Common reasons for condom failure - Dr. Shefali Tyagi

It is commonly seen that married couples come after 10 years to doctor and say we have been using condoms for these many years but this is the first time that in spite of using condom I have conceived. So condoms otherwise is a good method of contraception but you have to be careful while using it, if used properly condoms are effective till 95% 98% in case of males, but if used improperly we see failure rates around 12% 25% in practical life. So why does a condom fail, a condom fails if it breaks or splits or if the condom slips or if you have been using wrong size of condom or if the proper usage is not done, in these cases we do have a condom failure. In female condoms again if condom is pushed too far into the vagina or the penis had entered to the side of vagina away from the condom or if you have used too much lubrication the female condom can also give failure. So you have to be careful while choosing the size and the correct application should be practiced. Now how do you know that condom has failed? in many instances soon after your intercourse you can see that condom getting slipped off or it has got toned and you can see the fluid coming out in that case you can discuss with your doctor because every time you don't need to take emergency contraceptives immediately because it also depends on the day of the cycle this has happened, there are some days where the probability of conceiving are very high on other you are more or less relatively safe. So discuss with your doctor and accordingly what she advises you can go ahead.