Can a Condom Get Stuck Inside You?

It's not exactly common, but a condom can get stuck inside the vagina during sexual intercourse. A condom could slide off inside you for many reasons: It was too small, too big, or perhaps there was not enough lubrication. The condom may slip off, fold up, and become stuck high inside your body if your partner loses their erection.

What happens if a condom gets stuck inside? Warning signs may include abnormal discharge, bleeding, and pelvic pain. Some people might not notice a condom that's stuck inside for several days.

How do you get a stuck condom out? You might make a same-day appointment with a healthcare provider or try carefully removing it yourself. Read on to learn about what to do if a condom gets stuck inside, including symptoms and prevention.

Symptoms of a Condom Stuck Inside

There are a few ways you might be able to tell if a condom is stuck inside you. The most obvious is if the condom is nowhere to be found after your partner used one before sexual intercourse.

You might have abnormal discharge, bleeding, and pelvic pain. A stuck condom is not as dangerous as, say, a forgotten tampon, but it can be a source of infection.

What To Do if a Condom Gets Stuck

Take a deep breath. A condom can only go as far as a sex toy or penis if it's stuck in your vagina. The vagina connects to the cervix, which only begins to soften and open during childbirth or medical procedures. A condom can typically only travel as high as your cervix and then stop.

The misplaced condom probably will not pose an immediate health risk. A condom that's fallen off inside of you, however, may increase the possibility of pregnancy or STIs. You might want to take emergency contraception if you are trying to prevent pregnancy.

Emergency contraception includes:

• Copper intrauterine device (IUD): This requires insertion by a healthcare provider. This option is often the most effective and can be inserted up to five days after unprotected sex. You may continue to use a copper IUD as an effective birth control method for up to 10 years.
• Ella: This is a form of oral contraception that requires a prescription. You can take Ella up to five days after unprotected sex.
• Plan B: You can purchase this oral contraceptive over the counter. You'll need to take Plan B within three days of unprotected sex for it to be effective.

You'll also need to take action to prevent STIs, especially if you are unsure about your partner's personal health history. It's a good idea to see a healthcare provider for testing right away.

How To Remove a Stuck Condom

How do you get the condom out of your vagina? Do not wait for your urine stream to shake it out. Call a healthcare provider and make a same-day appointment for them to remove it.

You can also try to search for the condom yourself:

1. Wash your hands with soap and water.
2. Sit in a warm bath or sit over a toilet. Standing and bearing down might push the condom out, but this position might be uncomfortable.
3. Relax, and make sure that your vaginal muscles are not tense or clenched.
4. Lubricate your finger.
5. Use a hook-like motion to fish out the condom. Be gentle with the motion, especially if you have long fingernails.

Keep in mind that a condom cannot get lost forever inside your vagina. Just make sure that you remove the entire condom, which can break and leave pieces inside you. Reach out to a healthcare provider if the condom is not intact or you are unsure if part of it is still inside you.

Prevention 

Here are some ways to prevent a condom from getting stuck inside:

• Make sure your partner pulls out correctly: Your partner can hold on to the base of the condom if their erection is starting to go down as they pull out. Your partner will ideally let you know if the condom appears to be missing.
• Put on a condom correctly: Ensure your partner chooses a condom that's the right size. The condom needs to fit comfortably and snugly and roll down the entirety of an erect penis.
• Use lube: Lubricant helps reduce the risk of a condom getting stuck and prevents burns and tears that make sex uncomfortable or unsafe.

A Quick Review

Follow these steps if a condom gets stuck inside your vagina. See if you can remove it and then check the entire condom is intact. Reach out to a healthcare provider if you cannot remove it or are concerned that part of it is still stuck.

Make sure to consider your chances of pregnancy and STIs. Emergency contraception is available if you are concerned about pregnancy. Talk to a healthcare provider if you are unsure about your partner's health history. They can recommend and administer testing for STIs.