This article explains what to do if a condom accidentally breaks.
It also offers tips on how to prevent future accidents by using condoms correctly each and every time.
Verywell / Theresa Chiechi
How Can You Tell a Condom Broke?
Verywell / Theresa Chiechi
When a condom breaks, you’re free to sometimes tell immediately.
At other times, you may only realize it when pulling out yourpenis.
At other times still, the breakage may not be all that apparent and require close inspection.
Get our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
Do not yank it off.
In such cases, have a go at remove as much semen from the vagina or rectum as possible.
Afterward, gently wash the anus or vagina with soap and water.
You should do the same even if there was no ejaculation.
Pregnancy Concerns
If a condom breaks and you’re not onbirth control, pregnancy can occur.
Emergency Contraception
Emergency contraceptionis a form of birth control following sexual intercourse.
STI Concerns
A burst condom places you and your partner at risk of any number of STIs.
How Soon After Should You Get an STI Test?
There are other STIs you will want to check for if you’ve been accidentally exposed during sex.
Many of these tests detect immune proteins, calledantibodies, that are produced in response to the STI.
It can sometimes take weeks for the body to produce enough antibodies to be detected by current-generation tests.
What Are the Signs of an STI?
You should also wash your genitals with soap and warm water.
For HIV, you may need to wait up to 45 days to get tested.
Get our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About STIs and gay men.
Lehmiller JJ.The Psychology of Human Sexuality.
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Harris LM.Does urinating after intercourse reduce the risk of urinary tract infections among women?Evidence Based Practice.
2013;16(5):6. doi:10.1097/01.EBP.0000540379.68950.14
Planned Parenthood.Emergency contraception (morning-after pill).
Planned Parenthood.Can I take a pregnancy test right after sex?
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Preventing HIV with PrEP.
