What Are The Chances Of A Condom Breaking

What Are The Chances Of A Condom Breaking
Medically Reviewed by Dany Paul Baby, MD on April 27, 2022
Condoms make oral, vaginal, or anal sex safer . Condoms are a reliable form of contraceptive that helps prevent infections and pregnancies. But sometimes a condom may break, exposing you to the risk of getting sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) , or the chance of becoming pregnant.
When used correctly, condoms are one of the most effective forms of contraception. There are two general types of condoms:
1. External condoms. These are condoms that go over a penis, and are sometimes called "male condoms." They are made of different types of materials like latex, plastic, and lambskin.
2. Internal condoms. These condoms can be inserted into the vagina or anus, and are often called "female condoms."
The most common materials used to make condoms include:
When used correctly, condoms hardly break. However, even when used properly, it can still happen. If you suspect yours has broken, stop having sex immediately and check it out.
If the condom breaks and there is a high risk of infection, consider doing the following:
If you are unsure of your or your partner's health status, consider visiting the hospital for an STI test as soon as possible. When a condom breaks during sex it exposes you to body-to-body contact with sexual fluids. Unprotected contact with bodily fluids is the most common cause of infection from HIV and other STIs.
If either you or your partner is at a high risk of contracting HIV, consider visiting the hospital within 72 hours. Your doctor may get you on post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) pills to reduce the chances of you getting an HIV infection.
You may also have a pregnancy scare when you notice the condom is broken. To avoid getting pregnant, take an emergency contraception pill (morning after pill). In most cases, the pill is effective for up to five days after your last sexual encounter. Emergency pills are most effective when swallowed as soon as possible.
Here are a few reasons why your condom may break:
Many times, condom breakage is avoidable. Here are some of the tips that you can use to prevent condom breakage:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: "What are condoms?"
Insider: "How to have safe sex if you have a latex allergy."
Mount Sinai Adolescent Health Center: "You Asked It: Why Do My Condoms Break?"
NHS: "How effective is contraception at preventing pregnancy?"
Open Doors: "What to do if a condom breaks."
Planned Parenthood Federation of America: "Condom." "How do you know if you have the condom on right?" "What do I do if the condom broke?"
The Nemours Foundation: "What if the Condom Breaks?"
What you should know to prevent pregnancy.
© 2005 - 2022 WebMD LLC. All rights reserved.
WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

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My friend was using a condom and said it tore. How is that possible? – Shawn*
Condoms can sometimes rip or tear, but using and storing them properly can help reduce this risk.
Heat, sun, oils, and chemicals all can weaken condoms, making them more susceptible to breakage. Keep condoms away from heat and light, which can dry them out. And, don't use oils or lotions with a condom, only water-based lubricants. Carrying a condom in your wallet, where it may be folded or sat on, can also wear down the material and cause the condom to break. Also, don't open a condom with anything sharp, like scissors or teeth.
Check the expiration date on the condom. The material used to make condoms can weaken over time, so don't use one that has expired.
Condoms may rip during use if they don't fit properly or if they are not put on correctly (such as not leaving enough room at the tip of the condom). They also can tear if there is too much friction and not enough lubrication, or if the condom comes into contact with a person's nails, rings, piercings, teeth, or other sharp edges.
Condoms are the only type of birth control that can help prevent both pregnancy and STDs. So it's important to use and store them properly. A new condom should be used with each act of sex, and should be used from beginning to end.
If a condom breaks and you or your partner is concerned about pregnancy, call your health care provider or pharmacist to discuss emergency contraception . You can get emergency contraception without a prescription or your parents’ consent. If your doctor writes a prescription, it may be less expensive. And both partners should be tested for STDs. People are often not aware that they have an infection but if an infection isn't treated, it could cause serious problems.
*Names have been changed to protect user privacy.
Note: All information on KidsHealth® is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
© 1995-2022 The Nemours Foundation. Nemours® and KidsHealth® are registered trademarks of the Nemours Foundation. All rights reserved.
Images provided by The Nemours Foundation, iStock, Getty Images, Veer, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com.

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How often do condoms fail? What percentage of condoms break? Why are condoms not 100 percent effective? Do condoms really work to help avoid pregnancy ? What are the disadvantages of male condoms?
The failure rate of condoms in couples which use them consistently and correctly is estimated to be about 3% during the first year of use. However, the true failure rate during that time period is estimated to be about 14%. This marked difference of failure rates reflects usage error. Some couples fail to use condoms with each sexual encounter. Condoms may fail (break or come off) if you use the wrong type of lubricant. Using an oil-based lubricant with a latex condom will cause it to fall apart. The condom may not be placed properly on the penis. Also, the man may not use care when withdrawing.
The condom (also called a rubber) is a thin sheath placed over an erect penis. A man would put a condom over his penis before he places the penis in a woman's vagina. A condom worn by a man prevents pregnancy by acting as a barrier to the passage of semen into the vagina. A condom can be worn only once. It is one of the most popular forms of barrier methods for birth control . Condoms may be purchased at most drugstores and grocery stores, and dispensers can be found in many public restrooms.
Condoms made from latex are the most effective at preventing pregnancy. They also protect against sexually transmitted diseases such as AIDS and gonorrhea . Condoms should not be used with petroleum jelly (e.g. Vaseline), lotions, or oils. They can decrease the effectiveness of the condom and increase the chance of pregnancy, as well as sexually transmitted disease . Condoms can be used with lubricants which do not contain oil, such as K-Y Jelly.
Many women prefer the male condom because it prevents the contraction of HIV (the virus that leads to AIDS ) and other STDs .
©2022 WebMD, Inc. All rights reserved. eMedicineHealth does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See Additional Information.

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