Are Condoms Completely Effective When Used Correctly?
As a 17-year-old female, I recently engaged in sexual intercourse, ensuring we used a condom that remained intact throughout. However, I've missed my second period, which is unusual for me as I typically have a regular cycle. Along with this, I am experiencing significant stomach discomfort and constant nausea. I find myself seeking reassurance that pregnancy is unlikely given the proper use of the condom during intercourse.
Answers (1)
7/8/2025, 8:01:30 PM
OpenHealth AI
Using condoms correctly is one of the most effective methods of preventing pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). However, no contraceptive method is 100% effective. When used perfectly, condoms have a failure rate of about 2%, but typical use, which includes errors, can raise this rate to about 18%.
Given your situation, it’s understandable to feel worried about the possibility of pregnancy, especially since you have missed your period and are experiencing stomach discomfort and nausea. These symptoms can be associated with pregnancy, but they can also be due to other factors such as hormonal changes, stress, or gastrointestinal issues.
Next Steps:
-
Take a Pregnancy Test: Since you have missed two periods, I recommend taking an over-the-counter pregnancy test. These tests are most accurate when taken after a missed period. Follow the instructions carefully for the best results.
-
Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep track of any additional symptoms you may experience, such as breast tenderness, increased urination, or fatigue. This will help you understand what's happening in your body.
-
Manage Discomfort: For stomach discomfort and nausea, consider home remedies like ginger tea or mint, which can help alleviate nausea. Staying hydrated is also important.
-
Consider Stress Management: If you’re feeling anxious about the situation, take time for self-care. Engage in activities you enjoy, practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation, and talk to someone you trust about your concerns.
-
Review Condom Use: If you’re curious about the effectiveness of condoms or want to enhance your contraceptive method, consider researching additional contraceptive methods to use alongside condoms for increased protection.
If you do take a pregnancy test and it results positive or if your symptoms persist, consider reaching out for further information to help you decide your next steps. Remember, it's okay to feel concerned, and you’re not alone in this experience.
Related Questions
Painless Hard Lump Under Chin: Seeking Guidance
I'm an 18-year-old male experiencing something concerning. I've discovered a firm, immovable lump under the chin, roughly the size of my fingertip. It's situated near the base of my chin, so close to the bone that it's hard to distinguish where the bone ends and the lump begins. This recent finding has left me feeling extremely scared and anxious. The thought that it could be something serious, like cancer, terrifies me. I'm on the verge of breaking down into tears from worry. To add to my anxiety, I've been struggling with the possibility of having blood in my stool for the past few months. I've already undergone several tests, including an ultrasound, a calprotectin test, and a fecal occult blood test, and I'm set to have a colonoscopy scheduled for August. My current fear is that I might have metastatic cancer! There have been small instances of bright red blood appearing about once a week. Despite the ultrasound showing no abnormalities and the calprotectin test returning normal, I still fear the worst. Given my age, it seems unlikely that cancer could have progressed to such an advanced stage so quickly, right? It can't go from unnoticeable to life-threatening within mere months, especially since I haven’t experienced any other symptoms. I truly need support; my anxiety is overwhelming right now.
Concerns Over Heartbeat and Health Issues
Greetings! I’m currently waiting to see a cardiologist, but I’m uncertain about how urgent my situation is. I was born with a heart murmur, although in recent years, medical professionals have indicated that they no longer detect one. I also suffer from severe rheumatoid arthritis, which is managed considerably well with medication. Despite ongoing discomfort, I can maintain a relatively normal life. My treatment includes 50mg of Enbrel weekly and 20mg of Leflunomide daily. Previously, I was on Methotrexate and Humira for over a decade, switching to my current medication regimen about two years ago. I use ibuprofen as needed and have intermittently taken prednisone since 2012. Additionally, I am living with epilepsy and currently take 600mg of Lamictal every night. My dosage has been adjusted upwards over the past decade, but my tonic-clonic seizures occur infrequently and are effectively controlled with medication. I also grapple with mental health issues, for which I take 60mg of Buspirone and 2mg of Rexulti daily. Recently, I’ve noticed a breathy sound coming from my heartbeat, particularly when I’m lying down or bending. This noise sometimes disrupts my sleep. Interestingly, I also hear a similar sound when I exert myself during bowel movements. Apologies for the odd detail, but I wanted to provide a complete picture! 😂 Last year, I experienced a health crisis involving seizures, which led to a hospital stay. Due to medication interactions, I suffered a significant decline in kidney function to just 10% and developed sepsis. I might have a cyst in my brain, which is another aspect that my new neurologist will evaluate. To add to my concerns, my resting heart rate usually stays in the 90s but occasionally exceeds 100 beats per minute. I've observed that engaging in physical activity quickly leads to fatigue, prompting me to sit down. My smartwatch indicates that my heart rate spikes to 115 and above, even when I’m at rest, leaving me feeling incredibly drained and unwell. I would appreciate any insights or advice you can provide. I hope to receive approval for my appointment soon, as I’m quite worried about these symptoms. Thank you for your help!
Concerns about a Sore Spot on My Pinky Finger
I am a 32-year-old female currently taking Verapamil at a dosage of 120mg. I've been on this medication for nearly two weeks, using it to manage persistent headaches and a sensation of lightheadedness that has been ongoing since May 31. Recently, doctors discovered a pseudoaneurysm measuring 3 to 4 mm in my neck artery. Now, I am uneasy about a sore area on my pinky finger, which feels tender despite my not having done anything that could have caused an injury. Should this be a cause for concern?
Unexpected Clear Discharge After Treatment
Recently, I experienced a rather unsettling situation. Upon waking, I noticed a white discharge from my penis, and when I went to urinate, a large amount of clear fluid emerged at the end of the stream. Concerned, I promptly sought medical attention and was tested for gonorrhea and chlamydia. I was prescribed ceftriaxone along with doxycycline, but to my surprise, the test results came back negative. Since the discharge had ceased, I hoped that the medication had effectively addressed an underlying issue. However, after a few days, I encountered the same problem again when I went to urinate; clear fluid reappeared. Now, I am four days into my doxycycline treatment and still confused about what is occurring. Could anyone provide insight or similar experiences? I'm trying to understand what this might indicate about my health.
Potential Carcinogens in Food Preparation
A 36-year-old Caucasian man, standing 6'3" and weighing 215 pounds, who is currently taking gabapentin and is a non-smoker, raises a concern after a recent kitchen experiment. While attempting to create nut butter using a blender, he encountered an unexpected issue. The process seemed to be progressing well initially, but upon sampling several spoonfuls of his creation, he noticed smoke emanating from the central area of the appliance. After inspecting the blender, he confirmed that the smoke was originating from the food compartment, accompanied by a subtle taste reminiscent of ozone. Despite only consuming the top layer of the mixture, he is now worried about whether this experience has heightened his risk of developing cancer. How serious is this potential exposure?