Condom breakage during sexual intercourse is a situation that many people have experienced. For this reason, it is important to know how to check if the condom has broken after use and to be very clear about what to do if the condom breaks during sex.
Although in many cases the perforation is evident, this is not always the case. That is why we recommend tying the condom to see if it has really broken or not.
You can add a little water or leave air inside the condom to see if there are any leaks once it is tied. It moves the air or water downwards, if a drop escapes from inside the condom, it will be broken.
Once you have verified it and the answer is affirmative, it is normal for you to ask yourself, what do I do if the condom broke? In this article we explain it to you.
Risks of breaking the condom
The condom is the only contraceptive method that protects against both unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections. That is why, when it breaks, there are certain risks, for example:
Unwanted pregnancies
The risk that most worries most heterosexual couples is that of unwanted pregnancy. With a rupture, the semen may have escaped through the hole, especially if it is quite large, so some of it would have ended up inside the vagina and could cause an unwanted pregnancy.
Risk of contracting an STI
Another of the risks of breaking the condom is that you can contract a sexually transmitted infection, especially if you have several sexual partners. Keep in mind that ejaculation is not necessary to contract an STI, but it can be transferred even before the end of sexual intercourse through bodily fluids.
What to do if the condom breaks during sex
Once we have verified that there is indeed a perforation, it is important to act quickly to avoid consequences. That is why in the following steps we explain in detail what to do if the condom has broken:
Avoid an unwanted pregnancy
To avoid an unwanted pregnancy if the condom broke during sex, the alternative is for the woman to take the morning after pill or emergency pill, which should be taken as soon as possible, preferably within the first 24 hours after sexual intercourse in when the condom has broken and for 72 hours afterward, although it is recommended to take it as soon as possible for maximum effectiveness.
It is important to note that this method is preventative, but it is not 100% effective. In addition, it is essential to consider that it should not be used as a regular contraceptive method and that it is not an abortifacient either, so it will have no effect if a pregnancy has already occurred.
This pill is for sale in any pharmacy without the need for a prescription.
Avoid an STI
If you have had high-risk sexual relations and you think you may have been exposed or exposed to the spread of a sexually transmitted infection, it is best to go to your family doctor or a medical center as soon as possible and expose the situation. There they will be able to offer you the necessary recommendations and provide you, if appropriate, with a treatment to reduce the chances of contagion.
Common causes of condom breakage
In most situations, condom breakage is caused by improper use of the condom, so preventing this type of accident is possible and easy. It is simply necessary to handle the condom with some care before putting it on.
If you want to know more about the reasons why this happens, we invite you to read our article Why the condom breaks.
Now, what are the most frequent causes for which the condom breaks?:
Expired condoms
One of the most common causes of condom breakage is that they are used out of date. It is important to always check the condom expiration date on the condom package before using it.
Upon reaching its expiration date, the condom ceases to be effective and should not be used under any circumstances, since breakage is almost guaranteed. If you use it, you will be exposed to contracting an STI and an unwanted pregnancy if the relationship is heterosexual.
That is why it is always important to check that the expiration date is correct. In our article When do condoms expire, we explain in detail the duration of condoms once they are manufactured.
They are not saved correctly
Condoms, as indicated on their packaging, should be stored in a cool, dry place, do not carry them in the car or in your bag, as they can deteriorate quickly. It will always be better to keep them on the nightstand or dresser.
If you decide to carry a condom in your wallet, make sure that it is not for a long time, since the constant rubbing can cause it to deteriorate sooner than desired.
Lack of lubrication during sexual intercourse
Lack of lubrication can cause the condom to break. That is why, if the genital area is not well lubricated for penetration, the use of lubricants that are compatible with condom use is recommended, such as water-based or silicone-based lubricants.
All the lubricants in the Durex range are compatible with condoms, so we invite you to discover the full variety and give your sexual encounters a softer and more pleasant touch.
The condom size is not the right one
Getting the condom size right is not always easy. Moreover, it is one of the most common reasons for condom breakage. Remember that a misplaced condom is not effective, so try to follow the instructions well.
Whether it’s tight or big, you should try another size, but if you don’t know which one is the right one, in our article What condom size to use we give you all the information you need to choose the right one.
