Condom failure: emergency tips
Though condom is considered to be one of the most reliable methods of contraception, sometimes it breaks or slips off. In this case effectiveness of condom diminishes dramatically or sometimes even brings to naught. What can you do in such situation? There are some tips that will help you to avoid troubles, but first of all you should learn the most frequent reasons of condom failure. Knowing what causes condom to break or to slip off you can prevent this trouble.
Reasons of condom failure
Wrong unpacking
Do you open the package with teeth, long fingernails or some sharp tools? If you do than your condom is likely to fail you. Minor, or even invisible tears left on the condom might cause it to break. So do open the package correctly and never use sharp things for this purpose.
Expired condom
Every time you are going to use a condom, check its expiration date. Keep in mind that expired condom is not an effective contraceptive. Never use an expired condom!
Too early or too late application
Condom must be put on hard penis before it gets in contact with genitals. If you put condom on flaccid penis, it is likely to slip off. If you put the condom on after you have touched the partner's genitals with penis, than you cannot be sure you are protected from sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancy.
Wrong lubricant
Keep in mind that latex condom are not compatible with oil-based lubricants as the latter damage condoms. Always use a water-based lubricant as it is compatible with any material. Oil-based lubricants can be used only with polyurethane condoms.
Repeated use of a condom
A condom can be used only once. Any reuse (using the same condom for subsequent encounters) diminishes effectiveness of condom dramatically. Throw condom away after use, never wash it!
Wrong size
Buy the right size condom. Too small condom is likely to break while a too big condom can slip off. In fact most condoms suit most sizes, but if you have a too small or a too big penis you should consider the size of the condom.
Emergency tips
These tips will help you to reduce risk of unwanted pregnancy or getting infected with an STD if your condom failed you.
- If the condom broke or slipped of before ejaculation, than stop and put on another condom (this is why you should always have a few condoms handy).
- If you noticed that condom is broken or slipped off after ejaculation, withdraw penis and put some ascorbic acid (vitamin C) inside the vagina (1-2 pills) to kill sperm. Of course, there is no 100 percent guarantee the woman won't get pregnant, but it will help you to reduce the risk of unwanted pregnancy.
- Use emergency contraception – morning -after pill. Keep in mind that emergency contraception is an effective method only to prevent pregnancy. This cannot be used as a regular method of contraception! Read the instruction and follow it thoroughly.
- Talk to your partner on your sex history. Did anyone of you have unprotected sex before? Did you have any STDs? Be honest to evaluate the risks of possible infection. Consult with your doctor and get tested on STDs.