News Flash: The Condom Broke
Every week, we get a ton of questions asking everything from how to use a condom to how to talk to that cute guy in AP English. When we get a really good one, we want to share it with the world because—chances are—more than one person has the very same question. So, from time to time, we'll be sharing the best of the best (anonymously of course!)…have a question for us? Send us an email!
Question: So about a week or two me and my boyfriend had sex, we used a condom and unfortunately it broke. As soon as we realized, we stopped having sex. I still haven't gotten my period so I started to freak out…am I pregnant?
Our Answer: First of all, it's great that you used a condom—making sure you're protected every single time you have sex is priority #1! But, as you mention, condoms aren't foolproof…in fact, they're actually only about 82% effective in preventing pregnancy and they do sometimes break. In your case, there is a chance that you could be pregnant depending on when you stopped having sex.
The first thing to do is to figure out if you're pregnant or not. Depending on how long ago you had sex, you may be able to do that using a home pregnancy test. Home pregnancy tests are sold at drug stores, pharmacies, online, and at some grocery stores; you don’t need a prescription, and there aren’t any age restrictions to buy them (and guys can buy them too!). They usually cost between $8-$15 and are pretty accurate if you follow the instructions—but you have to follow the instructions exactly. If the test is positive, you should make an appointment right away at a health center or doctor’s office to confirm the results; a doctor’s test will always be the most accurate.
Don’t assume that a negative home pregnancy test means you’re in the clear though—if you didn’t follow the instructions exactly or if the test is faulty, you might have gotten an incorrect result; a doctor’s office test will always be the most accurate so make sure you follow up on a negative test with a doctor’s visit. And while you're there, talk to the provider about birth control options; condoms are great but there are tons of other really effective methods out there that are much more reliable. A doc can help you figure out the best method for you!
You can also ask a doctor about emergency contraception (EC), which is a method of birth control that stops pregnancy from happening. It’s not meant to be used as your primary method of birth control—hence the name emergency contraception—but we all know that accidents happen, so it's best to know about this method before you need it. EC has some age restrictions and shouldn't be used in place of more effective method of birth control, but it's there if you need it in a..duh…emergency.
Need to find a clinic? Use our clinic locator; just type in your zip code for all the info you’ll need to find a health center nearby. Want to get more info on birth control? Visit our Birth Control Explorer
There’s no perfect moment when you’ll suddenly know that you’re ready for sex. Sex is a complicated and personal decision so it’s all about knowing what’s best for you. No one else can tell you when you’re ready but here are a few things you should consider:
Are you doing this because YOU want to? Or are you thinking about having sex because someone else wants you to? Maybe you’re not sure you’re ready, but your partner is putting on the pressure? Or maybe all your friends seem to be having sex, so you feel you should be too? Having sex because someone else is pressuring you is not a good reason. Remember, you're in charge of your own life—don't let anyone pressure you into having sex.
Have you seriously considered the consequences of having sex? Obviously, sex can have some serious physical consequences, such as unplanned pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections (STIs). If you’re going to have sex, you need to think about birth control options and choose a method that will work for you. But sex is more than just the physical stuff. Have you considered the emotional consequences that sex might have on you, your partner, and your relationship? Having sex with someone takes things to a whole new level—are you and your partner ready for that? Have you talked about it? If you’re not sure that you’re ready or you haven’t talked with your partner (or are too embarrassed to), it might be a good idea to wait.
Are you and your partner on the same page? You can’t expect to understand what your partner is thinking or expect them to understand what you’re thinking if you aren’t talking about it. You’ve got to talk with your partner about how they feel about sex, what each of you are comfortable doing, and what each of you will do to prevent pregnancy and STIs. If you can’t talk about sex with your partner, then you’re probably not ready to have it. It’s as simple as that.
Do you know how to have protect yourself? It’s really important that you know how to protect against pregnancy and STIs. If you’re going to have sex, you have to use birth control consistently and correctly every single time you have sex in order to prevent unplanned pregnancy and STIs. Remember: if you're having sex and not using birth control, you're planning to get pregnant. Again, this is something you need to talk to your boyfriend or girlfriend about before you have sex so you’re both okay about what you’re going to use.
The decision to have sex is a BIG one. If you feel comfortable with the situation and have had an open and sincere conversation about sex with your partner, maybe you are ready. But if you aren’t totally comfortable with the decision, then you probably aren't. It might help to talk to someone you trust about the pros and cons of the situation. Even if it seems tough, try talking to your parents and getting their advice. Or try another trusted adult, older sibling, or responsible friend who is willing to talk to you
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WHAT OTHER TEENS ARE SAYING:
I’m so scared I’ve been having early pregnancy symptoms. my boyfriend and I had in protected sex once and he didn’t even ejaculate so what do I do it’s been two days!!!
I think this helps it has been a month are so since I had sex and reading all this and watching the videos have opened up my mind a lot more……
I may just be freaking out over nothing but I have been on the pill for about 6-7 months and when me and my boyfriend had sex, the condom broke right at the very end. He did get off. But I’m not supposed to have my period for another week or two but I have already started it. Is that normal if my birth control has controlled exactly when I’ll start for 6-7 months now? Does this mean anything?
Me and my boyfriend had sex with condom not sure if it broke but he did not cum but I haven’t gotten my period in 2 months from after we had sex .. Can I possibly be pregnant ?
I had sex 4 months ago for the first time and I haven’t gotten my period. We used a condom. And ever since than I have not gotten my period
How old do you have to be to get the emergency contraception?
My boyfriend wants to have sex, I agreed with him simply because i didn’t want to make him feel bad, but the truth is I don’t want too. I’m scared I can get pregnant .
So me and my boyfriend have been dating for 2 years and we’ve had sex a lot. I was on the pill so he wouldn’t always wear a condom but anyways I had to stop taking the pill due to personal issues and I told him he understood. We countinued having sex he used a condom at first and then he stopped I decided to confront him and he said that he wants me to get pregnant. I’m 16 he’s 18 but in no way am I ready for a baby. What do I do?
Is it best to have sex when on the pill and using a condom? Is there a less likely chance of one getting pregnant?
My boyfriend & I have been having sex ALOT lately sadly unprotected & my period is 4 days late.. Am I pregnant?!
Does the morning after pill work? How does it work?
Yes, the morning after pill works when taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex (or if the condom broke), but the earlier you take it, the better! You can find out more information here: http://stayteen.org/birth-control-101-ec
I just had sex for the first time and the condom broke. My period hasn’t come yet and it was supposed to come sept 5th. And I took a pregnancy test and it came out positive. I don’t know how I’m going to tell my parents. Im only 15. I didn’t want to have sex I just didn’t realize what was going on until it was over.
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