Let’s not beat about the bush. A condom break, to put it simply, is disastrous. For one it’s likely to dampen the ardor immediately. Of course you could put on a new condom and continue, but the flames are likely to be rather feeble. But that’s OK as passions can be reignited some other time. Let’s now discuss the more serious consequences of a condom break.
Immediate Measures
- It is critical to know when exactly a condom broke. If the accident happened well before ejaculation, then things are pretty safe except for passion interrupted. You could curse yourself or your partner for not checking the expiry date on the condom or for not storing it in the proper place – these are two main reasons why condoms normally break. It could also tear because it was rolled on too tightly without leaving space at the top. Once the discussion on why the condom broke is over, slip on a new condom and get on with it.
- But if the condom broke during ejaculation, then you’ve got lots of things to discuss with your partner. But before the discussions begin, make sure that the condom is safely disposed. Ask your partner to slowly withdraw. Carefully pull off what’s left of the condom and dispose it.
- Uncomfortable as it may be, the first topic of discussion would have to be about sexually transmitted diseases. This is especially true if it is a new relationship. The condom is the best way to avoid sexually transmitted diseases like HIV AIDS. To put it bluntly, if your partner is infected, your risk of contracting it just goes up steeply without a condom. So ask your partner to be totally frank. Of course, you must reciprocate with the same honesty. If one of you is being treated for STD, then please visit a doctor immediately.
- It might be a good idea to have a shower immediately after disaster has struck. Wash your genital area very well with warm, soapy water. Women are advised not to douche themselves. This does not protect you in any way. As a matter of fact, your vaginal membranes just get irritated and this raises the risk of contracting an infection.
- Next morning, make a dash for your doctor’s clinic. Explain to him what has happened and what your fears are. He will probably ask you to undergo tests. These tests may have to be repeated at intervals to be sure that you have not picked up HIV or any other sexually transmitted diseases.
- Keep a watch for any possible symptoms during the next few weeks. Rashes in the genital area, discharge from the penis or vagina, pain, flu-like symptoms – these are some of the indicators of STD.
- Of course, if the condom broke during ejaculation, there is also the danger of pregnancy in women. Visit the pharmacist immediately and take the emergency morning-after pill. If you are not too certain about the efficiency of the morning after pill, call your doctor. Check to see if there is any other precaution that you can take.
- This might also be a good time to learn what you can do to prevent condoms from breaking. For one, always check if the condom has been put on as instructed. Secondly, remember that a condom has to be stored properly. It’s necessary to keep stored condoms away from light and heat. If you are using lubrication, use water based one. Oil based lubricants could thin out the condoms thus increasing the chances of breakage. And of course, never ever repeat a condom.
A condom break is by no means a rare occurrence. A 2001 study in the US published in the journal Sexually Transmitted Diseases concluded that 3.1 per cent of condoms broke during intercourse. The breakage percentage reduced with experience. This study corroborates the results of a study conducted by the University of Sydney, Australia, which revealed that the breakage percentage for condoms among ordinary men was 7%. However, for sex workers it was 6%.
A condom break is not something that can or should be taken lightly. There can be quite horrifying consequences. So do not put off taking decisions, as unpleasant as they may be.
