Pregnancy Risks
Question
Hello, I was wondering if you could please give me your opinion with my situation. I was having intercourse, and I was using a condom with spermicidal lubricant. In addition, I had applied KY Plus lubricant with nonoxynol-9 onto the condom. During intercourse, the condom made a popping sound- I am assuming it burst due to air that was not squeezed out. We immediately applied more KY Plus, and then continued intercourse with a new condom and KY Plus on it as well. I was worried about whether pre-ejaculate had entered her, and about the risk of pregnancy taking in all the preventive factors. If it is any help , this incident occurred about 9 days after the first day of her period. I would greatly appreciate your help, and your opinion.
Answer
Last Updated: June 9, 2013
If the condom did indeed burst, you and your partner are at risk for pregnancy. If your partner has normal length, regular cycles, the timing could be near or at the most fertile time in her cycle. The spermicide nonoxynol-9 is only about 80% effective in preventing pregnancy if used in copious amounts before intercourse. There are no perfect family planning methods, and you are ALWAYS at some risk for pregnancy with intercourse. High dose birth control pills (emergency “contraception”) are sometimes prescribed in your situation, but these also do not always prevent pregnancy. We do not recommend them because they may at times prevent the implantation of a fertilized egg in the uterus – a very early abortion. If your partner misses her period and you are distressed about the possibility of pregnancy, I would recommend going to the nearest Crisis Pregnancy Center for a pregnancy test and counseling. You can call the national crisis pregnancy hotline at 1-888-4 OPTIONS.
This might be a time to rethink your relationship and behavior. Pregnancy is a life-changing event, and you can hurt yourself and others around you if you risk an unintended pregnancy outside of a committed relationship (like marriage!).
Dr. Mary Davenport
This might be a time to rethink your relationship and behavior. Pregnancy is a life-changing event, and you can hurt yourself and others around you if you risk an unintended pregnancy outside of a committed relationship (like marriage!).
Dr. Mary Davenport
Answered By:
Mary Davenport, MD, MS
Mary Davenport, MD, FACOG, an obstetrician/gynecologist from the Oakland Region of California, offers telehealth services over MyCatholicDoctor.com She graduated from Tufts University School of Medicine and completed her residency at UC San Diego. Dr. Davenport is a Fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and serves on the Advisory Board of the California Association of Natural Family Planning.
