Hi,

Thanks for your question.

Condoms are very effective at preventing pregnancy, whether you are ovulating or not.

It’s important to make sure you are using condoms correctly, and to prevent the condom from breaking. See below for more information.

If you do have a condom break, there are options for emergency contraception (such as Plan B aka “the morning after pill,” or emergency IUD insertion which can stop a pregnancy up to 7 days after sex).

• To use a condom properly: the condom must be put on before any penetration happens. For example: sometimes people engage in a bit of penetrative sex, and then put the condom on before they ejaculate (cum). That penetration can expose their partner to pre-cum, which is a pregnancy risk.

• To prevent condoms from breaking: use a water-based lubricant on the outside of the condom (and/or on your partners’ genitals). Oils and oil-based lube can break the condom. The most common reason that condoms break is from to friction. Lube reduces the friction (and also increases sensation!). Lots of people feel like they should be “wet enough” without lube, but an individual’s wetness can change from day to day depending on their hydration, medications, stress etc. We recommend lube for all people as it’s safer, and usually feels better!

For more information on using condoms correctly check out our Condoms topic.

Please feel free to leave a comment below or submit another question as needed.

Health Nurse