What to Do If a Condom Breaks?

Introduction

A condom has a variety of purposes, that is, acting as a method to prevent pregnancy and an important shield in preventing the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). But people get confused and do not know what to do when a condom accidentally slides off or breaks during sexual intercourse. Such events are infrequent, but there is a chance that they might occur, and knowing about this is essential because when a person is in such a situation, they should know what should be done next to avoid unwanted pregnancies.

What to Do If a Condom Breaks?

Assess the Situation: During sex, when the condom ruptures, try to remain calm and stop the intercourse immediately by carefully withdrawing the partner's penis. Then look for the broken condom, whether it is still on the partner's penis or it has disappeared inside the vagina. Look for when the condom broke, whether before or after ejaculation. Depending on when the condom has broken, different precautions have to be taken. When the condom has broken before ejaculation, immediately stop the sexual intercourse and dispose of the condom. In such situations, the partner should immediately expel the semen. If the condom breaks after ejaculation, then a significant amount of seminal fluids will have already entered the vagina or rectum. Then, consider the risk of unplanned pregnancy or STDs (sexually transmitted diseases). When a person is at risk, take additional precautions to prevent these outcomes. For women, semen is expelled from the vagina by pushing the vaginal muscles. It is recommended for both men and women who have anal sex to sit down on a toilet bowl and discharge semen by simply bearing it down.

Preventing Pregnancy: Immediate Steps to Be Taken. Go straight to the bathroom and do the following steps to prevent pregnancy.

• Get seated over the toilet and exert force to push down the vaginal muscles to expel any lingering ejaculation.

• Sit on the toilet and apply force to urinate. This does not wash out the semen from the vaginal canal, but it helps to remove anything present outside the vagina.

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  Emergency Contraceptive Pills (ECP) - Safety and Indications

• Take a bath or use lukewarm water to splash the genitals gently. This also helps to wash away any lingering ejaculation.

Emergency Contraception: When there is a fear of getting pregnant, take emergency contraceptives to prevent pregnancy. Emergency contraceptives (EC) are available for women suspecting pregnancy as a result of condom breakage. Among them, morning-after pills are quite effective.

When a person is using contraceptive pills, they may want to consider using emergency contraception (EC) which includes a copper intrauterine device (IUD) or hormonal EC pills.

• Copper Intrauterine Devices (IUDs) - It is usually placed by the doctor. Copper intrauterine devices are more than 99 % effective at preventing pregnancy for up to 10 years.

• Emergency Contraception (EC) Pills - Emergency contraception (EC) is effective when used within 24 hours of semen exposure, and it is 95 % effective when it is used within 5 days of intercourse. It delivers a high dose of hormones, to stop ovulation, reduce the chances of fertilization, and prevent the fertilized egg from implantation. Ask the doctor which emergency contraception (EC) pill is right for the person.

• Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI): When the partner is unfamiliar with STI (sexually transmitted infection) status, consider getting tested. When a person thinks that they or their partner are at risk of contracting HIV, immediately head to an HIV clinic. Explain to the doctor or nurse what happened so that they can start a treatment to prevent HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infection called post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). It is a 28-day course of antiretroviral medication that prevents HIV from infecting the body. After that, the person needs to take an HIV test to ensure that the medication has worked. Post-exposure prophylaxis is only effective within 72 hours of exposure to HIV. But it will work effectively the earlier they begin treatment.

How to Prevent Condom Breakage?

If a person has come across condom breakage, it is important to look for what might have led to condom failure. This will reduce the risk of future unwanted pregnancies or infections.

Size of the Condom:

• If a person has a condom tear or break, it may be a sign of a small-sized condom. Look for the size and get the next size to get a better fit.

• When the condom has slipped off during intercourse, then the condom may be too large for the penis.

• Look for the next small size such that the condom should not move freely and fit snuggly.

• The best way to find the perfect fit is to try different sizes until a person finds the best which fits well like a glove. Once they find one they like, buy it, and keep stock for future engagements.

Condom Usage:

• Avoid using oil-based lubrication because the chemicals in the lubricant can weaken the latex material and can cause the condom to break. Instead, look for water-based lubricants or silicone-based lubes.

• Do use lube and apply a little lube to the penis before placing the condom to make it more comfortable. When more lube is applied, the condom may slip or move.

• Do not keep old stocks, as condoms that are too old are more likely to break. So, check for the expiration date, and use a fresh box of condoms at all times.

• Do not wear two condoms at one time because it may cause a tear. People think an extra condom may reduce sensitivity or last longer, but it can lead to discomfort, causing both condoms to tear.

Storage of Condoms:

• Keep the condoms away from cold, heat, and light because they may weaken the material and increase the risk of breakage. The friction between the wallet and the glove box makes condoms ineffective. Do not open the condom packages with sharp objects like knives, teeth, or scissors because a tiny nick on the surface of the condom can leak bodily fluids. Make sure to store condoms in a cool, dry place.

Conclusion

Condom breakage is a stress-inducing accident. To prevent condoms from breaking, always practice the proper usage of condoms, and make sure that the condom is not expired, and the condom is of appropriate size.