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Is Pregnancy Possible Despite Taking A Contraceptive Pill?

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Posted on Sat, 10 Sep 2016
Question: Me and my girlfriend had unprotected sex last Friday night she is not on birth control but I did use withdrawal knowing how ineffective that method really is. So I bought her Plan B Within 45 minutes after intercourse. She started her period that Saturday morning we had sex that night but I used a condom. But Sunday night we had unprotected sex still using with drawl and her being on her period. Monday night once again we had unprotected sex using with drawl and her being on her period still. The reason I did not buy Plan B Sunday night or Monday night is because I thought it was close to impossible for a woman to get pregnant while being on her period due to shedding of the lining of the uterus. So my question is what is our risk of pregnancy? She is still on her period.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Nishikant Shrotri (31 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Practically, no possibility of pregnancy

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXX,

Let me clarify all your queries one by one.

1. Withdrawal method is one of the most ineffective method of contraception for the following reasons. Before the withdrawal of penis , penis always releases prejaculatory secretions (precum) before ejaculation. Precum release is not sensed by either of the partners. Precum does contain some sperms which are capable of causing pregnancy. Moreover, most of the time, timing of the withdrawal gets little delayed causing leaking of some semen into the vagina. This small amount of semen is sufficient to fertilize the egg.

2. After first sexual intercourse on Friday, though you withdrew your penis (?) before ejaculation, you did take right step in giving her Plan B post coital emergency contraceptive pills. These pills are very effective when consumed within 72 hours (ideally within 24 hours) of unprotected sex. She has consumed the pills within 45 minutes of unprotected sex. So she carries practically no risk of pregnancy due to this intercourse.

3. In fact if she had her menses on Saturday, you had this intercourse just one day before the menses. On this day, egg is not present to get fertilized. So there is no possibility of pregnancy due to this intercourse even without Plan B protection.

4. Subsequent repeated intercourses you had on Saturday, Sunday and Monday carry no risk of pregnancy since they were during her menses. During menses, the egg is never present to get fertilized. Hence, even without condom you would not have impregnated her. At this juncture, let me explain you the ovulation (egg release) Physiology. Woman releases her egg only once every cycle. This happens 14 days prior to the next expected menses. The egg has a life of 24 hours while the sperms are active for 72 hours. Therefore a period of about one week around the day of ovulation is Fertile Period and the remaining days of menstrual cycle are considered as safe period. (However, 'Safe Period' is very unsafe method of contraception.) Therefore all your intercourses around and during menstruation cannot cause pregnancy.

Now let me make you aware of the fact that sexual intercourse during menstruation is never safe;, rather is very risky for the Genital Health of a woman. Blood is very good medium for organisms to grow. Hence, there is great risk of infection due to intercourse during menstruation. Moreover, intercourse during menstruation carries risk of development of cancer of the genital organs in future to women.

I hope considering these facts, hence forward, you will curb your libido during the menstruation of your sexual partner.

I am sure, this information will clarify all your queries and you will not hesitate in posting a good review with 5 starts rating for me. For any more information, I am always available for you, XXXXX.

Dr. Nishikant Shrotri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Nishikant Shrotri (43 minutes later)
Yes i withdrew my penis on friday. Thank you for your information, its all been very helpful and reassuring. We want to get her on the best birth control available so we dont have to worry about pregnancy until were ready. But without the hassle of a pill what are your suggestions?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Nishikant Shrotri (27 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
A good decision

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXX,

I do appreciate your concern for your partner's health.

Yes, regular birth control pills would be best option for her to prevent pregnancy; the other two being condom and intrauterine device.

Please chose the birth control pills only by a Gynaecologists help.

There are three types of birth control pills: Oestrogen dominant, balanced and Progesterone dominant. Depending upon the hormonal control of the woman, the pull has to be chosen lest the risk of menstrual problems. Phenotype and menstrual pattern can suggest the hormonal balance of the woman.

I hope you will take the appropriate steps to take care of your partner.

For any more information, please feel free to contact me on this forum anytime, XXXXX.

Dr. Nishikant Shrotri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
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Answered by
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Dr. Nishikant Shrotri

OBGYN

Practicing since :1968

Answered : 2916 Questions

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Is Pregnancy Possible Despite Taking A Contraceptive Pill?

Brief Answer: Practically, no possibility of pregnancy Detailed Answer: Dear XXXXX, Let me clarify all your queries one by one. 1. Withdrawal method is one of the most ineffective method of contraception for the following reasons. Before the withdrawal of penis , penis always releases prejaculatory secretions (precum) before ejaculation. Precum release is not sensed by either of the partners. Precum does contain some sperms which are capable of causing pregnancy. Moreover, most of the time, timing of the withdrawal gets little delayed causing leaking of some semen into the vagina. This small amount of semen is sufficient to fertilize the egg. 2. After first sexual intercourse on Friday, though you withdrew your penis (?) before ejaculation, you did take right step in giving her Plan B post coital emergency contraceptive pills. These pills are very effective when consumed within 72 hours (ideally within 24 hours) of unprotected sex. She has consumed the pills within 45 minutes of unprotected sex. So she carries practically no risk of pregnancy due to this intercourse. 3. In fact if she had her menses on Saturday, you had this intercourse just one day before the menses. On this day, egg is not present to get fertilized. So there is no possibility of pregnancy due to this intercourse even without Plan B protection. 4. Subsequent repeated intercourses you had on Saturday, Sunday and Monday carry no risk of pregnancy since they were during her menses. During menses, the egg is never present to get fertilized. Hence, even without condom you would not have impregnated her. At this juncture, let me explain you the ovulation (egg release) Physiology. Woman releases her egg only once every cycle. This happens 14 days prior to the next expected menses. The egg has a life of 24 hours while the sperms are active for 72 hours. Therefore a period of about one week around the day of ovulation is Fertile Period and the remaining days of menstrual cycle are considered as safe period. (However, 'Safe Period' is very unsafe method of contraception.) Therefore all your intercourses around and during menstruation cannot cause pregnancy. Now let me make you aware of the fact that sexual intercourse during menstruation is never safe;, rather is very risky for the Genital Health of a woman. Blood is very good medium for organisms to grow. Hence, there is great risk of infection due to intercourse during menstruation. Moreover, intercourse during menstruation carries risk of development of cancer of the genital organs in future to women. I hope considering these facts, hence forward, you will curb your libido during the menstruation of your sexual partner. I am sure, this information will clarify all your queries and you will not hesitate in posting a good review with 5 starts rating for me. For any more information, I am always available for you, XXXXX. Dr. Nishikant Shrotri