MUST READ: 5 Things You Must Do If You Have Unprotected S ex

Unprotected s ex is s exual intercourse without the
use of a barrier method of contraception. This can
be either the male or the female condom.
Unprotected s exual intercourse increases the risk of
contacting/ transmitting HIV, STD and unwanted
pregnancy. I have seen a lot of people overwhelmed
with anxiety after having unprotected s exual
intercourse with some indulging in acts that does
not only sound ridiculous but also increases their
chance of contacting STD or even affecting their
health adversely. Douching is one of such. Generally,
women are discouraged from douching because it
alters the normal bacteria flora of the vag ina which
keeps it healthy and free from invading pathogens. If
you douche after s ex, it increases the chance of
contacting STD and it doesn’t prevent pregnancy
and HIV infection. Myths like ingestion of herbal
medicines, insertion of caustic soda, ingesting OTCs
like ampicillin and aspirin have not been proven
scientifically to be effective in preventing unwanted
pregnancies and infection with STD. In this article,
we will review on things you must do if you have
unprotected s ex.
1. Take Emergency contraceptive pills
This is one of the surest ways of preventing
unwanted pregnancy after having unprotected s
exual intercourse. You will have to take emergency
contraceptives in form of emergency contraceptives
pills. Emergency contraceptive pills also referred to
as morning after pills are is used to prevent
pregnancy. There can be obtained with a doctor’s
prescription or as an over the counter drug (OTC) in
drug stores. A commonly used form of EC is
Postinor 2® which is taken within 72 hours after
having unprotected s exual intercourse. It contains
Levonorgestrel which is a synthetic form of a female
reproductive hormone that prevents implantation
hence pregnancy doesn’t occur.
2. Ask for an Intra-Uterine Device (IUD)
If after 72 hours, then you must contact your health
care provider for an emergency IUD. IUD is tiny rod-
like devices inserted into the uterus (womb) by your
doctor. There distort cervical mucus and prevents
the implantation of the egg. If inserted properly and
within 5 days, it is highly effective with an efficacy
rate of about 98%. It is important to note that EC
and IUD don’t give any protection nor prevent STD
and HIV infection.
3. Test for STD and HIV
Fears of infection with STD or the dreaded killer
disease HIV is heightened after unprotected s
exual intercourse. It is mandatory that you test to
screen for STD and HIV. If possible, such test
should be conducted with your s exual partner.
STD to be tested for includes Hepatitis B and C,
gonorrhea, syphilis and chlamydia. This can be
carried out with blood samples or via a vag inal/
penile swab. However, results gotten from an early
test are inconclusive hence test must be repeated
after 6 months for cases of HIV and Hepatitis.
Testing after having unprotected s exual
intercourse allays fear/ anxiety and increases the
chance of early diagnosis, prevention and
treatment of s exually transmitted disease.
4. Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)
PEP is essential after a high risk unprotected s
exual intercourse. This includes cases of rape by
an unknown assailant, s exual intercourse with an
individual living with HIV or unprotected s exual
intercourse with a partner with known multiple s
exual partners. You must visit a health facility that
provides such services and after counseling and
series of test, you will be commenced on PEP for a
duration of one month. The drugs have been noted
to be 99% effective in preventing HIV if
commenced within 72 hours. PEP provides
protection against HIV but not to other STD.
However, you will have to do another HIV test
after 6 months to be declared free from the deadly
disease.
5. Keep calm and watch for symptoms
Unprotected s ex may happen unexpectedly or as
a result of carelessness from both partners. Once
it has occurred, there is little of no need for panic.
You should keep calm and watch out for
symptoms after undergoing the initial screening
test for STD and HIV. Symptoms make take 2
weeks or more to manifest. If after unprotected s
ex, you begin to experience vag inal itching, vag
inal or penile discharge, severe burning pain on
urinating, sores or ulcers around your external
genitals then it is advisable that you consult your
doctor for further evaluation and treatment.