Family Planning Plus

Pregnancy is highly unlikely as long as there was no penis-vagina contact without a condom and as long as the condom was intact when he withdrew. However, condoms are not 100% effective even when used perfectly.  If you are a week or more late for your period, take a pregnancy test, just in case the red/brown discharge you experienced was implantation bleeding. If it is negative, repeat the test every two weeks until you have a normal period or a positive test result.

However, spotting can be caused by a number of different things. It may have been ovulation spotting. About 10% of menstruating women regularly spot at the time of ovulation due to a temporary drop in estrogen at the time the ovary releases an egg. Certain vaginal infections can also cause some spotting (especially if the spotting is accompanied by a foul odor. The spotting may also mean that you may be getting your period. If the bleeding intensifies and your period is not due or if you notice other symptoms, contact your regular medical care provider for an appointment. If you don’t have a regular provider and you live near one of our offices, please call us for an appointment. If you live further away, contact the Family Planning or Planned Parenthood office closest to you.

Condoms work best when they are used correctly and consistently. Here are some tips for correct condom use.

• Always check the expiration date to be sure it is not expired prior to use.
• Condoms should be stored at room temperature in a sharps free environment.
• Never use an oil-based lubricant with a latex condom. If you need additional lubricant, use a water-based type like KY Jelly or Astroglide.
• Pinch the tip of the condom between the thumb and forefinger while rolling it onto the erect penis to ensure that there is no air pocket in the tip of the condom.
• Smooth out the sides of the condom once it has been rolled on to ensure there are no air pockets in the sides of the condom.
• Hold onto the rim or base of the condom while removing the penis from the vagina to prevent it from slipping off inside the vagina during removal.
• Do not have any penis-vagina contact without a condom.

You and your partner may want to consider a hormonal method of birth control since they are a little more effective. You can discuss this with your regular medical provider.