Can You Get Pregnant After Safe Sex? the Risks

Is it possible to get pregnant this way?

Hello doctor, today on 11/5 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.
Can you tell me if that is 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 was no leakage.
After checking, I washed my hands several times and then touched my girlfriend again twice, each time for no more than 10 minutes (with some penetration).
My girlfriend's menstrual cycle has been irregular lately, 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: 2023/11/08

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, the failure rate of condoms as a contraceptive method is over 5%, which makes it less reliable compared to other methods.
Therefore, if your menstrual period is more than a week late, it is advisable to check for pregnancy.
Thank you! Wishing you safety and health.
Dr.
Chang

Reply Date: 2023/11/08

More Info

When it comes to the risk of pregnancy after engaging in sexual intercourse, even when using a condom, it is essential to understand the nuances of safe sex practices and the potential for failure. Based on your description, you and your girlfriend engaged in sexual activity for about 30 minutes while using a condom correctly, and you withdrew before ejaculation. This is a crucial step in reducing the risk of pregnancy, but let's delve deeper into the factors at play.

Firstly, condoms are a highly effective form of contraception when used correctly. The typical failure rate of condoms is about 2% with perfect use, meaning that only 2 out of 100 couples using condoms as their only form of birth control will experience an unintended pregnancy in a year. However, with typical use, which accounts for human error, the failure rate can rise to about 18%. This means that while condoms are effective, they are not foolproof.

In your case, you mentioned that you checked the condom after intercourse and found no leaks or tears, which is a good sign. The presence of a white, sticky substance on your girlfriend's genital area could be semen, vaginal secretions, or a combination of both. If you withdrew before ejaculation and the condom remained intact, the likelihood of pregnancy is significantly reduced. However, it is important to note that pre-ejaculate fluid (pre-cum) can contain sperm, albeit in much smaller quantities. If any sperm were present in the pre-ejaculate and came into contact with the vaginal area, there is a slight risk of pregnancy.

Regarding your girlfriend's menstrual cycle, if she has irregular periods, it can be challenging to predict ovulation and, consequently, the risk of pregnancy. If her period is late, it would be wise for her to take a home pregnancy test. These tests are generally accurate if taken after a missed period. If she is concerned about the possibility of pregnancy, she should consult a healthcare provider for further evaluation and guidance.

In summary, while the risk of pregnancy after using a condom correctly and withdrawing before ejaculation is low, it is not zero. Factors such as the integrity of the condom, the timing of intercourse in relation to her menstrual cycle, and the presence of pre-ejaculate fluid can all influence the risk. If your girlfriend's period is late, taking a pregnancy test would be the most straightforward way to address any concerns. Additionally, if you both are looking for more reliable contraception methods, consider discussing options with a healthcare provider to find a method that suits both of your needs.

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