Could I Be Pregnant? Risks After Safe Sex Practices

Is it possible to get pregnant this way?

Hello, doctor.
Today, on November 5th, I had sexual intercourse with my girlfriend (we used a condom correctly throughout).
It lasted about 30 minutes, and when I ejaculated, I pulled out and finished outside.
However, at the end, I noticed a lot of white, sticky substance on the outside of my girlfriend's genital area.
Could that be mine or hers? After we finished, I went to the bathroom to check the condom for any breaks.
I wiped with tissue and squeezed the condom a few times, and there were no leaks.
After checking, I washed my hands several times and then touched my girlfriend a couple more times, each time for no more than 10 minutes (with some penetration).
My girlfriend's menstrual cycle has been irregular, and her last period was around the end of last month.
If her period doesn't come next month, is there a possibility that she could be pregnant?

Ww, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/11/06

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, the failure rate of contraception using condoms 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: 2023/11/06

More Info

When it comes to the possibility of pregnancy after engaging in sexual intercourse, understanding the risks involved, especially when using condoms, is crucial. Based on your description, it seems that you and your girlfriend practiced safe sex by using a condom throughout the entire duration of intercourse, which is a significant factor in preventing both pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Condoms are generally considered to be a reliable method of contraception when used correctly. The typical failure rate for condoms is about 2% with perfect use, meaning that only 2 out of 100 couples will experience an unintended pregnancy in a year when using condoms consistently and correctly. However, with typical use, which accounts for human error, the failure rate can be as high as 18%. This means that while condoms are effective, they are not infallible.

In your case, since you mentioned that you checked the condom after use and found no leaks or breaks, the likelihood of pregnancy is significantly reduced. The white, sticky substance you observed on your girlfriend's genital area could be semen, which is expected after ejaculation. However, since you withdrew before ejaculation and used a condom, the risk of sperm entering her vagina is minimal.

It's also important to note that if your girlfriend's menstrual cycle is irregular, it can be challenging to predict when her next period will occur. Stress, changes in routine, and other factors can also affect menstrual cycles. If her period is late, it could be due to a variety of reasons, including stress or hormonal changes, not just pregnancy.

If your girlfriend does miss her period, the best course of action would be for her to take a home pregnancy test. These tests are generally accurate when taken after a missed period, as they detect the hormone hCG, which is produced during pregnancy. If the test is positive, she should consult a healthcare provider for further evaluation and guidance.

In summary, based on your description of the events, the risk of pregnancy appears to be low due to the proper use of a condom. However, if there are concerns about a missed period or potential pregnancy, taking a home pregnancy test is advisable. It's also a good practice to maintain open communication with your partner about sexual health and contraception to ensure both parties feel secure and informed.

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