How often do condoms break?

i know a guy (teenager) who had a kid because he said the condom broke. so now i’m scared of getting pregnant just using condoms. what are the odds of condoms breaking or failing somehow?

The odds of a condom breaking are really small if you’re using them correctly, but it can definitely happen. Here are a few things you can do that make condoms even less likely to break.

Check out this video to find out how to put on a condom the right way.
Store condoms in a cool, dry place (so not in your wallet or very tight pockets for weeks or months).
Check the expiration date to make sure the condoms you’re using are still good.
Use water or silicon-based lube. Lube reduces the friction that can lead to breakage.
Make sure you put the condom on before you start having sex, and keep wearing it until you’ve finished and pulled out.

It sounds like you don’t want to get pregnant right now. Using condoms is a really good way of preventing pregnancy, and it’s the only way to avoid getting STDs if you’re going to have sex.

But that’s not all you can do to prevent pregnancy. Using birth control like the IUD, implant, shot, pill, patch, or ring (along with those condoms) is the best way to prevent pregnancy (and STDs). Find out which one’s right for you with this quiz.

-Emily at Planned Parenthood

Tags: condoms