WHAT IF WE HAD UNPROTECTED SEX?

If you’ve had unprotected sex, accidentally or otherwise, and you’re getting worried, you’ve come to the right place, read on.

DON’T PANIC!

Having unsafe intercourse isn’t the smartest move a person should make, but it isn’t necessarily the end of the world, so follow the advice below and you should be fine. This is definitely not something to make a habit of though, one day the consequences of what comes after might be a little more than you bargained for.

unprotected sex advice
unprotected sex advice pregnancy test

WE HAD UNPROTECTED SEX AND… I THINK I’M PREGNANT

Act fast. You can use Post-Coital Contraceptives after you have unprotected intercourse (did not use birth control). You can also use these if your birth control did not work (i.e., the condom broke). You must swallow the pills within 72 hours of having unprotected intercourse. For the best chance for it to work, you should start taking the pills as soon as possible after unprotected sex.1 Learn more about pregnancy tests.

DO'S AND DON'TS

  • You must swallow the emergency contraception pills within 72 hours of having unprotected sex. The sooner you take the pill, the more effective it will be.1
  • Don’t wait around, you can also be safe and buy pregnancy testing kits from pharmacists and some supermarkets.2

References:

1- The National Health Service (NHS). How effective is emergency contraception? Available at:  Reference    Last accessed 18 Jun 2020.

2- The National Health Service (NHS). Doing a pregnancy test. Available at:  Reference    Last accessed 18 Jun 2020.

WE HAD UNPROTECTED SEX AND… I THINK I HAVE AN STI

So you’ve had unprotected sex and you’re worried you might be infected. Not all STIs have visible symptoms so even if you think you’re fine, after having unprotected sex, get tested!

STIs and Laboratory

ATTENTION!

STIs won’t just go away on their own so even if you’re not sure if you’re infected, after unprotected sex, get tested. Learn more about STIs.

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WHICH CONTRACEPTION IS RIGHT FOR ME?

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