Help, the condom broke!

You and your partner have taken all the steps to have safe sex, including using a condom to prevent sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy. Things are going awesome... until the condom breaks. What now???

Step 1: Are you or your partner at risk of getting pregnant?
This is step one because it needs to be dealt with the most quickly. If you or your partner are also using another form of birth control, like the Pill or an IUD, there's a much lower chance of accidental pregnancy. If not, there are a few different methods of emergency contraception (birth control) available. These help prevent pregnancy, even after unprotected sex has already happened.

• Plan B can be bought without a prescription at most pharmacies, like Shopper's Drug Mart. If it isn't on the shelf (usually with condoms, lube, and vaginal medications), you can ask the pharmacist for it. It can be taken up to 72 hours after unprotected sex (see here for more details on the medication itself). Plan B costs $40-$60, depending on where you buy it. There are other emergency contraception pills, too, but Plan B is one of the most popular and well-known. If you're curious about other options, just ask the pharmacist and they'll help you pick out the best option for you. Pharmacists are there to help you, and they answer questions about embarrassing medical problems every day - so don't even worry about them judging you. You may want to bring a trusted friend or adult if you're feeling uncomfortable.
• An IUD can also act as a form of emergency contraception. You need to make a doctor's appointment to get a prescription for an IUD and to have it inserted. Planned Parenthood has more information on IUD's as emergency contraception, and on having an IUD in general. They also have a helpful quiz to help you figure out what emergency contraception is best for you.

Step 2: Are you or your partner at risk of getting an STI?
If you or your partner haven't been tested recently, or you're not in an exclusive relationship, go get tested. It never hurts - many STIs can be easily treated as long as they're caught early enough. Make a doctor's appointment or phone the Sexual Health Centre (403-320-0110).

Step 3: How do you and your partner prevent this from happening again?
Make a plan! This might mean pairing condom use with another form of birth control, like the Pill or an IUD. It might mean getting tested more regularly. It might mean keeping Plan B on hand just in case. It might also mean using condom-safe (water-based) lube to help prevent future condoms from breaking. Accidents can happen - in the future, you'll feel better knowing you're prepared just in case one does.