There’s nothing worse than getting done having sex with your partner and realizing that your condom broke. This can put you at risk for both unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases (STIs).
Condoms break for many reasons. Here are some of the most common: Not enough lubrication. Condoms are supposed to be lubricated before use, but that lube can dry out over time.
1. You’re at risk of pregnancy
Condoms are an effective barrier method for pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Unfortunately, even if you take precautions, there’s always a chance that your condom will break. When this happens, there’s a risk of unintended pregnancy and exposure to STIs like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis. When a condom breaks, there’s a high risk of pregnancy and STI transmission, so it’s important to stop intercourse as soon as you notice it has broken. You should also use emergency contraceptives like Plan B or Ella to prevent pregnancy, and get tested for STIs as soon as possible.
Condom breakage occurs for a variety of reasons. Improper storage, lubrication issues, and size issues can increase the likelihood of breaking. You can lower your risk of breakage by storing your condoms in a cool, dry place and not using them beyond their expiration dates. You should also avoid putting an external condom on too tight or using oil-based lubricants, and be sure to leave a 1/2 inch gap at the tip of your penis for internal condoms.
If a condom breaks during oral, vaginal, or anal sex, the risk of pregnancy is much higher because of body-to-body contact with sexual fluids. If you have a sexual partner with whom you’re sharing anal sex, it’s especially important to switch to a new condom right away.
2. You’re at risk of STIs
Condoms help prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes and syphilis) by creating a physical barrier between you and your partner. They can also protect you from HIV if used correctly and consistently. However, they’re not a foolproof method of protection – and even when you do everything right, condoms can break.
There are many reasons why a condom may break, including common condom use errors (like using the wrong size or lubricant), oil-based lubricants, a lack of a good seal, or even just a little bit of wear and tear. If you find your condom has broken during sex, you should immediately stop the intercourse and withdraw from your partner. You should also start taking emergency contraceptives, such as Plan B One-Step, which is up to 95% effective when taken within 24 hours.
If the condom broke before ejaculation, there should be no risk of pregnancy (unless you’re an older woman who hasn’t gone through menopause). However, there is a risk of STIs when a condom breaks during oral or vaginal sex, since semen can enter the rectum or vagina and cause irritation and infection. If your condom broke during sex, you should try to expel any semen by squatting and pushing with the muscles of your anus or vagina. If you can’t get any out, then you should go to a clinic or health center and ask for PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) for STIs like herpes and gonorrhea.
3. You’re at risk of infection
Condoms protect against unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). When used correctly, condoms are up to 98% effective.
But even if you and your partner use a condom consistently, there’s still a risk of STIs when a condom breaks. That’s because there’s contact with body fluids without protection. And while many STIs don’t show any symptoms, they can lead to serious problems.
If a condom breaks during vaginal or anal sex, there’s a high risk of exposure to semen. To decrease that risk, you should immediately stop intercourse and withdraw the penis. Then look to see if the condom broke before or after ejaculation. If it broke before ejaculation, your partner should expel the semen and discard the condom.
If you’re not sure when a condom broke, it’s a good idea to get tested for STIs, like gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis. Because there’s a window of time when these STIs can be diagnosed, it’s best to be tested as soon as possible. It’s also a great idea to talk to your healthcare provider about post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) pills. These are pills that help reduce the risk of infection from HIV and other STIs. If you and your partner are at risk of HIV, your doctor may prescribe anti-HIV medication (also called PrEP) to reduce the chance of getting an HIV infection.
4. You’re at risk of a complication
There are a few things you can do to minimize your risk of pregnancy or STIs if your condom breaks during sex. For starters, always carry backup birth control with you (like birth control pills or an IUD). And make sure to store condoms away from heat, direct sunlight, and friction.
If you break a condom during sex and you’re not already pregnant, the best thing to do is get a pregnancy test right away. And since most STIs have a window of time in which they can be spread, it’s a good idea to also get tested for gonorrhea and chlamydia soon after your condom breaks.
Condoms can break due to a variety of reasons, including age, use, and poorly stored conditions. To prevent this, make sure to store your condoms in a cool, dark place away from light and friction. Also, avoid using latex condoms after the expiration date and never share them with other people.
And remember, you can buy over-the-counter morning after pills like Plan B or an intrauterine device (IUD) at most drugstores and health clinics. If you’re a teen, talk to your doctor or nurse practitioner about getting a prescription for PrEP — a medication that can protect you against HIV if you think you may have been exposed to it.