What Happens If a Condom Gets Stuck in You?

Condoms are a great way to protect you and your partner from the transmission of STIs or unwanted pregnancy. However, whether worn incorrectly or by chance, a condom can get stuck inside you. So, what happens if a condom gets stuck in you? Continue reading below to identify signs of a stuck condom, how to remove a stuck condom, and more, so you can enjoy safe, pleasing sex.

Symptoms of a Condom Stuck Inside

If you recently had sex and were unable to find the condom afterward, it’s possible that the condom is stuck inside you. Additional signs that this may be the case include:

Abnormal discharge
Vaginal bleeding
Pelvic pain

If you’re experiencing a combination of these symptoms, it’s possible that there’s a condom stuck inside your body.

Why Do Condoms Get Stuck Inside You

You may be wondering — how effective are condoms? Condoms are extremely effective if worn correctly, helping to reduce the risk of unwanted pregnancy and STIs. However, condoms can potentially get stuck. Condoms can get stuck inside you for a number of reasons. Most commonly, condoms get stuck inside when they slip off during sex. During orgasm, the vagina contracts. If a condom is too loose or too heavily lubricated inside, these contractions can cause the condom to come off.

In other cases, condoms may break during sex, causing a piece of the condom to get stuck inside.

What to Do If a Condom Gets Stuck

What happens if a condom gets stuck in you? If a condom gets stuck inside you, don’t panic. In most cases, condoms can’t go very far inside you. They’re simply as far inside you as the penis wearing them was.

The first step is to try and retrieve the stuck condom yourself. Before doing so, wash your hands. Then, bear down on your pelvic muscles. This can help push the condom out. With clean hands, try to feel for the condom. It may help to lubricate your finger first. If you can find it, grab it and slowly pull it out.

If you can’t find the condom, see a doctor as soon as possible. The longer the condom is inside, the greater the risk you’re at for infection or other complications. Make a same-day doctor appointment or go to urgent care for assistance.

How to Remove a Stuck Condom

If a condom gets stuck in your vagina or rectum, it’s important to remain calm and not panic. In most cases, removing a condom is easy. If you’re wondering what happens if a condom gets stuck in you, follow these steps:

Relax: Tensing up can make it more difficult to remove the condom. Pause and take a deep breath to relax.
Use clean hands: Wash your hands with soap and water to reduce the risk of infection.
Change positions: Try varying positions to remove the condom, such as squatting or lying down with your knees bent.
Gently reach in: Slowly use one or two fingers to reach in and carefully grab the condom. Once you gain contact, slowly pull it out.
Cough or bear down: If you’re having trouble removing the condom, try coughing or bearing down to push it closer for easier removal.
Seek medical help: If you’re unable to remove the condom yourself, visit a healthcare provider as soon as possible.

How Can Your Partner Help

If you’re unable to find the condom, it’s possible your partner may be able to. Again, have them wash their hands before attempting to retrieve a stuck condom from inside your body. Then, they can use one or two fingers to gently reach inside to grab the condom themselves.

How Do You Prevent a Condom From Getting Stuck Again?

There are many reasons to use a condom, such as preventing pregnancy and the risk of STIs. However, these benefits only work if a condom is worn correctly. Follow these tips to make sure Durex^® condoms don’t get stuck inside your body again:

Don’t lubricate inside the condom too much. A drop or two of lube is okay, but too much can cause the condom to slip off.
Use the right size condom. A condom that’s too big can easily come off.
Never use an expired condom. Expired condoms are more brittle, less elastic, and break more easily.
Always hold the base of the condom when pulling out so that it doesn’t slip off. Not only can this ensure the condom doesn’t get stuck inside you, but it can also ensure the condom’s efficacy in preventing accidental pregnancy and STIs.

Conclusion

It can be scary when a condom gets stuck inside you, but it’s no reason to panic. First, try to pull the condom out yourself while bearing down. Or, have a partner help you pull it out. If you still can’t get it, see your doctor or visit urgent care. It’s important to do so as soon as possible, because a stuck condom can cause infection.

To prevent a condom from getting stuck inside again, follow proper condom use. Never lubricate too much inside the condom, be sure your partner is wearing the right size condom, and have them hold the base of the condom when pulling out. By following these steps, you should avoid getting a condom stuck inside you again!