Risk of Pregnancy After Condom Failure on Ovulation Day

Condom rupture during ovulation day?

Thank you, Doctor, for taking the time to answer my questions.
My girlfriend and I had sexual intercourse around 1 AM on April 1st, and we used a condom throughout the process.
However, when I pulled out to ejaculate, I discovered a large hole at the tip of the condom, and all the semen leaked out.
I am unsure if any pre-ejaculate fluid was released inside her.
Later that evening at 7:30 PM, she visited a gynecologist and took emergency contraception.
Her last menstrual period was from March 21 to March 28, and the app predicts her ovulation date to be April 4.
I would like to ask the doctor about the likelihood of pregnancy in this situation.
Thank you.

Liu Xiansheng, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2024/04/02

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, based on your description, there is a possibility of pregnancy, although the probability cannot be calculated.
Additionally, the failure rate of using condoms for contraception is over 5%.
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.
Chang

Reply Date: 2024/04/02

More Info

The situation you described involves a condom failure during a time that is very close to your girlfriend's estimated ovulation day, which can indeed raise concerns about the risk of pregnancy. To address your question, let's break down the factors involved and provide some insights into the likelihood of conception under these circumstances.

First, it's important to understand the timing of ovulation in relation to the menstrual cycle. Ovulation typically occurs about 14 days before the start of the next menstrual period. In your girlfriend's case, if her last menstrual period started on March 21 and lasted until March 28, her estimated ovulation day would be around April 4, based on a typical 28-day cycle. Engaging in sexual intercourse on April 1, just a few days before ovulation, places you within a high-risk window for potential conception. Sperm can survive in the female reproductive tract for up to five days, which means that if sperm were present at the time of ovulation, there is a possibility of fertilization.

Now, regarding the condom failure: if the condom had a significant tear, as you mentioned, this could lead to the exposure of pre-ejaculatory fluid (pre-cum) and potentially ejaculate, both of which can contain sperm. The fact that you discovered the tear only after ejaculation raises the concern that sperm may have entered the vagina, increasing the risk of pregnancy.

You took a proactive step by seeking medical advice and administering emergency contraception (the "morning-after pill") shortly after the incident. Emergency contraception is most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse, ideally within 72 hours, but it can be effective up to 5 days after. The effectiveness of these pills can vary, but they generally reduce the risk of pregnancy by 75-89% when taken within the recommended time frame.
Given that you took the emergency contraception on the same day as the incident, this significantly lowers the chances of pregnancy, but it does not eliminate the risk entirely. The effectiveness can be influenced by various factors, including where your girlfriend is in her cycle and how soon after the incident the pill was taken.

In summary, while there is a risk of pregnancy due to the timing of the intercourse relative to ovulation and the condom failure, taking emergency contraception promptly is a critical step in reducing that risk. It is also advisable for your girlfriend to monitor for any signs of pregnancy, such as missed periods or unusual symptoms, and to take a pregnancy test if her period is late.

In the future, to minimize the risk of similar situations, consider using additional forms of contraception or ensuring that condoms are checked for integrity before use. Communication with your partner about contraceptive methods and planning can also help in making informed decisions regarding sexual health.

If you have further concerns or questions, it would be beneficial to consult with a healthcare provider who can offer personalized advice based on your girlfriend's health history and current situation.

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