Is Pregnancy Still Possible After Safe Sex? Your Options - Obstetrics and Gynecology

Share to:

Is there still a possibility of becoming pregnant?


On June 2nd, I had intercourse with my girlfriend.
Before penetration, there was some rubbing at the entrance, but during the entire intercourse, I used a condom and withdrew before ejaculation.
Afterward, my girlfriend's period came on time, but it lasted about 12 days with a heavier flow, so she went to see a gynecologist.
The doctor performed an ultrasound and a urine test for ectopic pregnancy, both of which were normal.
Is there still a possibility of pregnancy? Is the urine test the same as a pregnancy test?

Niming, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/07/12

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology


Hello, a negative pregnancy test indicates that you are not pregnant.
You can just monitor your situation.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2023/07/12

More Info


When it comes to understanding the possibility of pregnancy after engaging in sexual activity, especially when precautions like condom use are taken, it's essential to consider several factors. Based on your description, you had sexual intercourse with your girlfriend on June 2nd, where you engaged in some foreplay and then used a condom throughout the intercourse, with ejaculation occurring outside of her body. Following this, your girlfriend experienced a menstrual period that was somewhat heavier than usual, lasting about 12 days, which prompted her to seek medical advice.

First and foremost, it's important to clarify that while condoms are a highly effective form of contraception, they are not infallible. The typical failure rate of condoms is around 2% with perfect use and about 18% with typical use, which means that while the chances of pregnancy are significantly reduced, they are not eliminated entirely. Factors such as improper use, breakage, or slippage of the condom can increase the risk of pregnancy. However, if the condom was used correctly throughout the entire sexual act, the likelihood of pregnancy is quite low.

Regarding the menstrual cycle, the fact that your girlfriend's period arrived on time is a positive sign. Menstrual bleeding typically indicates that pregnancy has not occurred, especially if the bleeding is consistent with her normal cycle. The heavier flow she experienced could be due to various factors, including hormonal fluctuations, stress, or other health-related issues, but it is not necessarily indicative of pregnancy.
You mentioned that your girlfriend underwent an ultrasound and urine pregnancy test, both of which returned normal results. A urine pregnancy test detects the hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), which is produced during pregnancy. If the test is negative and the ultrasound shows no signs of pregnancy, it is highly unlikely that she is pregnant. The urine test and the pregnancy test are indeed the same; they both serve to confirm or rule out pregnancy by detecting hCG levels.

In summary, given the use of a condom, the timely arrival of her menstrual period, and the negative results from both the ultrasound and urine test, the chances of your girlfriend being pregnant are extremely low. However, if there are any lingering concerns or if her menstrual cycle continues to be irregular or unusual, it would be wise for her to follow up with her healthcare provider for further evaluation.

In terms of understanding your options, if you and your girlfriend are looking to avoid pregnancy in the future, consider discussing additional contraceptive methods. Options include hormonal birth control pills, intrauterine devices (IUDs), or other barrier methods. It's also beneficial to have open conversations about sexual health and contraception with your partner to ensure both of you are comfortable and informed about your choices.

Lastly, if there are any concerns about sexual health or reproductive issues, seeking advice from a healthcare professional is always the best course of action. They can provide personalized guidance based on individual health needs and circumstances.

Similar Q&A

Can You Get Pregnant After Unprotected Sex? What to Know

If you had unprotected intercourse with your boyfriend initially and then engaged in protected sex after he ejaculated, there is still a risk of pregnancy from the first encounter. The likelihood of pregnancy depends on various factors, including the timing of your menstrual cycl...


Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, the chances of pregnancy should be low. Wishing you good health.

[Read More] Can You Get Pregnant After Unprotected Sex? What to Know


Can You Get Pregnant After Safe Sex? Understanding the Risks

I had sexual intercourse with my girlfriend yesterday, and we used a condom throughout the entire act. Afterward, I checked the condom by filling it with water, and it did not break. However, I stayed inside for about a minute after ejaculation, and I suspect some semen may have ...


Dr. Wu Xianghui reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
For pregnancy concerns, please perform a home pregnancy test or consult a specialist in obstetrics and gynecology for evaluation four weeks after sexual intercourse.

[Read More] Can You Get Pregnant After Safe Sex? Understanding the Risks


Can You Get Pregnant After Protected Sex? Understanding the Risks

On May 23, I had sexual intercourse with my girlfriend using a condom. Due to the atmosphere at the moment, I ejaculated twice, but later checked and found that the condom did not break and there was no leakage. My girlfriend also said she didn't feel anything. Is there a ch...


Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, the failure rate of correctly using condoms is still about 5%. It is recommended to consider emergency contraception as a backup. If your period is a week late, it is important to take a urine test to check for pregnancy. Thank you! Wishing you safety and health. Dr. Zhang

[Read More] Can You Get Pregnant After Protected Sex? Understanding the Risks


Can You Get Pregnant? Understanding Risks and Emergency Contraception

Engaging in unprotected intercourse during the fertile window carries a risk of pregnancy. If you had unprotected sex twice and then used a condom afterward, there is still a possibility of pregnancy from the first encounter, especially if sperm was present. Since you mentioned t...


Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Engaging in unprotected intercourse during the fertile window, even if followed by protected intercourse, carries a risk of pregnancy. The first instance of unprotected sex, even if sperm is wiped away afterward, can lead to pregnancy if viable sperm are present. Additionally, or...

[Read More] Can You Get Pregnant? Understanding Risks and Emergency Contraception


Related FAQ

Can I Get Pregnant?

(Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Safe Period

(Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Sexual Intercourse

(Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Pregnancy Likelihood

(Obstetrics and Gynecology)

High-Risk Pregnancy

(Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Post-Ectopic Pregnancy Surgery

(Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Can I Get Pregnant?

(Urology)

During Pregnancy

(Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Sperm

(Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Emergency Contraceptive Pill

(Obstetrics and Gynecology)