In sex with a new partner, the main thing is to use protection. If there is no fresh certificate of the absence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and the couple does not use contraception, it is time for decisive action. There are two main risks: unplanned pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. Both appear over time, which means there is a strong temptation after unprotected sex to let everything take its course, to say: “Oh, it will be fine,” and then deal with the neglected consequences. To prevent this from happening, it is important to know what to do.
Use emergency contraception as soon as possible
Any penis-vaginal sex without protection can result in pregnancy. To address the problem at the start, it is necessary to use emergency contraception. Before taking the pills, it is important to ensure that the woman has no contraindications (they are standard, and there are not many). As emergency contraceptives, WHO recommends Emergency contraception use the following means.
Levonorgestrel-based medications
Levonorgestrel should be used within 72 hours of unprotected contact. The less time that has passed between sex and taking the medication, the higher the effectiveness.
There are two common myths about levonorgestrel:
- Medications based on it cause an abortion. This is not true: the drug is non-abortifacient, its purpose is to prevent pregnancy.
- Levonorgestrel does enormous harm to the body. In fact, there are no special contraindications Emergency contraception: myths and misconceptions need to be dispelled , nor is there harm from single use.
At the same time, it is important to remember: even though the drug is sold over the counter, it does not mean that it is an ideal means for regular contraception. In this case, planned oral contraceptives selected by a doctor are suitable.
Ulipristal acetate medications
These pills are most effective within 72 to 120 hours after unprotected sex.
Combined oral contraceptives (COCs) with ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel
They, like levonorgestrel-based medications, need to be used within 72 hours of unprotected sexual intercourse, carefully following the instructions. COCs are taken in two doses.
Copper intrauterine contraceptives
The intrauterine device is installed by a doctor. It is advisable to consult him as soon as possible because the procedure must be performed within five days of unprotected contact; then the chance of preventing pregnancy approaches 100%.
The IUD is one of the most reliable means of preventing pregnancy. It can be installed as post-coital emergency contraception, and then used as a long-term method of protection. For one-time protection, it is an expensive and not the most convenient method.
Get tested for STIs
Do not think that if there are no visible symptoms of illness, the partner is healthy. There are diseases that initially manifest asymptomatically but bring many troubles later. Therefore, testing is necessary. Going to a clinic or any nearby private laboratory is more reliable and cheaper than treating the consequences of an infection that was not detected in time.
Tests to be done after 1 week
If nothing bothers you immediately, you should start getting tested a week after unprotected sexual intercourse. The main tests that WHO recommends Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are not that many: for mycoplasmosis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis. Such infections are usually easily treated with antibiotics prescribed by a doctor.
Tests to be done after 1–1.5 months
After a month, you need to repeat tests for mycoplasmosis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis. After 4–6 weeks following unprotected sexual contact, tests for hepatitis B and C, as well as syphilis, should be conducted.
Tests to be done after 3 months
After three months, a test for HIV and a repeat test for hepatitis and syphilis should be performed. The virus in the blood is not detected immediately, so a delay is necessary to obtain accurate results.
Additional tests
The doctor may also recommend getting tested for genital herpes (HSV) and human papillomavirus (HPV). These diseases, like hepatitis B and HIV, are chronic and cannot be cured. However, symptoms and impact can be reduced with properly selected therapy.
There are no medications for HPV. However, there is preventive vaccination. It is usually administered up to the age of 25, preferably before the start of sexual activity. The virus is quite common and does not necessarily lead to severe consequences. In case of detection, it will be necessary to be monitored by a doctor and undergo tests annually: to ensure that HPV does not lead to malignant formations. It is worth knowing that HPV can disappear on its own Human papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical cancer without any treatment.
If it is known from the very beginning that the sexual act occurred with an HIV-positive carrier, one can undergo antiretroviral therapy. This lasts a month and greatly reduces the risk of infection. The therapy must begin within 72 hours of unprotected sex. For this, it is necessary to go to the nearest AIDS center to start treatment. This is not always easy to do in such a short time.
Conclusion
Pregnancy and STIs are objective risks in sex, from which neither faith in a partner’s purity nor a solemn promise “I will be careful” can protect. You can only trust yourself and contraception. Therefore, the most important thing to do after unprotected sex is to draw conclusions. For example, that a pack of condoms should always be on hand.
In a world where sex is most often engaged in for pleasure, contraception has made a breakthrough, and it is foolish not to use it for one’s own good.
The simplest thing to do is to learn how to correctly choose and put on a condom, always check its expiration date, and carry it in your pocket to take out at the right moment, which is any sex with a new partner.
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