DON’T PANIC!
Having unprotected intercourse isn’t the smartest move a person can make. You should always try to stay safe during sex, but if it’s the morning after and you haven’t used any protection, it isn’t necessarily the end of the world. Follow the advice below and you should be fine. Unsafe sex is definitely not something you should make a habit of though, as one day the consequences of unprotected intercourse might turn out to be a little more than you bargained for.
WE HAD UNPROTECTED SEX AND… I THINK I’M PREGNANT
Act fast. You can use Post-Coital Contraceptives after you have unprotected sex (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 sex. For the best chance for it to work, you should start taking the pills as soon as possible after unprotected sex.34
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.34
- Don’t wait around, you can also buy pregnancy testing kits from pharmacists and some supermarkets.38
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!
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.
