What if I'm using condoms, but they keep slipping or breaking?

Condoms keep slipping and/or breaking.

Oct 14, 2015 Updated: Aug 28, 2025

First, if the condom breaks—or leaks or spills—and semen got into your vagina or on your labia, pregnancy is possible. You can prevent pregnancy by using use emergency contraception as soon as you can and up to five days after it happens (EC pills are more effective the sooner you take them). You may also want to get tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and consider taking medications to prevent HIV if your partner has HIV or you are unsure about the HIV status of the person you had sex with.

Pulling out before ejaculation while the penis is still hard can help prevent the condom from slipping or any possible spills.

Still not working?

If the condom breaks, spills, or leaks, it might be time for a size check. You can also check out other methods, like an internal condom or if you don’t need protection from STIs right now, you can try the patch, pill, ring, IUD, implant, or shot.

Want to learn more?

Select one of the related topics to find more.

condom latex condom birth control
Bedsider
Bedsider and Birth control

You deserve access to birth control that fits your body, your life and your plans. Since 2011, Bedsider has been a trusted source of medically reviewed birth control information—covering every method available in the U.S. with guides, real user reviews, side-by-side comparisons, and a clinic search to help you find care near you or online.

Related methods

Dive in and learn all the details about these related birth control methods.

birth control
Condom
Very effective if you use them correctly, but not super effective the way most people use them. Hormone free, protect against STIs, and don't require a prescription, but they do require work.
birth control
Birth control ring
Very effective if you use it correctly. Easy to use and works like the pill, but you don't have to worry about it every day.
birth control
Birth control patch
Very effective if you use it correctly. Easy to use and works like the pill, but you only have to worry about it once a week.
birth control
Birth control pill
Very effective if you use it correctly. Easy to use, but you have to remember to take it every day.
birth control
Condom
Very effective if you use them correctly, but not super effective the way most people use them. Hormone free, protect against STIs, and don't require a prescription, but they do require work.
birth control
Internal condom (FC2)
Very effective if you use them correctly, but not super effective the way most people use them. Hormone free, protect against STIs, and great for those with latex allergies.
birth control
IUD
Super effective, lasts for years, low-maintenance, and private (though some partners can feel the strings). You can choose hormonal or non-hormonal.
birth control
Implant (Nexplanon)
Super effective, lasts for years, low-maintenance, and private.
birth control
Birth control shot
Very effective if you use it correctly. Lasts for months, is private, and is a good hormonal option for those who can't take estrogen.