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 the risk of pregnancy taking in all the preventive factors. If it is any help the first day of her period was on 1/26/00 , and this incident occurred very late in the night on Friday 2/4/00. I would greatly appreciate your help, and your opinion.

Answer

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 feritle 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!).

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