Did the condom work?

[emily20]

I had sex on 6/17 with a condom plus the withdrawl method. I'm fairly certain it put on correctly, (space left at the tip, base was held when pulling out, etc.) and when we inspected it afterwards there were no breakages or leaks and all the sperm seemed to stay in the condom. Does this mean that the condom was effective in preventing pregnancy?

[taylor_alyse]

Hello emily20!

Have you seen this article? http://www.scarleteen.com/article/sexua ... ers_manual
Might have some tips that are new to you

From what you've described, sounds like you used the condom correctly and thus would be effective in preventing pregnancy Did you look at the expiration date on the package of the condom? That is important. Also, using lube is helpful for both pleasure purposes and ensuring the condom doesn't get too dry, which is a common cause of rippage.

Also, for future supplies, have you been to our safer sex shop? There is a variety of high quality safer sex condoms & other safer sex health helpers with a 40% discount for Scarleteen users! The quality of the condom is important in effectively preventing pregnancy; also, it can be fun & empowering to explore a bit and find the condoms/barriers, etc. that work and feel the best for you http://www.scarleteen.com/article/sexua ... ers_manual

[emily20]

So if there was a defect in the condom like a hole or tear, it would be obvious right?

[Eddie C]

Yes. If and when a condom breaks it would be absolutely noticeable. Like when a balloon pops.

[emily20]

So that would mean I'm in the clear for pregnancy right? Also, it's said that condoms are 98% effective with perfect use, the remaning 2% failures would be things like tearing and slippage, correct?

[Eddie C]

Just to be clear, there's no method a 100% effective against pregnancy. That said, it sounds like the condom you used did its work. If and when a condom fails, it could because it broke, slipped or some other human error like not using enough lube, etc.