4 things to do after unprotected sex
In the heat of the moment, practicing safer sex habits might not be the first thing on your mind.
Unprotected sex includes any activity where you make contact with someone else's genitals without a protective barrier. This can include contact with your mouth or genitals. This most commonly happens when a condom is not used, breaks or falls off.
Using barriers like condoms or dental dams is important, because it can reduce the risk of getting or spreading sexually transmitted illnesses (STI) and prevent pregnancy. However, if you find yourself in a situation where protection was not used or failed, it's important to know what steps you can take next. Here are some things to do after having unprotected sex.
1. Explore emergency contraceptives if needed
If you have vaginal sex without a barrier or birth control methods, emergency contraception is a safe and effective way to prevent unintended pregnancy after unprotected sex if taken in time (see below for specifics). It is also important to know that emergency contraception does not cause an abortion.
Ella prevents pregnancy up to five days after sex and is recommended as the first choice for emergency contraception. It’s more effective than other morning-after pills (like Plan B), but you need a prescription to get it.
- Take: As soon as possible or within 5 days (120 hours)
- Weight limit: 195 pounds*
- Prescription: Required
*Ella may not be effective if you are above this weight. See the next section for information on IUD options.
Plan B and other levonorgestrel morning-after pills can lower your chances of getting pregnant by 75-89%. You can take this type of pill up to five days after unprotected sex, but it’s better to take it sooner because it can become less effective the longer you wait.
- Take: As soon as possible or within 3 to 5 days (72 to 120 hours)
- Weight limit: 165 pounds*
- Prescription: Not required
*Levonorgestrel pills may not be effective if you are above this weight. See the next section for information on IUD options.
Intrauterine devices (IUDs) can be used to prevent pregnancy if applied within five days (120 hours) of unprotected sex. Copper IUDs don’t use hormones, are considered 99% effective at preventing pregnancy and can provide protection for up to 12 years. Copper IUDs are especially recommended for women who are above the weight limit for emergency contraceptive pills, because they have been shown to be less effective for women at or above the advertised weight limits.
The Sexual and Reproductive Health team at Wardenburg can help you or your partner explore a variety of emergency contraception and birth control options, including copper IUDs and prescriptions.
If you’re not able to see a healthcare provider in time, you or your partner can still purchase Plan B for $25 at the Apothecary Pharmacy in Wardenburg or other local pharmacies without a prescription. Most insurance plans will also cover the cost of Plan B without a prescription. However, if you are on another individual’s plan, they may receive an explanation of benefits for the purchase.
Having Plan B or Ella on hand ahead of time could save you from feeling stressed about purchasing emergency contraceptives in time. Just be sure to monitor the expiration date to ensure it is still effective.
2. Get tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
STIs are infections that pass from one person to another through sexual activities, including oral sex, vaginal sex, anal sex, genital contact or sexual fluids like semen. These types of infections can be caused by bacteria, viruses or parasites.
If you’re experiencing any symptoms at any time, such as new discharge, itching, burning, pain or skin changes, schedule a medical appointment right away to evaluate your symptoms. Medical Services also provides STI screening appointments and drop-in testing options.
If you’re not experiencing any symptoms but are worried that you may have been exposed to an STI, but are not experiencing symptoms, you can also contact a medical provider to determine whether you should get tested.
Testing positive for an STI can be a scary experience. However, it’s important to know that providers at Wardenburg are here to support you through behavioral health services and provide you with effective treatment options.
The Sexual and Reproductive Health team at Wardenburg can also provide consultations and prescriptions for preventative medications and vaccinations that can help prevent the spread of a variety of STIs.
3. Take a pregnancy test if needed
If you’re concerned about an unplanned pregnancy after unprotected sex, you can schedule an appointment to take a pregnancy test at Wardenburg. Students can also access free pregnancy tests at the Basic Needs Center in the UMC and the Center for Cultural Connections & Community in C4C, and pregnancy tests are available for purchase at the Apothecary Pharmacy in Wardenburg. Please note, supplies may be limited. Tests are also available for purchase at all pharmacies and supermarkets.
