Pregnancy Chances After Protected Intercourse: Your Concerns Addressed

Probability of Pregnancy

A few months ago, my menstrual periods were on August 23 and September 24.
On October 9, I had sexual intercourse with my boyfriend for the first time (both of us were inexperienced).
We used a condom throughout the process, and due to pain, he did not fully penetrate.
He did not ejaculate during the encounter.
Afterward, I rinsed to check if the condom had broken; I only rinsed the first third and confirmed it was intact, but I did not rinse the remaining two-thirds.
My period has not arrived this month, and I took a pregnancy test on October 22, which showed one line.
This morning, October 25, I used first-morning urine for another test, which also showed one line.
Is there still a possibility of pregnancy? I am very anxious and wondering if my stress could be causing a delay in my period.
Thank you, doctor.

Nìmíng, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/12/02

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, based on your description, there is a possibility of pregnancy, as the failure rate of correctly using condoms is still around 5%.
As long as there are active sperm present in the vagina during the ovulation period, there is a chance of pregnancy regardless of the method of exposure, and it cannot be estimated by a few drops or whether there is a hole.
Generally, it is not recommended to rely solely on condoms for contraception.
There are many factors that can affect the menstrual cycle, so if your period does not arrive, it is advisable to consult a gynecologist to check for pregnancy, hormonal imbalances, or other reasons.
Thank you! Wishing you peace and health, Dr.
Zhang.

Reply Date: 2023/12/02

More Info

When it comes to assessing the risk of pregnancy after protected intercourse, especially during a woman's fertile window, it's important to consider several factors, including the timing of the menstrual cycle, the effectiveness of the contraceptive method used, and individual physiological responses.

In your case, you mentioned that you had your last menstrual periods on August 23 and September 24, and then engaged in sexual intercourse on October 9. Since you used a condom throughout the encounter, this significantly reduces the likelihood of pregnancy. Condoms are generally effective at preventing pregnancy when used correctly, with a failure rate of about 2% with perfect use and about 18% with typical use. Given that both you and your boyfriend were cautious and that he did not ejaculate, the chances of sperm entering the vagina are minimal.

You also mentioned that you checked the condom for any breaks after the encounter. While you only checked part of the condom, if there was no visible damage and it was used correctly, the risk of pregnancy remains low. However, it's important to note that even with condom use, there is still a very small chance of pregnancy due to pre-ejaculate fluid, which can contain sperm.

Regarding your menstrual cycle, if your periods are typically regular, a delay in your expected menstruation can indeed be concerning. Stress and anxiety can affect your menstrual cycle, potentially causing it to be late. This phenomenon is known as "stress-induced amenorrhea." If you are feeling particularly anxious about the possibility of pregnancy, this could contribute to your cycle being delayed.

You mentioned that you took a pregnancy test on October 22 and again on October 25, both of which returned negative results (one line). Home pregnancy tests are generally reliable when taken after a missed period, but they can sometimes yield false negatives if taken too early. Since your period is late, and you have taken two tests that both indicate negative results, it is unlikely that you are pregnant. However, if your period does not arrive soon, it may be worthwhile to consult a healthcare provider for further evaluation.

In summary, based on the information provided, the likelihood of pregnancy appears to be low due to the use of a condom, the absence of ejaculation, and the negative pregnancy tests. However, if you continue to experience anxiety about the situation or if your period does not arrive, seeking medical advice would be a prudent step. A healthcare professional can provide further guidance and may suggest a blood test for pregnancy, which is more sensitive than home tests. Additionally, they can help address any concerns regarding your menstrual cycle and overall reproductive health.

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