If you've had unprotected sex and are panicking, the best thing to do is take a breath and be proactive. This is because timing is key when it comes to certain steps you can take.
But don't let this scare you. You're certainly not the first person to have unprotected sex, so resources for addressing the risks are plentiful.
So we created a timeline of what you can do after having unprotected sex.
First, what is unprotected sex? Unprotected sex means having sex without using tools. contraceptive measureExamples include condoms and birth control pills.
And one of the most common mistakes when choosing a condom during sex is condom breakage. If this happens, it is important to stop sexual activity and move away from your partner immediately.
What to do right after unprotected sex
Here’s what you should do immediately after unprotected sex…
go to the bathroom
peeing after sex That's good, but also do what you can to remove fluid from the penis that has been in contact with the vagina. This will help you minimize or eliminate the following risks: UTIs (urinary tract infection), but does not eliminate the risk of pregnancy. This is because the sperm has already started moving towards the egg.
While you're in the bathroom, it's a good idea to take a shower and clean and dry your private parts.
Don't be soggy! Douching can cause inflammation and discomfort and increase the chance of infection.
After taking these steps, you should consider your options and plan your next steps.
What to do within 3 days after unprotected sex
This next step can be completed within three days of unprotected sex, but the sooner the better.
Take emergency contraceptive pills
Emergency contraception is a method of birth control that can be used to prevent pregnancy. There are a variety of options (sometimes with or without a prescription).
One form of emergency contraception is: After taking the morning dose. The incubation period varies depending on which type you receive, so it is important to get the opinion of your health care provider or pharmacist. However, the most effective way is to take it as soon as possible.
Other forms of emergency contraception include: Emergency IUD or coil (intrauterine device). An IUD is a device placed inside the uterus to prevent pregnancy and can be inserted up to 5 days after unprotected sex.
Please note that these emergency contraceptive pills do not prevent sexually transmitted diseases or HIV infection. Taken to prevent pregnancy.
However, there are medical treatments for HIV that prevent infection from occurring. This is called… prototype (Post-exposure prophylaxis). For PEP to be most effective, it should (if possible) be taken within 72 hours of exposure.
Pay attention to sexually transmitted disease symptoms
Some STIs may have no symptoms, but others may manifest themselves in the form of sores, itching, discharge, or pain during urination.
Therefore, it is recommended that you pay attention to your genitals and mouth within 3 days after unprotected sex. STD testing You can trust it.
What to do 3 weeks after unprotected sex
As just mentioned, STI symptoms may appear later in life. It's a good idea to keep checking for any unusual symptoms, such as bleeding after sex or between periods, or neck pain.
After three weeks of unprotected sex, it is recommended that you get a full STI test, not just an HIV test. Some STIs and HIV have an incubation period, so more reliable results may be obtained after 3 weeks. The incubation period is the time from exposure to when infection occurs.
Some STIs and HIV are incurable, but there are ways to manage them in a way that doesn't endanger your life. Knowing your condition early can make a big difference rather than finding out later. spread of sexually transmitted diseases And HIV.
In addition to a full STI screening and HIV test after 3 weeks, it is recommended that you have a follow-up screening after 6 weeks.
Then, if you are worried that you might be pregnant (or even if you are not worried at all), it is a good idea to take a pregnancy test. However, pregnancy tests work by looking for specific hormones, so it's important to wait until three weeks after unprotected sex.
Pregnant people may experience the following symptoms: hormone Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is present in the body. However, it can take up to 3 weeks for this hormone to be detected, so it is recommended to wait 3 weeks.
If your test is positive, you have options. The most important thing is to make an appointment and discuss this with your healthcare professional.
Future precautions
With all of these things you can do after unprotected sex, it's not a bad idea to take precautions against future risks.
You can prepare yourself by:
- Use barrier methods such as condoms during sexual intercourse. Use barrier methods during sexual intercourse. foreplay Oral sex, such as with a glove or dental dam.
- If you are using a secondary birth control plan, such as the pill or IUD
- Check if the condom has expired
- Go for regular STI testing and HIV testing.
- Discussing your reluctance to use condoms with your partner
- Look for condoms that are strong yet thin without compromising sensitivity
- sex toy cleaning Before and after use
Ultimately, mistakes happen. And beating yourself up or getting angry about it doesn't help.
If you have had unprotected sex, the best thing to do is to be proactive. Please be more careful in the future and take the correct action.
After all, sex is a natural and beautiful thing that can be absolutely enjoyed between two consenting adults.