So you’ve just had sex, but the condom has disappeared? No need to freak out, here are a few steps you can take.
Find the condom
The first thing you should do is try to get the lost condom out yourself.
If you were having PIV (penis-in-vagina) sex, it might be up the top of your vaginal canal near your cervix. Lie back, relax, and use two fingers to search (make sure your nails are short!). It may help to squat.
If you were having anal sex the best way to try and get the condom out is by pooing.
Head to the doctor
If you couldn’t find the lost condom yourself a doctor will be able to retrieve it for you. Head to your GP, gynaecologist or the hospital emergency room.
Having a condom inside you is not serious, but it does need to be removed soon so bacteria doesn’t build up and give you an infection.
Take emergency contraception
If you were having PIV sex and condoms were your only method of contraception it is possible that you could get pregnant from a condom slipping off. If you want to avoid an unplanned pregnancy you can take the emergency contraceptive pill (or the ‘morning after pill’). It works best when you take it within 24 hours of sex, but is still 85% effective up to 3 days after.
Take an STI test
It’s great to get tested regularly anyway, so losing a condom is a good time to head to your GP or a sexual health clinic for a check-up.
Check your form
The best way to prevent a condom slipping off is by using them correctly. You can brush up on condom use here.
If you want to know more you can ring the NSW Sexual Health Infolink on 1800 451 624 between 9:00am and 5:30pm Monday to Friday to talk with a sexual health nurse. Or, ask Nurse Nettie a question via our online form.
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