The condom is now the only way to protect yourself from STIs. It can also be a means of contraception. Unfortunately, it can happen that it cracks or slips, which increases the risk of becoming pregnant or contracting a sexually transmitted disease (STD).
What are the risks of a condom that cracks or slips?
“If it does not crack, if it does not slip and if there is no micro-leak, Condoms are the only way to protect yourself from STIs today. (sexually transmitted infections)“, explains Fabienne Virbel, midwife. But in real life, with regard to condom accidents, we realize that its protection rate is only about 80%. “This is why young girls are advised to take a more reliable method of contraception (pill, IUD, implant)”. “When a condom cracks or slips during sexual intercourse, in the context of a heterosexual couple, whether before or after ejaculation, the risks are twofold. On the one hand, an increased risk of an unwanted pregnancy, on the other hand the risk of transmission of sexually transmitted diseases“.
What to do if a condom has cracked?
If a condom has broken during sex, it is important to stop sexual intercourse immediately and throw away The preservative. It is then necessary to take measures quickly to limit the risks of unwanted pregnancy and transmission of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). “The most urgent is the risk of unwanted pregnancycontinues the midwife. If the woman also has another reliable method of contraception (implant, pill, IUD, etc.), there is no risk and no steps to take. On the other hand, if she has no other contraception, you should consider emergency contraception options“. In this case, the taking the emergency pill (or the next day) which will postpone the date of ovulation. “It’s important to take it as soon as possible.” “This pill is free and delivered anonymously in pharmacies, sexual health centers and sometimes even in high schools up to the age of 26. After 26 years, delivery is by prescription and is reimbursed by Social Security“. Since its reliability is not 100%, we recommend make a pregnancy test 15 days to 3 weeks after the report at risk. “Regarding the risks associated with an STI, and in particular HIV, if both partners have recently had screening tests, no worries. On the other hand, if this is not the case, we propose a screening test 6 weeks after the report at risk. This includes a blood test, as well as a urine sample for men and a vaginal sample for women“. There are also saliva self-tests for HIV screening. If there is a strong suspicion of a relationship with HIV or multiple partners, it is advisable to go to the emergency room to request Post-Exposure Treatment (TPE) to avoid HIV infection. “TPE should be taken as soon as possible, preferably within 4 hours after exposure and up to 48 hours. The earlier the TPE is taken, the more effective it is“.
What to do if a condom slips during removal?
There are risks of unwanted pregnancy and transmission of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) as well, if the condom slips off when removed. “It’s important to check if the size of the condom is appropriate – not all men are a standard size – and make sure the condom is put on correctly to prevent this from happening“, insists the health professional, recalling that demonstrations are often offered in colleges or high schools.Remember that at the time of withdrawal, the man must hold the base of the condom to remove it safely“. The quality of the condom is also important: “we do not store them in hot or humid places, but in dry places, and we check the expiration date.
What if a condom comes off during sex?
“If a condom comes off during intercourse, even before ejaculation, this is also a risky situation.recognizes our interlocutor. It only takes a drop of sperm or pre-ejaculatory fluid to create a risk of unwanted pregnancy and the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).)“. If the condom comes off during intercourse, the midwife advises:
► To stop sex to avoid further exposure to bodily fluids.
► From carefully remove the condom taking care not to leave bodily fluids in the vagina or on the penis.
► Quickly consider a emergency contraception (emergency pill).
► Use a new condom for any new sexual relationship.
► To ensure that the condom is put on correctly, in particular by checking that the size is appropriate, And avoid common mistakes like tearing the package or putting it upside down.
What to do if a condom got stuck in the vagina?
“If a condom got stuck in the vagina, justpick it up gently with clean fingers, suggests Fabienne Virbel. If you can’t remove it, see a doctor for help“. But the sperm will have had time to pass. “It is therefore necessary to resume emergency measures to avoid an unwanted pregnancy and the transmission of STDs”.
What advice so that the condom does not slip during the act?
Fabienne Virbel offers some tips to prevent the condom from slipping during sex:
► Choose the right size before using it.
► Check the expiration date condoms before using them to prevent them from expiring and slipping.
► Check that it includes the mandatory “CE” marking for any condom sold on the European market.
► Carefully open the condom package (not with your teeth or with scissors) to avoid damaging it or making it slippery.
► Check that the condom is in place (we pinch the tank to expel the air before putting it down), in the right direction, and that it is unrolled correctly.
► Never use 2 condoms (1 female and 1 male or 2 male). This would cause a risk of strongly and therefore cracking.
Thanks to Fabienne Virbel, midwife, at the Nancy University Hospital Sexual Health Center.