If a condom breaks during sex, it can be stressful, but there are steps you can take to prevent pregnancy and reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Heres what to do if a condom breaks:

1. Stop immediately: If you know that the condom has broken during sex, stop right away and use a new condom.

2. Evaluate the situation: Assess the circumstances to determine what next steps to take. Is the condom still on your partner? Is it inside of you? Did the break happen before or after ejaculation? .

3. Remove the condom: If the condom is still inside of you, make sure you retrieve all of the pieces to prevent irritation or infection.

4. Consider emergency contraception: If youre concerned about pregnancy, call your doctor, health clinic, or pharmacist right away to ask about emergency contraception. Emergency contraception pills (morning-after pills) can help prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or a condom mistake. Emergency contraception is most effective when taken as soon as possible after intercourse, but can be taken up to 5 days after unprotected sex.

5. Get tested for STIs: Condoms are the only way to protect against the transmission of STIs, so if it breaks then you are at risk for these too. If you and/or your partner are unsure about your STI status, it’s a good idea to get tested. For reliable results, you should wait about 2-3 weeks after having unprotected sex to get tested.

6. Prevent condom breakage: To prevent condoms from breaking in the future, follow these tips:

• Make sure condoms are not expired before you use them.
• Open condom wrappers carefully to avoid tearing the condom.
• Dont use oil-based lotions or lubricants.
• Dont use scissors or teeth to open the condom package.
• Dont carry condoms in a wallet.
• Dont use a condom that has been exposed to heat or light.
• Use a new condom every time you have sex.
• Learn how to put on and take off a condom correctly.
• Use a condom that fits correctly.
• Change to a new condom if you have sex for longer than 30 minutes.

Remember, most of the time, condoms work well to prevent pregnancy and STIs. But accidents happen, and its a good idea to have a plan ready in case you make a condom mistake.