Family Planning Plus

Your buddy’s girlfriend is at fairly low risk for pregnancy since:

1) he used withdrawal. As long as he withdrew his penis prior to ejaculating, there is less likelihood that sperm may have entered her vagina. It is possible that some sperm may have entered the vagina from pre-seminal fluid (fluid that leaks out of the penis prior to ejaculation). When pre-seminal fluid travels through the urethra, it may pick up sperm that has been left in the urethra from a previous ejaculation. However, studies are inclusive as to whether or not these sperm might be capable of movement and fertilization. We have to rule on the side of caution and assume that they are. There is less likelihood of pre-seminal fluid containing sperm if the male urinates prior to sex. The urine may wash out the leftover sperm.

2) The girl was using the birth control pill. Granted, her pregnancy risk increased since she forgot two of her pills, but hopefully she made up her pills correctly. If she frequently misses pills, she may want to think about a method change to a type of birth control that does not require daily use.

3) The girl took the morning after pill within 24 hours of the unprotected sex. According to the Plan B manufacturer, seven women out of eight who would have normally become pregnant will prevent the pregnancy from occurring.

Of course, pregnancy is not impossible. He will have to wait it out to see if she gets her next period. He should be aware, however, that Plan B use can cause menstrual irregularities (usually this means early bleeding and spotting though). If she doesn’t get her next period, she should take a pregnancy test just to be sure. She should repeat the test every two weeks until she has a normal period or a positive test result.