The condom broke. What should I do?

I just had sex and the condom broke, spilled, or leaked.

Oct 13, 2015 Updated: Aug 28, 2025

If the condom breaks—or leaks or spills—you can prevent pregnancy by using emergency contraception up to five days after it happens. Just remember, EC pills are more effective the sooner you take them. You may also want to get tested for 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.

Still not working?

If the condom breaks, spills, or leaks, it might be time for a size check.

Want to learn more?

Select one of the related topics to find more.

condom internal condom Ella morning-after pill birth control emergency contraception Copper IUD
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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
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
Emergency contraception
Emergency contraception (EC) provides the possibility of pregnancy prevention after the fact.