The use of the male latex condom is one of the most effective methods against the transmission of STDs, as well as pregnancy prevention. Unfortunately, condoms do not provide 100% protection and can sometimes fail.
One of the most common forms of condom failure is condom breakage. Condoms can break due to a variety of reasons, such as:
Click here to read the STDAware blog piece about proper condom use and STDs.
Whatever the reason might be, having a condom break is a stressful situation for all parties involved. Many people aren’t sure how to react, or what to do next.
STDAware has compiled a list of the top 3 tips to prepare you for what to do if the condom breaks while you are having sex. They are:
We’ll say it again. Stay calm. If you are having sex and feel the condom break or slip, stop immediately. Check to see the status of the condom (where it has broken or how far down it has slipped). If you choose to continue having sex, take off the broken or slipped condom and put on a new one. It is common for couples not to realize the condom has failed until after intercourse. In either instance, you will want to assess the risk factors specific to the type of sexual activity you were engaged in when the common broke.
If left untreated, many STDs can cause additional health complications including damage to the internal organs, nervous system, reproductive system, liver and kidney failure, increased risk of certain types of cancers, and, in severe cases, death.
All forms of sexual activity come with a risk of transmitting and contracting an STD. A correctly used condom provides 98% protection from most STDs. If a condom breaks during sex the level of protection significantly decreases.
If the condom breaks and you are in a relationship with someone who you know is managing and incurable STD (such as Herpes, HIV, Hepatitis B, Genital Warts) it is vital to be tested as soon as possible so that your own disease management can be started. In general, the quicker someone can identify an STD the easier it is to manage and minimize.
If the condom breaks and you are in a new relationship, and the subject of medical history and STDs has not been brought up yet, both partners should be tested for a full panel of STDs. This allows any infection to be treated in both parties at the same time and eliminates the repeated transmission and re-infection of both parties, and any subsequent partner(s).
In situations where there is a risk of HIV, a doctor may recommend Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP). PEP is an anti-retroviral medication treatment used to stop HIV from establishing itself in the human body. These medications are the same as those used when treating individuals who are HIV-positive. This treatment is only effective if started within 72 hours of suspected exposure and continued for 28 days.
The only way to know if you have an STD is to GET TESTED.
STDAware makes getting tested quick, easy, and accessible. To learn more about how STDAware testing works, click here.
Speaking with your sexual partner(s) or potential sexual partner(s) can feel awkward at best. But the benefit of having a mature and honest discussion about sexual and medical history and your requirements for safe sex will far out way the risk of potentially ending up with an incurable disease. Even if you are in a casual and non-committed relationship, having a matter of fact conversation about STD testing is in everyone’s best interest. In some states, failure to disclose STD status is a criminal offense. Many states require that individuals inform their sexual partners of their medical history, especially as pertains to HIV (the deadly autoimmune disorder that leads to AIDS).
A critical component in maintaining and defending your sexual health is to request that both you and your partner are tested for STDs before having a sexual relationship. This ensures that any existing STD conditions are remedied or managed and provides peace of mind before you have sex together.
It is a shocking and unsettling feeling when a condom breaks during sex. Staying calm, assessing the risks, and taking appropriate action to get tested are the key factors in reducing the spread of STDs.
No one wants to get an STD and you are the only and best defender of your sexual health and overall well-being. Getting tested for STDs anytime a condom breaks while having sex with someone whose medical history is unknown to you is highly recommended.
STDAware offers the quickest, easiest and most accessible testing options in the industry. With over 4,000 lab locations, nationwide, getting tested has never been more convenient. No appointments. No waiting. Results delivered in 1-2 working days.
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