The condom is a simple and amazing invention1, which has had a great impact across the world. Recent statistics show that more than 15 billion condoms are used in a year by people all over the planet. Although the condom is not 100% perfect, it is still the best mechanism for preventing sexually transmitted infections, as well as for unplanned pregnancy.

The condom is the most recommended contraceptive method for safe sex2. However, it is necessary to know how to use it correctly, in order to achieve the greatest benefits and reduce the chances of pregnancy.

Can I get pregnant having sex with a condom?

There is indeed a chance that a woman is at risk of getting pregnant while having sex with a condom, but it is almost unlikely that this will happen. Researchers and medical experts put the efficiency of condom use at around 97 to 98%.

Of course, there are some factors that can increase the chances of getting pregnant with condom use. They are:

The effectiveness of condoms

The 97% effectiveness rate for condom use means that about 2% to 3% of those 15 billion condoms used experienced breakage or other issues during intercourse.

This interpretation is essential. Those who use this contraceptive method must understand that even with all this effectiveness there is indeed a chance of getting pregnant while using a condom. The risk is small, but it is still a risk every time you have sex with a condom.

Incorrect use

With correct and consistent use, condoms are about 98% effective in preventing pregnancy. However, their effectiveness drops considerably to around 84% when considering real and typical usage.

One of the reasons for the difference in effectiveness rates is that people who say they use this method do not always use condoms. Sometimes they forget or choose not to use one.

An example of incorrect condom use is when two people start having sex without a condom and then decide to use one in the middle of intercourse. Or when two people remove the condom before ejaculation, which also leads to a lower effectiveness rate. It’s not because there is something wrong with the condom itself, but because people sometimes use them incorrectly. Knowing how to put on a condom correctly is also essential.

Why do condoms break?

There are several reasons that can cause a condom to break3, for example:

  • Very old condom – condom packaging has an expiration date that must be respected. After expiration, the condom is no longer fit for use.
  • Not enough lubrication – additional lubrication is usually needed for sexual intercourse. The lubricant used must be water-based.
  • Improper storage – exposing latex condoms to heat for long periods damages their structure. Therefore, they should not be kept in hot places, for example, inside a car glove compartment or even in a wallet.
  • Incorrect type of lubrication – lubricants that contain oils like petroleum jelly or vegetable oils should not be used especially with latex condoms. These lubricants reduce the strength of the rubber, which may cause breakage.
  • Small size – many condoms come in smaller sizes. If a condom is too tight, there are brands with larger sizes that can fit the organ perfectly.

What are the chances of getting pregnant if the condom breaks?

There is no exact percentage for the chances of getting pregnant in the event a condom breaks. The risk ends up being the same as having unprotected sex. In addition, if the woman is using any other contraceptive method, such as oral contraceptives, the chances of pregnancy are very low.

It is advisable to use condoms in combination with other contraception methods. It’s an extra protection against unwanted pregnancy in case of accidents.

The chances of getting pregnant having sex with a condom also depend on the phase a woman is at in her menstrual cycle. In general, women are in their fertile period starting from the fourteenth day before menstruation. This period lasts about six days and is when there is a higher chance of fertilization.

If a condom breaks, the woman has 72 hours to take the morning-after pill if she chooses. This greatly reduces the chance of getting pregnant. Lastly, besides breakage, there is a possibility of the condom getting stuck inside the vagina.

This can happen for two reasons: the condom may be larger than needed. Or, because after intercourse the man kept his penis inside the vagina without an erection, allowing the condom to slip inside it. In this case, it is advisable to seek medical assistance to determine where the condom is or if there is a risk of contracting any infection or other disease.

How to use a condom correctly?

The majority of male condom packages come with instructions that must be followed carefully. The common mistake men make is thinking that, because they have been using condoms for a long time, they can skip the step of putting it on carefully.

Rushing things can increase the chances of the condom breaking, which could lead to an unwanted pregnancy. Here are some instructions that may be helpful:

  • Open the package at the indicated place, avoid tearing it with your teeth.
  • Take the condom out of the package, avoiding touching it with your nails.
  • Do not blow to unroll it, as this can weaken the condom.
  • Hold the tip of the condom to prevent air from entering.
  • Only unroll the condom when the penis is erect.
  • Unroll the condom down to the base of the penis and make sure it is secure.

Some men experience condom collapse (loss of erection) while unrolling the condom. If this occurs, it is important to use a new condom. If collapse is frequent, it may be helpful to ask your partner to help at this moment.

In the middle of sexual intercourse, if the condom slips off and comes out, it should be discarded. Right after ejaculation, it is important to firmly hold the condom on the penis before withdrawing it from the vagina. Care should be taken so that no fluid spills. Never reuse a condom!

Important tip: Often the cause of condom breakage is poor lubrication. That’s why it is very important to check that you are using a good lubricant. We recommend FamiGel, which, in addition to being water-based, is a comfortable lubricant with a texture very similar to natural female intimate lubrication. You can find FamiGel here.

See Also: What a Condom Allergy is Like