The condom is one of the most widely used contraceptive methods, with efficacy to prevent pregnancy that ranges between 86 and 98% depending on how appropriate the use we give it. It is also the only alternative to avoid sexually transmitted diseases. Hence, its use is essential during casual sex contact and whenever we have doubts about the existence of an STD.
Although no method is 100% effective, without a doubt, its efficiency decreases notably when we do not use it properly, something that happens when the condom stays inside the vaginal area or when it breaks. Do you know what to do if a condom stays inside? In this FastlyHealarticle, we explain in detail how to act.
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The first thing to do if the condom stays inside
If there is an uncomfortable moment after the sexual act, it is that, when withdrawing the penis, both of you notice that the condom is not where it should be, which means that it stays inside, so it is essential to act quickly but calmly.
The woman mustn’t get nervous, as this will only worsen the situation. You should know that when a condom is left inside, it will not move to another area of your body. It will remain in the vagina until it is extracted. Therefore there is no reason to be alarmed because stress will make the vaginal muscles tighten, making the process difficult.
Wash your hands and go to the bathroom. Get into a position similar to that you adopt to urinate standing in a public restroom and push slightly, insert your index finger and thumb into your vagina and try to feel the condom. If you think about it, carefully bring it to you to remove it from your vagina. It is essential to be careful, or you could break the condom and run the risk of latex particles remaining in this area, eventually leading to infections.
Once removed, wash your hands and your vaginal area. If you have successfully removed it and now you want to know how to prevent an unwanted pregnancy or an STD, we will explain how to do it below.
What you should never do
The above procedure is adequate. However, many women get so nervous that, not finding a condom, they opt for other measures that can put their vaginal health at risk. In this situation, you should never:
- Introduce any object to extract the condom, such as tweezers, hooks, etc. This could lead to injury to the delicate vaginal area or infection, so avoid it at all costs.
- Wait for the condom to come out only after a few days. Unfortunately, your vagina will not expel this object by itself. If you cannot find a condom, you must take the step that we recommend in the next section.
What if I can’t find the condom?
If, after trying to find it with your fingers, you realize that the condom is much deeper than you imagined, it is time to contact your emergency gynecologist to remove it. If it is not available for any reason, it is best to go to a health care center to have it removed.
The procedure is simple. It only requires using a speculum to widen the vaginal walls and remove the condom, something that will not hurt at all. Again stay calm, nothing terrible will happen because the condom is in your vagina for a few hours while it is being removed, but it must be removed as soon as possible.
How to prevent an unwanted pregnancy?
If you are not ovulating or close to your fertile days, there is no risk of pregnancy, and you should not worry. But if you consider that there is a risk of being in a state in parallel, you will have to take measures to prevent it as much as possible.
For this, the best ally is the morning after pill, on sale in any pharmacy. This solution has an effectiveness of between 75 and 89%. You should take the first dose as quickly as possible, preferably within 12 hours of the accident. This pill helps prevent ovulation, thickens the cervical mucus so that the sperm cannot easily reach the oocyte if it has already detached from the ovary, and makes it difficult for the ovum to implant in the uterus if it has been fertilized.
Despite its efficiency, you should know that this pill does not cause abortions, so if the fertilized egg has been implanted, the pregnancy will continue its course. It is essential to take the first dose as quickly as possible to avoid this.
How to prevent the spread of an STD?
If you and your partner are entirely healthy and free of sexually transmitted diseases, you should not worry about this point. However, if you are having casual sex or intimacy with someone whose health status you cannot guarantee, it is essential to take preventive measures to avoid the spread of an STD.
To do this, go to a health care center within a maximum of 2 days. You must explain that you have been exposed to a risky sexual relationship so that the specialists can perform the relevant tests. Even if you think you have been exposed to HIV, there is an option. It is a preventive treatment that consists of administering antiretrovirals during the three days following the risky contact.
Three months later, you should take a test to detect if there is HIV, which you can repeat after three months for a more reliable result.
Tips to prevent the condom from staying in
Now that you know what to do if a condom stays inside, it is crucial to understand why this happens to avoid it. This condition usually occurs when the man does not apply the condom well, bringing it to the base of the penis, or when penetration is maintained although the member is no longer erect. Both scenarios increase the risk of this happening.
To avoid this, it is essential to:
- Choosing a condom that adapts appropriately to the member, using a larger size, facilitates its displacement or failure.
- The man puts on the condom correctly, making sure that it is at the base of the penis and not half placed. If this is the case, there is a risk that it will come off with the friction of the penetration.
- Withdraw the penis once the act has concluded and it is still erect, thus preventing the condom from loosening when the erection is lowered and, with the withdrawal movement, it ends up staying inside.
This article is merely informative. At FastlyHeal .com, we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor if you present any condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to What to do if a condom stays inside, we recommend that you enter our Sexuality category.
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.