How resiliant are condoms?

Question:

I had sex last night, and was a bit drunk. I knew what I was doing an all, and we used a condom - but how easily broken are they, it was dark and I couldn't really see, I'm pretty sure it was fine but I am fertile at the moment ( day 13 of cycle), and I am terrified of getting pregnant. I am going to go on the pill just as soon as I can make an appointment, but for now, are condoms that safe?

Answers:
Condoms are 97% effective, when used correctly and exclusively.

Testing birth control efficacy can be tricky, as many factors affect conception, but the standard test is "if 100 women use the method correctly and exclusively for one year, how many will become pregnant?" For condoms, the answer is three.

Be aware that condoms do have expiration dates, after which they should be discarded and not used. The latex breaks down over time, increasing the chance that they will rupture.

If you're concerned that a condom has slipped off or ruptured, you may want to consider emergency contraception.

Emergency contraception (EC) is a dose of birth control pills taken within three days after unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy. When taken as directed, EC can decrease your risk of pregnancy by 89%. EC is most commonly used when a regular method of contraception fails (for example, when a condom breaks), or in cases of sexual assault.

EC is often confused with mifepristone (also called RU-486, or the abortion pill). EC does not cause an abortion, and it will not harm or affect a pregnancy that is already established.

Good luck - I hope this helps.

condoms are 80-98% effective depending on whether or not you used them properly. If you are very worried that the condom could have broken and don't have it around to test (fill it up with water and check for leaks), you can get the morning after pill or Plan B to prevent pregnancy this time. Make that birth control appointment ASAP.

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How resiliant are condoms?

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