If you have never experienced a condom broke in the middle of an intense lovemaking session, then good for you. But for those who do, memories of it being heart-stopping yet nerve-wracking at the same time are still pretty much alive in your brain. Most of the time, couples will only start to notice that the condom had already been torn after the session is over. Among the many factors that put a condom at high risk of being broken are expired or old condoms, does not match the circumference of the girth, and incorrect way of wearing a condom are some of them. Furthermore, using condoms with an oil-based lubricant increases the chances of it slipping off.
An unwanted pregnancy is just as scary as getting an STD. A slipping and broken condom will indeed put you in critical situations. Next time, double-check that the condom used by your partner is neither old nor expired. But if you currently find yourself in a tight situation, this article will help you what to do in these easy-to-follow steps.
Locate the broken condom in a calm and orderly manner
When a condom breaks, it can be separated into multiple pieces. If you don’t remove all the pieces of the condom, it leads to irritation. If the whole thing is still intact, then it’s a good thing since you can take out the condom in one go. What you need to do is put a finger in there, gently grab the condom, then drag it out. A lubricant can come in handy if you’re having a hard time removing the pieces. Just remember to take all the pieces out and do a double-check to avoid possible nasty consequences.
Implement a backup plan for emergencies to avoid unwanted pregnancy
It’s always a good idea to have a Plan B or even going as far as having a Plan C if things are not going the way you planned. As for preventing pregnancy, the female should consume an emergency contraceptive pill no longer than 72 hours or equivalent to 3 days after the sexual intercourse. Emergency contraceptive pills are readily available over the counter, making them accessible in your local drug stores and pharmacies. It saves you time without needing a doctor’s prescription. However, other females don’t have access to emergency contraceptive pills especially when they are not offered in their local area. If you’re currently on birth control, it is possible to take multiple doses of those pills. But before you proceed, contact your gynecologist or other healthcare providers to guide you on what countermeasures to take.
Another alternative is a Paraguard IUD which is a device made from plastic and copper. It is small, soft, flexible, and has a distinct T shape which fits in the uterus via inserting it in the vagina. The IUD should be inserted no longer than 5 days after the unforeseen mistake happened. Unlike taking emergency contraceptive pills, intrauterine devices (IUD) are not available over the counter and need the assistance of a healthcare professional such as a gynecologist. If you’re interested in getting an IUD, it is highly suggested to consult an OB/GYN so you can get a prescription and they will do all the work in inserting the device.
Getting tested for STIs to avoid STDs later in the future
If you’re unsure or just want to double-check that you and your partner are not at risk for STIs and STDs, go to the nearest emergency ward. Approach a doctor and explain the situation to them in a calm manner. Then, you can request to get tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Another recommendation is taking the Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) within 72 hours after intercourse. PEP is a combination of HIV medications taken only for a short period. This treatment is only administered in times of emergencies. There are plenty of HIV medicines that can be used for PEP, but you do not need to worry. The healthcare provider or the emergency room doctor will assist you in determining the medications to consume for PEP. Listen carefully to the doctor’s instructions when taking PEP. Although it is not guaranteed that PEP is 100% effective, it’s better than having no medication at all. A prescribed PEP is taken every day for up to 28 days. During and after the short course of HIV medications, you are required to visit your doctor regularly.
The time limit of 72 hours is imposed to ensure the efficacy of the medication. Just a word of caution: each sexually transmitted infection and disease has different lag times Which means there is a delay between acquiring the infection or disease and the actual detection of STIs or STDs via a laboratory test. Thus, it is highly suggested undergo two more STI tests—one month and six months after, respectively—to free yourself from unnecessary worry.
Reflect on the situation and learn from it
Until you look back on the situation and assess how and why the condom got torn, this might recur especially if you did not learn the lesson the first time it happened. If the condom broke because it is expired, check the other condoms if you’ve purchased them individually. If you’ve bought them in bulk and there are remaining condoms, it’s better to throw the whole box away. Store them away from direct sources of heat and light. It is also discouraged to keep the condom inside the wallet and opening it using scissors, teeth, and other similar sharp objects.
If the condom broke because it was not worn properly, there are steps you can do to improve it. Using lube for assistance is an option but be mindful to avoid the oil-based ones. Pinching the tip of the condom is an important step that ensures there are no air bubbles left.
If the cause is due to the condom being too big or too small, have your partner measure the girth or thickness of his erect penis. There are plenty of size charts online to know the appropriate condom size for your partner.
With these tips in mind, you can continue your active sex life. After all, nothing is more important than staying safe and healthy. Remember to have fun while doing it safely and smartly.
