Condoms are one of the most effective ways to prevent pregnancy, and they also provide effective protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), as long as they’re used correctly every time you have sex. Even with those precautions, though, there’s still the risk that a condom can break. And for most of us, that means one thing: sheer panic.
The good news? There are steps you can — and should — take if a condom breaks to prevent unplanned pregnancies and reduce your risk of infections. In fact, knowing what to do right after a condom breaks isn’t just a good idea — it’s vital for avoiding unintended consequences.
As a leading provider of women’s health services in Miami, Florida, the team at Eve Medical of Miami wants every woman to feel confident about her health and her future. In this post, learn what steps you should take when a condom breaks during intercourse.
If you notice that a condom has broken or slipped off during sex, stop having intercourse immediately. Remove the broken condom and examine it to see if any pieces might be left inside your vagina.
Pieces left inside must be removed right away to prevent irritation or infection. Don’t try to remove condom pieces with douching — you can wind up pushing the pieces further inside, along with any sperm or bacteria that are present.
If there’s a chance of pregnancy, consider emergency contraception, a type of contraception designed to work to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex. Emergency contraception must be used within 3-5 days of sex in order to be effective.
Most women are familiar with Plan B One-Step®, also known as “morning after” emergency contraception pills, but there’s another option, as well. Copper IUDs also provide emergency contraception and help prevent pregnancy for up to 10 years, too.
Morning after pills are available without a prescription, and having these pills on hand can help ensure you’re able to take them as soon as possible after unprotected sex, when they’re most effective. Our team can help you choose the emergency contraception method that’s right for you.
When a condom breaks, you don’t just have to worry about pregnancy. You need to worry about exposure to STIs. These infections can be present even if neither you nor your partner shows any symptoms, so if a condom breaks, STI testing is critical for your long-term health and your peace of mind, too.
Some STIs can be detected soon after exposure, while others require follow-up testing a few weeks later. Our team offers comprehensive testing for STIs, so you can feel confident you’re receiving the right test at the right time.
If there’s a risk of HIV exposure, we can also provide post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). Like emergency contraceptives, PEP must be started within 72 hours to be effective — another reason why it’s critically important to call us right away.
There’s no denying condom breakage can be stressful, but by knowing what immediate steps to take and acting quickly, you can protect yourself and feel more confident and in control. To find out more about emergency contraception or schedule a visit with our team, contact Eve Medical of Miami today.
