Sometimes even when you’re being extra careful, accidents do happen and the condom breaks. Try to keep calm and read on about what to do when you find yourself in this situation.

How to tell if the condom is broken?

If you feel like the condom has broken or slipped off during sex, then stop immediately. Examine the condom for any breaks. The problem is that most people only notice that the condom has slipped off or broken after sex. If this is the case then don’t panic. Find the condom – it may have slipped off inside you. Another way to tell if the condom broke is to see if the semen collected at the tip. If your partner ejaculated but the semen isn’t in the condom that indicates the condom could be broken or might have slipped off during sex.

What not to do!

Firstly don’t panic! Don’t bath or douche (a device used to introduce a stream of water into the body) with coca-cola, vinegar or any other substance. This can cause infections. Jumping up and down vigorously will not prevent pregnancy either. Neither will any other myth methods you might have heard!

What to do!

If you are not on any contraception such as the injection or the pill or for whatever reason you think those methods failed you – for example you missed a pill or you have forgotten to go for your injection, I advise that you use emergency contraception. The easiest way to proceed is visit your nearest clinic or pharmacy and ask the pharmacist for the morning after pill or the emergency contraceptive pill. Be Sure to do this as soon as possible, the emergency contraceptive pill is most effective when taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex.

Don’t feel nervous. Your healthcare worker will ask you some questions, including the last time you had sex and when your last period was. Be honest, health professionals are here to help you.

Get Tested!

Remember that the emergency contraceptive pill only prevents pregnancy. If the condom broke during intercourse there is still a risk of the spread of sexually transmitted illnesses. Get tested! Encourage your partner to do so as well. Your health care provider will be able to do a test. There are various different types of tests including HIV test, urine sample, blood tests and a smear test. In most cases you will have to wait a while for the results. If need be your doctor will prescribe you with the appropriate treatment. It’s better to be safe than sorry even when accidents happen, so rather don’t take any chances. This is your life and your body chomas!