Can You Get Pregnant from Withdrawal Method After Your Period?

Ejaculation outside the body

Hello Doctor: My period started on October 29th and lasted for a week, which is on schedule.
I had unprotected external ejaculation in the early morning of November 18th.
I would like to ask if there is a possibility of pregnancy in this situation?

Miss Hsieh, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/11/19

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, you should not be pregnant.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2023/11/19

More Info

The withdrawal method, also known as coitus interruptus, is a form of contraception where the male partner withdraws his penis from the vagina before ejaculation to prevent sperm from entering the female reproductive tract. While this method can reduce the risk of pregnancy, it is not foolproof and carries a significant risk of failure.

In your case, you mentioned that your menstrual period started on October 29 and lasted for a week, which means it likely ended around November 5. You had unprotected intercourse with withdrawal on November 18. To assess the risk of pregnancy, it is important to consider the timing of ovulation in relation to your menstrual cycle.

Typically, ovulation occurs about 14 days before the start of your next menstrual period. If you have a regular cycle of about 28 days, ovulation would likely occur around day 14 of your cycle, which would be around November 12 in your case. Since you had intercourse on November 18, this would be a few days after your estimated ovulation date. Sperm can live inside the female reproductive tract for up to five days, so if you ovulated later than expected, there is a possibility that sperm could still be viable when the egg is released.

However, if your cycle is longer or irregular, the timing of ovulation could vary, which could affect the likelihood of pregnancy. The withdrawal method is also not entirely reliable because pre-ejaculate fluid (pre-cum) can contain sperm, which means that even if the male partner withdraws before ejaculation, there is still a risk of pregnancy.

In summary, while the withdrawal method can reduce the risk of pregnancy, it is not a guaranteed method of contraception. Given the timing of your menstrual cycle and the intercourse date, there is a possibility of pregnancy, especially if ovulation occurred later than expected. If you are concerned about the possibility of pregnancy, consider taking a home pregnancy test if your next period is late or consult with a healthcare provider for further guidance.

In terms of preparing for pregnancy, if you are planning to conceive, it is advisable to stop using any contraceptive methods and to start taking prenatal vitamins that contain folic acid, which is essential for fetal development. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, can help improve your chances of a healthy pregnancy.

If you have any further questions or concerns about your reproductive health or pregnancy planning, it is always best to consult with a healthcare professional who can provide personalized advice based on your specific situation.

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Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
The menstrual period started on February 19 and ended around February 23. Intercourse without protection with withdrawal on February 27. What is the likelihood of pregnancy in this situation? Answer: The likelihood of pregnancy is low.

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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.

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

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Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, you need to wait. Generally, a pregnancy test should be taken at least 12 days after conception for accurate results. If your period is more than a week late, it is advisable to see a gynecologist. Wishing you good health.