What to Do If a Condom Breaks or Slips During Sex?

It’s generally easy to use a condom correctly, yet it can still slip off or tear during sex. This can cause significant stress. Here are the essential do’s and don’ts for both women and men, so you know what to do if the condom has slipped or torn.

For women if the condom has slipped or torn during vaginal sex:

• Carefully remove the condom from the vagina.
• Stand up and walk around to help any remaining semen “flow” out.
• Drink plenty of water to encourage urination, which naturally flushes out the vagina.
• Do not use a vaginal douche as it can push semen further up into the vagina.
• Rinse the external area of the vagina with lukewarm water, but avoid internal douching.
• Always take an STI test and consider additional contraception.

For women if the condom has slipped or torn during anal sex:

• Remove the condom from the anus.
• Stand up and walk around to help any remaining semen “flow” out.
• Do not douche the anus as it can push semen further into the intestines.
• Rinse the external area of the anus with lukewarm water.
• Always take an STI test.

For men if the condom has slipped or torn during anal sex:

• Remove the condom from the anus.
• Stand up and walk around to help any remaining semen “flow” out.
• Do not douche the anus as it can push semen further into the intestines.
• Rinse the external area of the anus with lukewarm water.
• Always take an STI test and consider a PEP check if you have sex with men.
• Consider PrEP as an additional prevention method; learn more about PrEP here.

For men if the condom has slipped or torn while providing anal or vaginal sex:

• Clean the penis with lukewarm water.
• Always take an STI test.