Could I Be Pregnant? Risks After Safe Sex Practices

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.
Could 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 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 does not come next month, is there a possibility that she could be pregnant?

Ww, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/11/09

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, the failure rate of using condoms for contraception is over 5%, which makes it less reliable compared to other methods.
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: 2023/11/09

More Info

When it comes to the possibility of pregnancy after engaging in sexual intercourse, especially when using condoms, it's important to understand the mechanics of how pregnancy can occur and the effectiveness of contraceptive methods.

From your description, it sounds like you and your girlfriend engaged in sexual activity with proper condom use throughout the duration of intercourse. Condoms are a highly effective form of contraception when used correctly, with a typical use failure rate of about 13% per year, meaning that 87% of couples using condoms correctly will not experience an unintended pregnancy within a year. When used perfectly, the failure rate drops to about 2%.

You mentioned that you checked the condom after intercourse and found no leaks or breaks, which is a good sign. The presence of a white, sticky substance on your girlfriend's genital area could be a mix of your semen and her vaginal secretions. It's important to note that if the condom was intact and used correctly, the likelihood of pregnancy is significantly reduced.

However, if your girlfriend's menstrual cycle is irregular and she does not get her period next month, it could be due to various factors, including stress, hormonal changes, or other health issues, in addition to the possibility of pregnancy. If she misses her period, the best course of action would be for her to take a home pregnancy test. These tests are quite accurate when taken after a missed period, as they measure the hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) that is produced during pregnancy.

In the event that she does not want to wait for her period to confirm pregnancy, she can take a test about two weeks after the sexual encounter, as this is generally when the hormone levels would be detectable if pregnancy has occurred. If the test is positive, it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider for further guidance and options.

Additionally, it’s worth mentioning that while condoms are effective at preventing pregnancy, they also provide protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) when used correctly. If there are any concerns about STIs, it may be wise for both partners to get tested, especially if there have been multiple sexual partners.

In summary, based on your description, the chances of pregnancy are low if the condom was used correctly and remained intact. However, if your girlfriend's period is late, taking a pregnancy test is the best way to confirm or rule out pregnancy. Regular check-ups and open communication about sexual health between partners are essential for maintaining overall reproductive health.

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