How Can Condoms Break?

Condoms can sometimes rip or tear, which can lead to pregnancy and make it easier to get a sexually transmitted disease (STD). But storing and using condoms the right way can help reduce the risk. Start by learning what can damage condoms.

What Can Cause Condoms to Break?

When the condom material wears down over time, gets too dry, or is damaged in another way, tears and holes are more likely to happen.

Things that can cause condoms to break down include:

• Sun, heat, and light. These can dry out condoms. Keep condoms where they won’t get too hot, like a bedside drawer.
• Wallets. It may seem handy to carry a condom in your wallet, but it can get folded. Condoms can also get worn from the pressure of sitting on a wallet.
• Sharp objects. When opening a wrapper, don’t use anything that could cut the condom, like scissors or teeth. Condoms also might tear from contact with things like a person's nails, rings, piercings, or other sharp edges.
• Old age. Check the expiration date on the condom package. The material used to make condoms can weaken over time, so don't use one that has expired (is too old to use).
• Poor fit. Condoms may rip during use if they don't fit properly or if they’re not put on correctly, like not leaving enough room at the tip. Learn the right way to use a condom.
• A second condom. Wearing two condoms protects you less well than one. They can rub against each other, making the material weaker and more likely to break.
• Not enough lubrication. Sometimes condoms can tear if there isn’t enough lubrication.
• Oil-based lubricants. If you use a lubricant with condoms, choose water-based or silicone-based lubricants. Other types made with oil can break down condoms.

What Else Should I Know?

Be sure to use a new condom each time you have sex. If a condom breaks, you and your partner should get tested for STDs. And if either of you could get pregnant, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can tell you about emergency contraception (a way to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex). You can also go to a health clinic like Planned Parenthood. Emergency contraception works best when it’s taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex. But you can still use it for up to 5 days after.