If your condom broke during sex, this can be anxiety-inducing for many couples.
Most couples notice that the condom is broken only after sex, which can make them concerned about pregnancy risk or sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Here is some information to help you decide what to do if a condom breaks.
Can a Condom Break Inside the Vagina?
Yes, a condom can break inside the vagina. This can cause the semen to spill out and enter the cervix and uterus.
The breaking of the condom in the vagina can also allow for direct contact between the penis and vagina. This can increase the chances of the transmission of sexually transmitted infection from the infected partner to the other.
How Do You Know if a Condom Has Split?
You can know if a condom has split or broken when you see a tear or rip in it after pulling out or when it is taken off the penis.
Sometimes, the condom breaks totally and bunches up around the base of the penis in the form of a ring. But, sometimes, the tear may not be easily visible.
If you notice semen leaking out of the condom, it is likely broken.
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What To Do If The Condom Breaks
If you notice that the condom is broken after sex, do not worry. Here’s what you can do in such a situation to avoid the possible undesirable outcomes.
1) Assess the situation
If you realize that the condom you are using is broken, stop what you are doing and withdraw from your partner’s body. Then, you can decide what you need to do next.
If there is no ejaculation yet, you can remove the broken condom and roll on a new one to continue enjoying sex.
If there is ejaculate in the broken condom, follow these steps immediately to lower the chances of unwanted pregnancy:
- Head straight to the bathroom and bear down with your vaginal muscles while you are seated on the toilet. This will help push out any ejaculate lingering in your vagina.
- Force yourself to pee while you are sitting on the toilet. This may not wash out semen from your vaginal canal but will help remove any ejaculate left on the outside of the vagina.
- Hop in the shower. You can also gently splash your genitals with lukewarm water. This will help wash away any lingering ejaculation.
2) Emergency contraception
If you are not using any other form of birth control, such as oral contraceptive pills, you can take the emergency contraceptive pill to avoid unplanned pregnancy.
However, remember that emergency contraception is more effective when used within 24 hours of unprotected sex, including the breaking of a condom during intercourse.
But, it can still be used within 5 days of unprotected sex, although its effectiveness would be comparatively lower.
Keep in mind that plan B does not work during ovulation.
Emergency contraceptive pills deliver high doses of hormones to stop ovulation and reduce the chances of fertilization.
These pills also prevent the implantation of a fertilized egg in the uterus, which lowers your chances of an unwanted pregnancy after a condom breakage.
3) Take a pregnancy test
It is good to take a pregnancy test if you notice the condom broke during sex. For more reliable results, wait until 2 days after your missed period to take a urine pregnancy test at home.
If you observe a positive result on a pregnancy test, consulting with a healthcare professional for confirmation is recommended.
4) Check for STI transmission
Breaking of a condom during sex can put you at risk of STIs (sexually transmitted infections).
You can get yourself tested for STIs 2 to 4 weeks after exposure. Meanwhile, you should watch out for the symptoms of STIs such as:
- Rash
- Fever
- Pain during intercourse
- Unusual discharge
- Blisters
- Itching
- Burning during urination
However, remember that most STIs do not cause any symptoms, especially during the initial few days to weeks of exposure.
This is why testing for STIs is important after you have had unprotected sex, including when a condom breaks during sex. You may repeat the test after 2 or 4 weeks to confirm the results.
To avoid sexually transmitted infections such as HIV, you can consider post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).
It is the only preventive medication that can reduce your risk of contracting HIV. It is advisable to start PEP within 72 hours of suspected exposure.
In addition, you should avoid douching or scrubbing your genitals and anal area using harsh soaps when a condom breaks during sex. This will not help you avoid the transmission of STIs.
On the contrary, these products may cause inflammation and increase your risk of infections. They might also push the ejaculate higher into the vagina, thus increasing your chances of getting pregnant.
What To Do If a Condom is Stuck Inside You?
Removing the condom yourself
If a condom is stuck inside you, you can remove it by inserting your finger in the vagina. The vaginal canal is 10 to 12 centimeters long, so you can reach the condom and remove it.
Take the following steps:
- Wash your hands
- File or clip your nails so that there are no sharp edges
- Insert one or two fingers inside your vagina
- You can make a hook-like motion with your fingers to grab and pull the condom out.
Avoid the following
Reaching and pulling the condom out should be done only with clean fingers to avoid infections. Also, you should avoid putting tweezers, scissors, eyelash curlers, or any sharp object in the vagina for pulling out a condom.
Putting anything sharp inside could result in scraping or bruising of the delicate skin of the vagina, in addition to increasing the risk of infection further.
Having your partner remove the condom for you
You can also ask your partner to help you remove the condom. Getting into the seated missionary position is the most convenient way to give easier access to your partner to reach the vagina.
They can then use two clean and well-lubricated fingers to hook the condom and pull it out.
What to do if you can’t remove the condom at home
If the condom still does not come out, do not panic. You can visit a gynecologist to get it removed.
It is generally okay to wait one or two hours before you can get it removed by your doctor. However, avoid waiting for too long, as it could increase your risk of vaginal infections.
Why Do Condoms Burst?
A condom can burst for a number of reasons, such as:
- Ripping a condom with your fingernails or teeth accidentally while opening the wrapper.
- Storing the condoms in a hot place, like the bathroom or a glove compartment.
- Not following the right method of putting on condoms
- Not buying the right size condom.
- Using the same condom more than once.
- Using oil-based lubricants.
- High duration or intensity of penetration.
- Using a condom that is past its expiration date.
Frequently Asked Questions About Broken Condoms
The average rate of a condom breaking is approximately 1 to 12%. Storing your condom in a cool and dry place and avoiding the use of expired condoms can reduce the chances considerably.
Condoms do not usually rip easily. They may rip or tear accidentally when using teeth or fingernails to open the wrap. Exposure to heat, sun, and some chemicals can also weaken condoms, making them likely to break and rip.
Yes, it is possible for a condom to fail without you knowing. That is why it is important to check the condom after sex.
You can also consider switching to a fresh condom if you have been having sex for longer than 30 minutes.
The chances of getting an STI when a condom breaks during sex are nearly the same if you were not wearing it at all.
The breaking of a condom during sex allows for the direct contact between the vagina, penis, and sexual fluid of partners. Unprotected contact with sexual fluids can increase the chances of getting STDs such as HIV, chlamydia, syphilis, and gonorrhea.
The chances of getting pregnant when a condom breaks during sex are nearly the same if you were not wearing it at all. Even the tiniest hole in the condom is enough for sperm-filled semen to enter the vagina and fertilize an egg.
So, if you want to avoid pregnancy, consider using emergency contraception.
Pregnancy and STIs can occur when a condom breaks before ejaculation. The chances of getting pregnant are comparatively higher if you are not using other birth control measures, such as oral contraceptive pills.
Conclusion
- If your condom broke during sex, this can cause anxiety in couples. It can cause them to worry about unwanted pregnancy and STIs.
- If you notice the condom has broken, follow the steps we discussed.
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