If you choose to take an at-home test, the accuracy of results can depend on when it is taken. Some tests can detect pregnancy hormones within 10 days, but they are typically most accurate when you use them after you have missed your period. Just be sure to check the expiration date and follow the directions on the package.
Finding out you are pregnant when you didn’t expect it can be a stressful experience. Deciding what you want to do about an unplanned pregnancy is a deeply personal experience, and everyone’s situation is different. Talking with your partner, a trusted friend or family member, a healthcare provider or a counselor can help you better understand your options and figure out what to do. Medical Services is here to provide accurate, non-judgmental information about your options and answer your questions. They also have mental health specialists on staff to help support you throughout the decision and appointment process.
4. Prepare for next time
While many people have intentions to practice safer sex, it can be hard to do in the moment. Here are some things you can do to feel more prepared and protected in the future.
Explore independently: How do you think or feel about connecting sexually with yourself or a partner? How does your own body experience pleasure? This topic is often absent in traditional sex education, if you have been offered any at all. Our SexEd Workbook can be a great place to start thinking through questions that you may not have considered or been asked before.
Explore barrier methods: Using barriers during sex and foreplay can help protect you and your partner(s) against STIs. Barrier options include things like external condoms, internal condoms and dental dams (for oral sex). When using barriers, make sure they are not expired or damaged. Using a personal lubricant can decrease friction during sex, which can help improve overall pleasure and reduce the risk of tearing sensitive tissues, which can aid the transmission of STIs. All of these supplies are available for free at the Sexual and Reproductive Health office and Wellness Suites in Wardenburg and the Village Center. Students living on campus can also order a free Buff Box that includes supplies and information about safer sex, such as condoms, lube, finger cots, dental dams and tips for communicating with partners.
Explore birth control options as needed: If you’re concerned about an unplanned pregnancy, consider taking some time to explore birth control options. Medical Services is available for in-person birth control consultations to walk you through short- and long-term options, potential side effects and application. Bedsider is also a great resource to explore online if you’re not ready for an in-person conversation.
Keep emergency contraception on hand: You can get a prescription or pick up emergency contraception at the pharmacy at any time. Just be sure to monitor the expiration date to ensure it is still effective before you take it.
Consult with a sexual health provider: Scheduling a visit with a sexual and reproductive health provider can help you learn how your body works and identify problems early. They can also discuss screening for STIs, birth control methods help you learn more about healthy sexual relationships.
Screen for STIs regularly: It’s important to get tested for STIs at least once per year. If you have multiple partners or switch partners, it’s important to get tested before you start having oral, vaginal or anal sex. It’s also important to discuss your results with your partner, so that you can both receive treatment as needed.
Take preventative measures: Did you know that there are vaccines and medications that can help prevent the spread of certain STIs? Vaccines are available for several STIs, HPV and hepatitis. Both vaccines are strongly recommended for all college-aged adults. You can also learn more about preventative medications from the sexual and reproductive health providers. These include these like HIV PrEP (helps prevent the transmission of HIV) and doxyPEP (reduces the risk of transmitting gonorrhea and syphilis).
Remember, prioritizing your sexual and reproductive health empowers you to make informed choices, seek support when needed and take proactive steps for your well-being.
Sexual assault
Sexual assault includes any unwanted sexual contact or behaviors that a person did not or was not able to consent to.
Sexual assault can include, but is not limited to, the following:
- Unwanted penetration, including vaginal, anal or oral sex. This also includes penetration by an object or another person’s body part(s).
- Unwanted touching of someone’s butt, breasts or genitals.
Keep in mind that attempted touching, contact and penetration are also considered sexual assault. Additionally, if you consent to sex with a condom and your partner doesn’t use one, that is not consent. This practice is often referred to as “stealthing.”