Realising that a condom has broken or slipped off during sex can be stressful. But try not to panic, there are practical steps you can take afterwards to look after your sexual health.
What you need to do will depend on what happened and whether there is a possibility of pregnancy or an STI.
What should I do first?
Once you realise a condom has broken or slipped off, stop and remove it if needed.
Avoid douching or using soaps, disinfectants or other harsh products inside the vagina or rectum afterwards. These won’t prevent pregnancy or STIs and could cause irritation.
Instead, think about whether you might need emergency contraception, STI testing or other sexual health advice.
Could pregnancy be possible?
If pregnancy is possible, emergency contraception may be an option.
There are different types of emergency contraception, and some need to be used within a certain amount of time after sex. This means it’s best to seek advice as soon as you can rather than waiting.
A healthcare professional can discuss the options with you and help you understand what may be suitable.
What about STIs?
If a condom breaks or slips off, there may also be a risk of sexually transmitted infections.
That doesn’t mean you automatically have an STI, but testing may be recommended depending on the circumstances.
Different infections can take different amounts of time to become detectable on a test, so you may need to wait before testing or repeat a test later. Suffolk Sexual Health Service can advise you about when to test.
If you develop symptoms or a partner tells you they have an STI, seek advice rather than waiting for a routine test.
What if I’m worried about HIV?
If you think there may have been a possible exposure to HIV, seek advice urgently.
PEP, post-exposure prophylaxis, is medication that can reduce the chance of HIV infection following a possible exposure. It needs to be started quickly, so don’t wait for symptoms before asking for advice.
How can I help prevent condom problems in future?
Condoms can sometimes break or slip, but there are a few things you can do to help reduce the chances.
Check that the condom is within its expiry date and that the packaging isn’t damaged. Make sure you’re using the right size and, if you’re using lubricant, check that it’s compatible with the type of condom you’re using.
Eligible young people can also access free condoms and lube through the eC-Card scheme, so you can have them available when you need them.
And if something does go wrong, remember: sexual health services are there to support you, not judge you.
Need sexual health support? Visit Suffolk Sexual Health Service or use the online portal:
