The Condom Broke. Here's What to Do in the Next 72 Hours

You looked down and it's split. Or it's come off somewhere inside, or you've found it when you pulled out. It happens to plenty of people, and it isn't a disaster. You just need to do a couple of things fairly quickly. Here's what to do, in the order that matters.

Right now

• Stop, and check. If the condom's still inside, you can usually hook it out with a clean finger. If you can't reach it, or part of it may still be there, see a doctor. They'll remove it easily, and they've seen far worse.
• Have a pee and a gentle wash if you want. It won't prevent pregnancy or infection, but it's fine to do.
• Don't douche. Washing inside doesn't help and may make infection more likely.
• Talk to each other. Work out what's needed: pregnancy, HIV or STIs. Be honest, and be kind. It's nobody's fault.

If pregnancy's possible: emergency contraception

The sooner, the better. You've got three options in Australia:

• Ulipristal acetate pill (EllaOne). Licensed for up to 120 hours (5 days) after sex. It's generally the more effective of the two pills.
• Levonorgestrel pill. Licensed for up to 72 hours (3 days) after sex. It works best when you take it early.
• Copper IUD. The most effective option, and it must be inserted by a trained clinician within 5 days. It also gives you ongoing contraception for years.

You can buy the pills at a pharmacy without a prescription, and many are open late. The pharmacist may ask you a few private questions, which is normal. If you're breastfeeding, on other medications or a higher body weight, tell them, as that can change which option is best. If you vomit within a few hours of taking a pill, go back and ask about another. These pills won't protect you from STIs, and they aren't an abortion. Your next period may come early or late. If it's more than a week late, take a pregnancy test.

If HIV's a possibility: PEP, within 72 hours

This is the most time-critical part, so don't wait for a weekday. PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) is a 28-day course of medication that can stop HIV from taking hold after a possible exposure. You have to start it within 72 hours, and sooner is better.

Ask about it if you or your partner is HIV-positive with a detectable viral load, or if you don't know their status and they may be at higher risk, particularly with anal sex. Go to a sexual health clinic, or a hospital emergency department if it's after hours. Your state's PEP hotline can tell you where to go and if you need it, and it's easy to find with a quick search for "PEP" and your state. If your partner is HIV-positive with an undetectable viral load, PEP generally isn't needed. If you're on PrEP, tell the clinic, and they can advise you.

For STIs: get tested

Book a test, but don't rush. Some infections take time to show up, so a test the next morning might miss them. It's usually a good idea to get tested about two weeks after, and your clinic may suggest following up with blood tests a bit later. See someone sooner if you get symptoms like sores, discharge or pain. Our STI testing guide explains where to go, and most of it's free with a Medicare card.

Until you know where you stand, use condoms with your partners, and tell anyone who needs to know.

Why did it break?

Condoms are tough, so if yours broke, there's probably a reason. Here are the usual suspects:

• Wrong size. Too tight and it can split, too loose and it slips off. Our condom size guide shows you how to measure.
• Wrong lube. Oil-based products, including coconut oil and massage oil, can damage latex. Here's what's safe.
• Not enough lube. Friction breaks condoms, so use more.
• Old or badly stored. Anything past its date, or that's been cooking in your car or wallet, should go in the bin. Our storage guide explains why.
• Damage on the way in. Teeth, nails and rings can all do it, so open it with your fingers.
• Air at the tip. Pinch the tip when you roll it on, and hold the base when you pull out.

Where to get help

A pharmacist, GP or sexual health clinic can help with all of this. Your state's sexual health or family planning service also has phone lines and clinics. If the sex wasn't consensual, or a condom was removed without your agreement, that's not your fault, and 1800RESPECT is available on 1800 737 732, 24 hours a day. In an emergency, call 000.

This is general information, not medical advice. A health professional can tell you what's right for your situation.