What to Do If a Condom Breaks: Emergency Contraception and Next Steps
If a condom breaks during sex, the first thing to consider is whether there may have been exposure to semen and whether pregnancy or a sexually transmitted infection could be a concern. You do not need to panic, but timing matters. Emergency contraception can reduce the chance of pregnancy after contraceptive failure, and some options work best when used as soon as possible. If you are unsure about your pregnancy risk or which emergency contraception is appropriate, a gynaecologist such as Dr. Shilpa can assess the situation based on when the condom broke, your menstrual cycle, other contraception you use, and your medical history. Condom Broke During Sex: What Should You Do First? If you notice that the condom has broken, stop intercourse and carefully remove it. If part of the condom remains inside the vagina and you cannot remove it easily, seek medical assistance rather than repeatedly trying to retrieve it yourself. Do not rely on washing, urinating, bathing, or vaginal douching t...