My friend was using a condom and said it tore. How is that possible?
– Shawn*
Condoms can sometimes rip or tear, but using and storing them properly can
help reduce this risk.
Heat, sun, oils, and chemicals all can weaken condoms, making them more susceptible
to breakage. Keep condoms away from heat and light, which can dry them out. And, don't
use oils or lotions with a condom, only water-based lubricants. Carrying a condom
in your wallet, where it may be folded or sat on, can also wear down the material
and cause the condom to break. Also, don't open a condom with anything sharp, like
scissors or teeth.
Check the expiration date on the condom. The material used to make condoms can
weaken over time, so don't use one that has expired.
Condoms may rip during use if they don't fit properly or if they are not put on
correctly (such as not leaving enough room at the tip of the condom). They also can
tear if there is too much friction and not enough lubrication, or if the condom comes
into contact with a person's nails, rings, piercings, teeth, or other sharp edges.
Condoms are the only type of birth control that can help prevent both pregnancy
and STDs. So it's important to use and store them properly. A new condom should be
used with each act of sex, and should be used from beginning to end.
If a condom breaks
and you or your partner is concerned about pregnancy, call your health care provider
or pharmacist to discuss emergency
contraception. And both partners should be tested for STDs. People are often not
aware that they have an infection but if an infection isn't treated, it could cause
serious problems.
For more on this topic, check out the box below.
*Names have been changed to protect user privacy.
Date reviewed: January 2015