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What Do I Do If the Condom Breaks?

A broken or slipped condom can be stressful, but calm down, sis. Panic isn’t required. The immediate goal is to minimize pregnancy risk and STI exposure, and to take appropriate steps to protect your health going forward. This guide walks you through what to do immediately, how to consider pregnancy risk and emergency contraception, STI considerations, and practical plans to prevent future problems.
Immediate steps if a condom breaks or slips off
  • Stop and assess calmly. Do not continue sex without protection if you want to reduce risk.
  • Remove and replace if you’re continuing. If the condom breaks, discard it and put on a new condom correctly before resuming sex. Use a new condom rather than trying to salvage the broken one.
  • Check the anatomy and timing. If semen contacts the vulva, vagina, or rectum, there is a potential pregnancy risk and STI exposure risk.
  • Don’t rely on “withdrawal” after a break. If you’re trying to continue, you’ll still have been exposed unless you stop and re-protect with a new condom and any other measures you choose.
  • Avoid douching. It does not reliably prevent pregnancy or infections and can irritate tissues.
  • Manage lubrication and comfort. If dryness contributed to the break, switch to a water-based lubricant with the new condom (oil-based lubricants can degrade latex).
Assessing pregnancy risk and emergency contraception options
  • Pregnancy risk depends on timing in the menstrual cycle and whether semen contacts the vagina or vulva. The fastest way to prevent pregnancy after a break is to use emergency contraception (EC) if you’re within the allowed time window and it’s appropriate for you.
     
  • Emergency contraception options (timing and general notes)
    • Copper IUD: Can be inserted by a clinician up to 5 days after unprotected sex (or as soon as possible if ovulation timing is unknown). It is the most effective EC method and can provide ongoing contraception.
    • Ulipristal acetate (Ella): Available by prescription in many regions; effective up to 5 days (120 hours) after unprotected sex and tends to be more effective than levonorgestrel pills, especially later in the window. Do not use if pregnant; pregnancy must be ruled out first.
    • Levonorgestrel pills (Plan B One-Step, etc.): Over-the-counter in many places; most effective within 24 hours, with decreasing effectiveness up to 72 hours. Less effective for people with higher body weight, and it does not work if you’re already pregnant.
       
  • Quick action tips
    • If you’re within 5 days of the exposure and EC is accessible, consider your options and choose the one that fits your situation. A copper IUD is the most effective but requires a clinic visit. Pills are more accessible but vary in effectiveness based on timing and BMI.
    • If you’re uncertain about pregnancy risk or EC eligibility, contact a healthcare provider or a sexual health clinic promptly for guidance.
Emergency contraception: key points
  • Effectiveness varies by method and timing. Copper IUD >99% effectiveness as EC; Ulipristal acetate is more effective than levonorgestrel pills as you move further from the exposure time, but all are more effective the sooner you act.
  • Pregnancy cannot be determined by a single test right after EC; a pregnancy test is typically advised if your period is delayed by more than a week or two.
  • EC does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). If you may have been exposed to an STI, seek testing and consider STI precautions.
STI considerations and post-exposure steps
  • HIV exposure and PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis)
    • If you had unprotected sex with a partner who could be HIV-positive or if there was high-risk exposure, HIV PEP may be recommended. PEP must be started as soon as possible, ideally within 2 to 72 hours of exposure, and continued for 28 days. It reduces the risk of acquiring HIV but is not 100% protective and must be prescribed and monitored by a clinician.
    • If you think you may need PEP, seek urgent medical care or contact a sexual health clinic right away.
       
  • Other STIs
    • There isn’t a standard “post-exposure prophylaxis” for most STIs besides HIV. If exposure is possible, get tested and consider preventative measures and early treatment if symptoms arise.
    • Common tests after a potential exposure include HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and hepatitis B/C, depending on risk. Testing timelines typically include an initial baseline test and follow-ups (often at 4–6 weeks and 3 months for HIV; others as recommended by your clinician).
What to do next: practical steps and timing
  • Pregnancy testing
    • If your period is late or you have other signs of pregnancy, take a home pregnancy test after you miss your period, or see a clinician for a test.
    • If you used EC, follow the product’s instructions and consult a clinician if you have questions about pregnancy testing timelines afterward.
       
  • STI testing and follow-up
    • Schedule a visit or visit a sexual health clinic for baseline testing after exposure and for any follow-up testing per local guidelines.
    • If you develop symptoms (discharge, burning, sores, unusual vaginal bleeding), seek care promptly.
       
  • Contraception planning to prevent future breaks
    • Consider consistent use of condoms with appropriate lubrication, correct sizing, and checking expiration dates and storage conditions.
    • If you want reliable ongoing contraception, discuss options with your clinician: hormonal methods, long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) like IUDs or implants, or dual protection (condoms plus another method) to minimize both pregnancy and STI risks.
    • If you’ve had multiple condom breaks or slips, a clinician can help you troubleshoot sizing, technique, and alternative methods.
Red flags and when to seek urgent care
  • Heavy or very painful bleeding, fever, severe abdominal pain, or signs of a serious infection.
  • Signs of possible acute HIV exposure or other high-risk exposures where an urgent PEP decision is needed.
  • Pregnancy risk with uncertain exposure or if you have risk factors for pregnancy complications.
  • Severe allergic reaction to latex or lubricants (swelling of lips or tongue, hives, trouble breathing).
  • Any concerns about a possible STI that requires urgent evaluation or treatment.
Safe practices to prevent future condom failures
  • Select the right condom material and size, and use lubricants that are compatible with the material (water-based or silicone-based lubricants are recommended for latex condoms; avoid oil-based lubricants).
     
  • Check the expiration date and store condoms away from heat and sharp objects; avoid tearing the packaging with fingernails or teeth when opening.
     
  • Use a new condom if you start a fresh session after a break or if you resume sex later.
     
  • Consider additional barriers or a backup method if you or your partner has frequent condom breakage.
     
  • If you’re at higher risk for HIV or other STIs, discuss PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) with a clinician as a longer-term prevention option.
Bottom line
  • A broken condom doesn’t have to lead to panic. Immediate steps focus on stopping exposure, replacing with a new condom if continuing, and addressing pregnancy risk and STI concerns as needed.
     
  • Emergency contraception options are time-sensitive but highly effective when used correctly; the copper IUD is the most effective EC method, but it requires a clinical visit.
     
  • HIV PEP is a targeted option after high-risk exposure and must be started promptly; testing and follow-up care are essential for STI prevention and overall sexual health.
     
  • Plan to reduce future breaks by using correct condom use, choosing appropriate lubrication, and considering more reliable contraception if needed.
 
 
Researched by Dorcas Michael
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