I Had Unprotected Sex, Now What?

Nov 3, 2019 | Mental health, Stacy Tanouye

By Stacy Tanouye

MD, Obstetrician-Gynecologist, (USA)

Reading Time:

2 minutes

I had unprotected sex, now what?

You’re a healthy, smart, responsible woman

But guess what?

Still happens.

Maybe it was a bad decision, maybe you forgot few pills, maybe the condom broke (shitty bad luck), maybe it wasn’t your decision at all.

“Because you were under the effects of alcohol, cannabis and/or other substances” (LAMSA)

Whatever the case may be, the question at hand is: What the f*$k do I do now?

You need to think about 2 things: testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and preventing pregnancy

  • Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) – See your OBGYN* doctor. They will test you for gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, syphilis, hepatitis C, and HIV**. They will also repeat syphilis, hep C, and HIV testing in 6 months
  • Pregnancy Prevention – There are 2 ways you can prevent pregnancy: copper IUD (Intra-Uterine Device) or Medication

Any of the methods below can be done up to 5 days after unprotected sex, but plan B and OCPs*** work better the sooner you take them

1- Copper IUD: It is the most effective form of emergency contraception, but it has to be placed at a doctor’s office within 5 days of unprotected sex. You can also leave it in for up to 10 years for continued reliable contraception

2- Medication: 3 options:

  • Levonorgestrel (also called Plan B and several other names) – This is a larger dose of progesterone and can be purchased over the counter without a prescription at almost any pharmacy
  • Birth Control pills – Birth Control Pills with estrogen and progesterone can be taken in higher doses. Talk to your OBGYN for instructions
  • Ulipristal – Prescription only medication that alters how progesterone affects your body

Key word is PREVENTION

NONE of these can induce abortion. The IUD works by making sperm immobile. Medications work by preventing or delaying ovulation, thus if you ovulate before taking the medications, they will not work.

What have you heard about emergency contraception?

*Obstetric and Gynecology

** Human Immunodeficiency Virus

*** Oral Contraceptive Pills

LAMSA’s note: Thank you Dr Staci for your collaboration.

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