Someone asked us:

What exactly defines the incorrect use of a condom? My partner put one on but tried to unroll it inside-out, then pulled it off, turned it right side out and put it back on. I’m concerned that pre-ejaculate might have gotten on it, but don’t want to subject myself to the harsh levels of hormones in the morning-after pill unless absolutely necessary.

Condoms are most effective when you use them correctly. Our page on condoms has a video to help make sure you’re doing it right. If you realize you’re unrolling the condom the wrong way, it’s always a good idea to throw it away and use a new one. That’s mainly because flipping it around could expose you to an STD.  So it may be a good idea to think about getting tested.

As for pregnancy? Pre-cum (pre-ejaculate) usually contains only a very small amount of sperm, or no sperm at all. So it’s really unlikely you’ll get pregnant from pre-cum.

If you’re worried about pregnancy, the morning-after pill (also known as emergency contraception) is an effective option up to five days after unprotected sex. The morning-after pill is safe to use, and many people are able to use it with few or no side effects. Nausea is the most common side effect, and fewer than one in four women feel sick when they take the morning-after pill.

The chances are overwhelmingly good that you aren’t at risk of pregnancy. But the morning-after pill might be a lot less unpleasant than you think.

- Alex at Planned Parenthood