Only use condoms made by approved manufacturers and that carry either the European CE mark, or the BSI Kitemark (BS EN 600), or the approval stamp of your national Family Planning organisation.
What do I do if my condom bursts?
Condoms made by approved manufactures will have been tested for holes and imperfections and they do not often burst. Statistically, it happens less than two per cent of the time, and only one per cent burst after the man has ejaculated.
If a condom does break, and it is important to you not to get pregnant, you should urgently consider postcoital contraception.
One way of avoiding an unwanted pregnancy is to take the so-called 'morning-after pill', (properly called the postcoital pill). It must be taken within 72 hours of the condom splitting.
It may be prescribed by your GP, or by a doctor at a Family Planning Clinic or British Pregnancy Advisory Service. Doctors at Genitourinary Medicine (GUM) clinics and at some hospital Accident and Emergency departments will also provide this treatment.
As of April 2001, the postcoital pill is available in the UK over the counter (ie without prescription) in pharmacies, at a cost of £20. But if you are able to visit a doctor and get it on prescription, then the PCP will be free.
If more than 72 hours have passed since having unprotected sex, it may be possible to have a copper coil inserted into the uterus by a doctor. This should be done before five days have passed. The copper coil prevents the fertilised egg from attaching to the uterus, and pregnancy can be prevented.
If the condom bursts during sex with a person infected with theHIV virus, it is also vital to consult a doctor.
Condoms are still regarded as the best protection against HIV and other venereal diseases.
Why do condoms sometimes burst?
In a small percentage of cases, an imperfection in the condom
would cause it to burst. This can lead to pregnancy. It is important to ensure
that the correct size of condom is worn. If the condom is too small, it will
burst more easily, and if it is too large, it may fall off.
Manufacturers claim that condoms are often ripped by teeth, jewellery, or fingernails. So take care!
Water-based lubricants should always be used rather than oil-based ones - such as petroleum jelly (Vaseline) - as these can impair the condom, causing it to break.
The condom should be put on with care. It should be rolled on so that it covers the whole of the penis, but leaving a bit of space at the end for the ejaculated semen.
It is a good idea to practise rolling on a condom, perhaps on oneself, or even on a banana!
What do I do if I forget to take my pill?
Please consult our article:
Contraception - the
contraceptive Pill.
The really reliable ones are:
But please note that all these methods do carry a small failure rate. Nothing is 100 per cent effective.
So, please read our separate articles on each method on the NetDoctor site. These are regularly checked and updated.
For further information, talk to a doctor or nurse who specialises in contraceptive - eg at your local Family Planning Clinic.
The documents contained in this web site are presented for information purposes only. The material is in no way intended to replace professional medical care or attention by a qualified practitioner. The materials in this web site cannot and should not be used as a basis for diagnosis or choice of treatment. Conditions for use
Font size