The_Condom_Broken

THE CONDOM BROKE? IT’S NOT THE END OF THE WORLD

Sometimes things just don’t go to plan

There are several reasons as to why a condom can fail to prevent pregnancy such as:

  • Not using it correctly 
  • Not using it everytime you have sex 
  • It breaks during sex 
  • Manufacturing error
  • An expired condom

There are still steps that you can take to reduce the risk of becoming pregnant if you find a tear in the condom.

What next?

Stay calm, there are still contraceptive options available to you.

Emergency Contraceptive Pill

Often called 'the morning after pill’ it is a pill that is designed to prevent pregnancy. There are 2 types of emergency contraceptive pill both of which can be purchased direct from a pharmacy without a prescription.

The 3 day Pill

The 3-day emergency contraceptive pill contains the hormone progestogen. It works by preventing or delaying your body from ovulating or releasing an egg, thereby preventing an egg and sperm fertilising.

It should be taken as soon as possible and within 72 hours (3 days) of un-protected sex. It is important to remember that the sooner you take it the better it will work.

The 5 day Pill

The 5-day emergency contraceptive pill contains ulipristal. It works by pre-venting or delaying your body from ovulating or releasing an egg, thereby preventing an egg and sperm fertilising.

It should be taken as soon as possible and within 120 hours (5 days) of un-protected sex. It is important to remember that the sooner you take it the better it will work.

Emergency Contraception: Copper Coil

The copper coil (IUD) is a hormone-free option that can also be used as a long-acting contraception. If fitted within 5 days after the condom broke, it should prevent pregnancy and can be kept for contraception for up to 10 years depending on the IUD type.

Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) test

Condoms are designed to prevent pregnancy and protect against STIs, so in the event of a broken condom it's a good idea for you and your partner to get tested.

ALTERNATIVE CONTRACEPTION METHODS

If your condom breaking has got you thinking about other methods of contraception, these are worth considering:

The Hormonal Coil

The Hormonal Coil is a small, soft T-shaped plastic frame that releases low levels of a progestogen hormone for up to 3 - 8 years. It is given with a prescription and placed in your womb by a doctor or nurse.

View Method

The Copper Coil

The Copper Coil is a small, T-shaped plastic frame that has a copper wire. It is available with a prescription and placed in your womb by a doctor or nurse, where it prevents pregnancy for up to 5 - 10 years.

View Method

The Contraceptive Implant

A small, flexible silicone rod that releases hormones for up to 3 years. It is given with a prescription and placed under the skin of your upper arm by a doctor or nurse.

View Method

The Contraceptive Injection

An injection containing a hormone that is given with a prescription and administered by a doctor or nurse every 12-13 weeks.

View Method
COMPARE METHODS
DOWNLOAD YOUR LONG ACTING REVERSIBLE CONTRACEPTION (LARC) BROCHURE HERE
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NEED ADVICE?

Organise a visit with your healthcare professional to discuss all your contraceptive options and decide which one suits your needs best.

3 STEPS TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR VISIT

KNOW YOUR OPTIONS

The
IUS

The Hormonal Coil is a small, soft T-shaped plastic frame that releases low levels of a progestogen hormone for up to 3 to 8 years. It is given with a prescription and placed in your womb by a doctor or nurse.

IUS - HormonalCoil - CompareMethods

THE
IUD

The Copper Coil is a small, T-shaped plastic frame that has a copper wire. it is given with a prescription and placed in your womb by a doctor or nurse, where it prevents pregnancy for up to 5 to 10 years.

IUD_CopperCoil_Blue_CompareMethods

THE
Contraceptive Implant

A small, flexible silicone rod that releases hormones for up to 3 years. It is given with a prescription and placed under the skin of your upper arm by a doctor or nurse. 

Contraceptive_Implant_CompareMethods

THE
Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill (COCP)

COCPs are tablets that may have to be taken every day, releasing the hormone progestogen and oestrogen to prevent pregnancy. They are often referred to as the pill and you will need a prescription from your healthcare professional for these. 

Pill_COCP_POP_CompareMethods

THE
Contraceptive Injection

An injection containing a hormone that is given with a prescription and administered by a doctor or nurse every 12-13 weeks.

Contraceptive_Injection_CompareMethods

THE
Patch

A small, thin, skin-coloured plastic square that sticks to the skin and releases hormones. It is given with a prescription and can be self-administered once a week.

The_Patch_CompareMethods

THE
Diaphragm

A silicone cup placed in the vagina that prevents sperm from reaching the womb. Your doctor or nurse will normally conduct an initial fitting to make sure you have the correct size.

Contraception_Diaphragm_CompareMethods

THE
Ring

A small, flexible ring that is self-administered with a prescription and placed in the vagina, where it releases hormones for 3 weeks.

Ring_CompareMethods

THE
Female Condom

An internal condom placed in the vagina that stops sperm from reaching the vagina whilst also helping protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It is self-administered and bought over the counter.

Female_Condom_Contraception

THE
MALE CONDOM

A sheath placed over the erect penis to stop sperm from reaching the vagina whilst also helping protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It is self-administered and bought over the counter.

Male_Condom_ShortActing

THE
Progestogen-only Pill (POP)

POPs are tablets which have to be taken every day at the same time with no break between packs. These pills only contain a progestogen hormone and so they can be taken by women for whom oestrogen-containing options are not suitable. They are also known as the mini-pill and you will need a prescription from your healthcare professional for these.

Pill_COCP_POP_CompareMethods

NATURAL
PLANNING

Self-directed methods of avoiding pregnancy that include menstrual cycle tracking and body temperature measurements to identify fertile days.

Natural Planning - Compare Methods

SPERMICIDE

Spermicides are Creams, films, foams, gels and suppositories that contain chemicals to stop or kill sperm. These are bought over the counter and are self-administered.

Spermicide_Compare_Contraceptive_Methods

WITHDRAWAL

Also known as ‘The pull-out method’, this self-directed method involves withdrawing the penis prior to ejaculation to avoid pregnancy.

Withdrawal - Contraception Method

FEMALE
STERILIZATION

A medical procedure performed by a doctor or nurse that blocks the fallopian tubes so the egg cannot travel down the tubes to meet the sperm. 

Female Sterilisation - Permanent Method

MALE
STERILIZATION

A medical procedure performed by a doctor or nurse that blocks the tubes carrying sperm.

Male Sterilisation - Permanent Method
COMPARE METHODS

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© Bayer Limited. All rights reserved

Date of last update: 29/08/2023

This website has been developed to raise awareness of the different contraceptive options available in Ireland.

Always speak to your doctor or nurse for personal advice. Health information in this website is intended as general information only and for Irish audiences only. It is not intended to replace a consultation with a healthcare professional, nor is it intended to provide specific medical advice.

If you want to report a side effect or quality complaint, please contact your health care professional (e.g. treating physician or pharmacist), Health Products Regulatory Authority, or go to the “Contact Us” menu at www.bayer.ie

The MyContraception campaign has been initiated, organised and funded by Bayer Ltd.

  • PP-PF-WHC-IE-0054-4, DOP: July 2026