. Wishing you good health.

Can You Get Pregnant After Using Condoms and Withdrawal?

If your girlfriend had her period just 1 to 2 days prior and you used a condom throughout intercourse, withdrawing before ejaculation, and checked the condom for any holes afterward, the likelihood of pregnancy is very low. However, no contraceptive method is 100% effective, so t...

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, based on your description, there is a possibility of pregnancy, as the failure rate of condoms, even with correct usage, is still around 5%. It is generally not recommended to rely solely on condoms for contraception. I suggest that if your period is more than a week late,...

Contraceptive Failure: What Are the Chances of Pregnancy After a Broken Condom?

Today, during sexual intercourse with my boyfriend, I discovered that the condom broke when he pulled out. However, I had already told him to withdraw before ejaculation. It was only during withdrawal that we realized the condom was broken. I took a dose of emergency contraceptio...

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Today, during sexual intercourse with my boyfriend, I discovered that the condom broke when he pulled out. However, I had already told him to withdraw before ejaculation. It was only during withdrawal that we realized the condom was broken. I took a dose of emergency contraceptio...