So, your condom broke. This is how you can prevent an unplanned pregnancy

That moment of pleasure can turn into a nightmare if a condom snaps in between. This, unfortunately, increases your chances of an unintended pregnancy. The fear and anxiety of how to tame this unwanted event makes the situation all the grimmer. But relax ladies as we are here to help you out on this World Population Day. 

First of all, here’s what you should do immediately if a condom breaks
Well, this is first aid to protect yourself from an unplanned pregnancy. If you feel the condom snap then you should immediately stop the deed and do these checks:

1. Check with your partner whether the condom has actually snapped or was it just in your head.
2. If the condom has broken, then check if your partner has ejaculated or not.
3. Check whether the condom is still on his penis or has it been ripped off and left inside your vagina.
4. To be doubly sure, you can obviously change the condom.

But why does a condom break?
Well, there are umpteen reasons why a condom can break in the middle of sex. Here are some common reasons:

• Less lubrication
• Expired condom
• If the condom is not of the right size
• If he hasn’t worn it properly

This is how you can prevent an unplanned pregnancy
It is a major mood killer, we know! So to help you stay sane and not freak out at the prospect of an accidental pregnancy, here are some measures you can take: 

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1. Within 72- hours, take an emergency contraceptive pill
Contraceptive pills are one of the most instant solutions that you can go for. Having said that, it doesn’t mean that you pop them every now and then because there are side effects attached to them as well.

Dr Gandhali Deorukhkar Pillai, consultant obstetrics gynaecologist at Wockhardt Hospital, Mumbai Central says: “I have witnessed many patients dwell on suicidal tendencies, have extreme bouts of anger, mood swings, and headaches after taking the pill.”

You need to take this medicine within 72 hours but in case there are any health issues then you should consult a doctor for further guidance.

2. Within 1 – 2 months, you need to take the MTP route
If after a month’s time your periods are MIA and you have gotten pregnant, then MTP or Medical Termination of Pregnancy is the only way out.

This kit consists of a combination of medicines that terminate the pregnancy. Basically, an MTP blocks the action of progesterone – a female hormone required to maintain pregnancy. And it induces contractions in the uterus, which further helps in abortion.

According to a study published in the Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology of India, it is not safe to take these pills without prescription as it can impact your fertility. You must consult a healthcare expert before popping it.

3. After 2 months, surgical abortion is your best bet
Well, this is the last resort that you have to protect yourself from an unwanted pregnancy. According to the Harvard Medical School, a safe abortion can be had before 12 weeks of pregnancy. As after that it can lead to multiple complications and be hazardous for the mom to be.

The research also suggests surgical abortion can be both mentally and physically tiring. So, before attempting this, it is very important to talk to your gynae.

Takeaway…
So, the lesson you have learned here today is not to take your sexual health for granted and make sure that you use proper tools to keep that passion alive. And FYI, condoms are not the only way to protect you from unsafe sex. You can also use spermicidal gels, vaginal rings, and other methods to stay away from an unwanted pregnancy.