That sinking feeling in your stomach after unprotected sex can be overwhelming. The condom broke, you might have been assaulted, or maybe you just got caught up in the heat of the moment. These things happen. The post-sex “why did I just let that happen?” feeling is real. Your mind starts racing, jumping between pregnancy, STIs, and a hundred other anxieties that a Google search has imprinted in your mind. But panicking won’t be your best move. Taking control will.
Here’s exactly what to do next
Take a deep breath. You are not the first person this has happened to, and you won’t be the last. Shame and blame have no place here. What matters now is taking calm, informed, and proactive steps to take care of your health.
This is your step-by-step guide to navigating the next few hours, days, and weeks.
Step 1: The First 30 Minutes – Immediate Aftermath
Right after unprotected sex happens, you might wonder if there’s anything you can do physically. Here’s the lowdown.
- Do: Go to the bathroom. Urinating after sex can help flush out bacteria from the urethra, which may lower your risk of developing a urinary tract infection (UTI).
- Don’t: Douche. It might seem like a good idea to “clean out” the vagina, but douching is a major no. It disrupts the natural balance of healthy bacteria and can actually push harmful bacteria further up into your reproductive system, potentially increasing your risk of infection. A gentle wash of the external genital area with warm water is perfectly fine.
Step 2: The Next 72 Hours – Address the Two Big Risks
Your two primary concerns are an unplanned pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Time is a factor for both, so acting quickly is key.
A) Preventing Pregnancy: Know Your Emergency Contraception Options
Emergency contraception can significantly reduce the risk of pregnancy if used correctly after unprotected sex. You have a few options, and they work best the sooner you take them.
- Levonorgestrel Pills (e.g., Postinor 2, EllaOne, Plan B One-Step):
- What it is: A single-dose pill available over-the-counter at most pharmacies, with no age restriction.
- The Window: Most effective when taken within 72 hours (3 days) of unprotected sex. The EllaOne pill extends that window to 5 days, though effectiveness decreases with each passing day.
- Good to Know: Its effectiveness may be reduced for individuals over a certain weight (check the packaging or talk to a pharmacist).
- The Copper IUD (Paragard):
- What it is: This is another effective form of emergency contraception. A healthcare provider inserts a small, T-shaped device into your uterus.
- The Window: It must be inserted within 120 hours (5 days) of unprotected sex.
- Good to Know: The copper IUD can prevent pregnancy over 99.9% of the time when used for emergency contraception. The best part? It can then serve as a highly effective, long-term birth control method for up to 10-12 years.
B) Addressing STIs: PEP and Prevention
Unfortunately, there’s no “morning-after pill” for most STIs like syphilis, chlamydia or gonorrhea. However, for HIV, there is an emergency option.
- PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis):
- What it is: If you believe you may have been exposed to HIV, PEP is a 28-day course of antiretroviral medication that can prevent the virus from taking hold in your body.
- The Window: It is a true emergency measure. You must start PEP within 72 hours (3 days) of the potential exposure. The sooner you start, the more effective it is.
- Where to Get It: You can get PEP from a hospital or medical centre.
For other STIs like syphilis, gonorrhea, or chlamydia, a doctor might prescribe a preventative course of antibiotics depending on the specific situation and level of risk, but this isn’t standard practice. The most important step is getting tested.
Step 3: The Next 2-6 Weeks – Get Tested
This is the part that requires patience. STIs have incubation periods, meaning it takes time for them to be detectable on a test. Testing too early can give you a false negative.
Here is a general timeline for accurate testing after exposure:
- Chlamydia & Gonorrhea: ~2 weeks
- Syphilis: ~3-6 weeks
- HIV & Hepatitis B/C: ~4-6 weeks for initial tests. A conclusive result, especially for HIV, often requires a follow-up test at 3 months.
Crucially, ask for a full-panel STI test. Don’t just say “test me for everything.” Be specific and ask for tests covering HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and hepatitis.
Where to get tested:
- A hospital
- A local sexual health clinic (like Marie Stopes)
- Community health centres
- A Diagnostic centre (take the results to a Doctor to interpret)
Step 4: Communicate with Your Partner
This can be the hardest step, but it’s a vital sign of respect for yourself and your partner(s). If you had unprotected sex, your partner was exposed to the same risks.
You don’t have to make it a confrontation. Try framing it as a matter of mutual health.
- “Hey, since we weren’t protected, I’m going to get an STI test for my own peace of mind. It’s probably a good idea for you to get checked out, too.”
- “I’m feeling a little anxious about what happened, so I’m taking some steps to look after my health, and I wanted to let you know so you can, too.”
Their reaction is their own. Your responsibility is to take care of your health and inform them so they can do the same.
Step 5: Move Forward – Reflect and Plan
This experience isn’t a failure,. It’s a data point, so use it to inform your future sexual health choices.
- Re-evaluate Your Contraception: Are condoms your go-to? Great! Make sure you always have them and know how to use them correctly. Want a method you don’t have to think about in the moment? Explore long-acting reversible contraceptives like the IUD or the implant with your doctor.
- Make Testing a Routine: Just like a dental check-up, getting tested for STIs regularly (e.g., once a year, or between partners) is a normal and responsible part of being a sexually active adult.
- Talk About It Practice talking about boundaries, protection, and STI status before things get heated. It gets less awkward every time you do it.
An incident of unprotected sex doesn’t define you. How you handle it does. By taking these steps, you are being responsible and mature. You are taking ownership of your body and your health. And that’s something to be proud of.
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this article.
