Family Planning Plus

Menstrual periods can be late for a number of different reasons, including stress and anxiety. Wait another week. If you still don’t get your period, take a pregnancy test. When used correctly, condoms are approximately 98-99% effective. Condoms are more likely to fail when:

• you fail to use the condom from start to finish. The condom should be rolled onto the erect penis prior to any vagina-penis contact.
• you use an oil-based lubricant with a latex condom. Oil weakens latex.
• you use an expired condom. Always check the expiration date on the condom package before using.
• they are stored improperly. Extreme temperatures damage condoms. Store condoms at room temperature in a sharps-free environment.
• they slip off inside the vagina during removal. The male should hold onto the base or rim of the condom while removing the penis from the vagina.
• they break. Most commonly, condoms break because of an air pocket inside the condom. Always pinch the reservoir tip of the condom while rolling the condom on to avoid extra air in the tip. Be sure there are no air pockets in the sides of the condom prior to sex.