What if the condom splits

You should be able to see or feel a break. Microtears are tiny tears not usually visible by the naked eye that could still let viruses and sperm through. Manufacturers put condoms through a series of tests to monitor for breaks and defects before selling them.

If used perfectly, condoms worn on the penis are 98 percent effective at preventing pregnancy. If used incorrectly, their effectiveness drops to about 85 percent.

Internal condoms are 95 percent effective when used perfectly, though that can drop to 79 percent if used incorrectly. If you had sex within the last 5 days, you can take an EC pill , which delivers a high dose of hormones to delay ovulation and prevent a fertilized egg from implanting in your uterus.

You may also consider getting a copper IUD, which is 99 percent effective at preventing pregnancy if you have it inserted by a doctor within 5 days. You can only get pregnant during ovulation, which occurs within a narrow window of 5 to 6 days each month. If you have a regular menstrual cycle, ovulation usually happens around day Start by talking to your partner about when they last got tested for HIV.

If they were recently tested, the risk of contraction may be lower. If you think you might have been exposed, talk to your doctor about PEP as soon as possible. PEP must be started within 72 hours of potential exposure. Testing is often free or can be done for a low cost , depending on the testing site, your income level, and whether you have insurance coverage. They may also push ejaculate higher into the body. Post-exposure prophylaxis PEP is the only preventive medication available at this time.

If you think you may have been exposed to HIV, see a doctor or other healthcare provider right away. You must start PEP within 72 hours of suspected exposure. If you receive a positive result, your healthcare provider will discuss your options for treatment and advise you on any next steps.

Many STIs are asymptomatic. When symptoms are present , they may include:. See a doctor or other healthcare provider right away if you begin experiencing any of these symptoms. Did the condom tear or break? This may be a sign that the condom was too small. Look to size up one level to get a better fit.

Did the condom slip off during intercourse? The condom may be too large. Size down. A condom should fit snuggly and not move freely. The best way to find a good fit is to try different types and sizes until you find one that, well, fits like a glove.

The chemicals in the lube can weaken the latex material of the condom, which could cause a break. Instead, look for water- or silicone-based lubes. Do use plenty of lube , however. You can apply a little lube to the penis before rolling on the condom to make it more comfortable — but only a little.

Online Doctor Mon-Fri: 9am-5pm Sat: 9am-1pm. Contact us. By clicking submit you agree to our privacy policy and terms and conditions. Click and collect in as little as 60 mins Choose collection at checkout and you can usually collect your treatment in as little as 1 hour from your local LloydsPharmacy. Men's health Main menu Men's health Erectile dysfunction Erectile dysfunction subscriptions Hair loss Premature ejaculation.

Customer services Phone: Mon-Fri: 9am-5pm Sat: 9am-1pm. On this page. What should we do in the next 72 hours? What should we do in the next two to 12 weeks? If a condom breaks, what are the chances of getting an STI? It really depends on the situation! In that case, emergency contraceptive pills ECPs may help your girlfriend avoid pregnancy. There are different types of ECPs, often called the morning-after pill. One type, levonorgestrel brand names: Plan B and Next Choice , is available over the counter to people age 15 and over.

It works up to 5 days after having unprotected sex. The other type, ulipristal acetate brand name: Ella , is available by prescription only. Ella may be more effective at preventing pregnancy than the levonorgestrel pills and also can be taken up 5 days after unprotected sex.

Or, if you or your girlfriend is 15 or older, you can buy levonorgestrel ECPs over the counter at a pharmacy. Emergency contraception is most effective when taken as soon as possible after intercourse, although some studies have shown that ECPs can still work up to hours after intercourse.

Taking ECPs is not a guarantee against pregnancy. Note: All information on KidsHealth is for educational purposes only.