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http://aids.about.com/od/safersexquestions/f/break.htm

http://www.health.com/health/conditi...188848,00.html

http://www.sexetc.org/faq/pregnancy/1060

http://www.sisterzeus.com/CondBr.htm

http://www.ehow.com/how_2103579_know...om-breaks.html

http://www.fhi.org/en/rh/pubs/factsheets/breakslip.htm


Condom breaks do occur, and when they do it can cause a lot of anxiety. What should you do if the condom breaks? Follow these recommendations.

• Remain calm...take a breath and relax. That will make it easier for you to make ration decisions.
  
• If the condom breaks while you're having sex and before ejaculation, immediately stop, pull out and apply a new condom.
  
• If ejaculation has occurred, pull out carefully.
  
• Shower or wash your genital area thouroughly with soap and warm water.
  
• Have a discussion with your partner. Talk about how careful each of you have been in the past. Talk about possible HIV risk factors such as a history of IV drug use, unsafe sex practices, having sex with prostitutes, etc.
  
• Even if both you and your partner believe you have been safe in the past, get tested for HIV. Repeat that test at 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months to allow time for the body to produce HIV antibodies if infection has occured.
  
• Be alert for possible signs of sexually transmitted diseases or HIV such as a rash, swollen glands, fever, flu-like symptoms, pain or discharge from the penis or vagina. If you have any of these signs, see your doctor.
  
• Important Point! - Never douche after a condom breaks...this can force infectious microbes deeper in the vagina and also causes membrane irritation, increasing the risk of disease transmission.
  
• Important Point! - Never use contraceptive foams such as nonoxynol-9. This can irritate mucous membranes increasing the risk of infection.

To prevent the liklihood of a condom breaking:

• Never wear two condoms at once. The friction can weaken the condom.
  
• Never use oil based lubricants such as vaseline. Again this can weaken the condom.
  
• Use lots of water based lubricant to decrease friction that may weaken the condom.
  
• Make certain you are using proper sized condoms. There are larger and smaller sizes available for those who need them.
  
• Never reuse a condom.