While the vagina is actually a structure with side and back walls, women can get panic stricken when an item seems to get lost or is not retrievable. We get requests on our Community Board for help in getting things back out of the vagina. Similarly, as a clinician I would sometimes find “lost” objects during a speculum exam.

Lost Condoms

According to some studies, 28-33% of condom users have reported breakage, slippage, or both. According to one study of 834 condom-protected sex acts, 7% involved slippage with sex and 8% had slippage during withdrawal. Either breakage or slippage could result in all or part of a condom being left inside the vagina.

Should this happen to you, a first concern might be to obtain the morning after pill (also known as emergency contraceptive pills [ECP]) if one wishes to avoid an unplanned pregnancy. Depending upon the specific type of ECP, you can use the medication up to 72 hours after the condom accident. Some types of ECPs are most effective if taken right away.

To get the remains of a condom out of the vagina you can try one of several methods. The quickest is to have your partner insert two clean fingers (index and middle finger work best) into the vagina and use a gentle sweeping motion from the back walls of the vagina toward the front. They might feel your cervix (feels firm like the end of one’s nose) at the end of the vaginal canal. If they do feel the cervix they should gently sweep their fingers around the cervix to be sure the condom is not pushed up against the back of the vaginal wall. If you do not ask for your partner’s help, you can do this same technique half sitting with your back up against a firm surface (e.g., headboard of bed). If you have short fingers, or a longer vaginal canal, you can put one foot up on the toilet or tub, insert the two clean fingers, and bear down like you are trying to have a bowel movement. This will bring the cervix and back wall of the vagina down so you can reach farther up inside. Certainly you could choose to see your GYN or local family planning clinic and have them remove the condom.