My condom broke, what now?
It is so cool that you used a condom! Unfortunately, it broke.
Just because it broke, does not mean that you should give up on condoms, there might have been some other factors that caused this.
Condoms are not indestructible, they can tear or rip. But if you use it and store them correctly, that can help reduce the chances of them breaking.
Condoms Safety Tips:
- Check the expiration date. Never use a condom that has expired!
- Keep them away from heat! The heat can dry out the condom and cause them to break.
- DO NOT use oils: lotions, Crisco, olive oil or anything else in your kitchen. Oil breaks the condom pretty quickly so avoid those at all costs! Use a water based lube instead.
- If there is a lot of friction, you can add more lube.
- Do not carry it in your wallet where it can be folded or worn down.
- Don’t open a condom with your teeth and definitely not with scissors.
- Does it fit? If not, get one that does. There are plenty of types to choose from!
- Don’t forget to leave enough room at the tip so that the condom does not break when you ejaculate.
What happens if it breaks?
- If you noticed that the condom broke while having sex, stop having sex!
- You and your partner should get tested for HIV and STDs and follow up testing is encouraged as well.
- Emergency contraception (Plan B pill) can be taken 72 hours after the incident if you are worried about pregnancy. It is more effective if you take it right away. You can get it from your doctor or over the counter at a pharmacy.
- If you have been exposed to HIV, talk to your provider about Postexposure Prophylaxis (PEP). You have to take the medication for a month and it is best to start PEP right away but you do have 72 hours after exposure to start the medication.