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The condom broke. What to do in the next 72 hours.

It happens more often than people think. What you do next depends on who the partner is and how long ago it was. The most time-sensitive question is whether you need HIV PEP, which has to start within 72 hours.

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  • HIV PEPWithin 72 h
  • STI testsFrom 2 weeks
  • Callback15 min
A Hollis nurse speaking with a guest in a Dubai hotel suite

HIV: the most urgent question

If your partner's HIV status is unknown, or they have HIV and may not be on effective treatment, you may benefit from PEP. It must start within 72 hours, and the earlier the better. Call us now rather than in the morning: a physician will assess the risk with you and, if PEP is right, start it at your door.

Other STIs

Chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis and other infections can also pass through a broken condom. They cannot be detected straight away, so testing is timed: chlamydia and gonorrhoea from about 2 weeks, syphilis and HIV from about 4 to 6 weeks. Our home STI screen covers all of these in one visit. If you take PEP, your physician sets your HIV test dates instead, because PEP changes the timing.

Pregnancy

If pregnancy is possible, emergency contraception is most effective the sooner it is taken. Ask the physician on your call and they will advise you on the options.

What not to do

  • Do not douche or wash internally. It does not remove risk and can irritate tissue.
  • Do not wait for symptoms. Most infections, including HIV, cause none in the first days.
  • Do not test the next morning and assume a negative result is final.

This guide is general information, not a diagnosis. Every situation is different, so speak to a physician about yours. If you are in immediate danger, call 999.

Questions

Common questions.

Still unsure? The physician on duty can talk it through with you, any hour.

What are the chances of HIV from one broken condom?

The risk from a single exposure is usually low, but it depends on the type of sex and your partner's status and treatment. A physician can give you a realistic picture on the call.

Do I need PEP if my partner says they are negative?

Not always. A partner's recent negative test lowers the risk, but it can miss a very recent infection. Call so the physician can weigh their testing and your exposure with you before the 72 hours run out.

When should I test for STIs after a condom broke?

From about 2 weeks for chlamydia and gonorrhoea, and from about 4 to 6 weeks for HIV and syphilis, with a repeat at 3 months if advised.

Related guides.

PEPPEP in Dubai, started at your door.Read TestingSTD testing at home, without the clinic.Read PEPThink you were exposed to HIV? Here is what to do now.Read PEPHow soon do you need PEP?Read