What should I do if a condom breaks?

If a condom splits or slips off, stop, remove it carefully and use a new one if you carry on.

Then think about two separate questions: could this lead to a pregnancy, and could an infection have been passed on? Each has its own options, and both are time-sensitive.

Emergency contraception lowers the chance of pregnancy after contraceptive failure. According to the NHS, the levonorgestrel pill needs to be taken within 3 days (72 hours) and the ulipristal acetate pill within 5 days (120 hours), and both work better the sooner they are taken. A copper IUD fitted within 5 days is the most effective option and can then stay in as ongoing contraception.

Emergency pills are available from many pharmacies, sexual health clinics and doctors. If you use another method such as the pill and took it correctly, a broken condom may not need emergency contraception, and a pharmacist can help you work that out.

If there is a chance of HIV exposure, for example a partner with HIV who is not on effective treatment or whose status you do not know, PEP is an emergency course of HIV medicine. It must be started within 72 hours, ideally much sooner, so go to a sexual health clinic or emergency department quickly.

For other STIs, there is no emergency treatment, but testing finds and treats them. Some infections take a while to show up on a test, so a clinic can tell you when testing will be accurate and whether to come back for a repeat test.

Condoms break less often when they are in date, stored away from heat, opened carefully and the right size. Use plenty of water-based or silicone-based lubricant, never oil-based products with latex, and never two condoms at once, which increases friction and the chance of splitting.