Sweet Honey Blog Essential Steps to Take if You Have Unprotected Sex
So you were caught up in the heat of the moment and passion overwhelmed your sense of better judgment. Now, anxiety and fear cripple you from thinking straight and finding a solution to your troubles. It is regrettable that you had unprotected sex with a total stranger, but it’s not too late to deal with possible consequences.
Unprotected sex presents challenges to both genders and should not be overlooked. To help deal with them, below are ways to assist you make better choices.
· Taking Emergency Contraception
For the ladies, take the step and pop an emergency contraception pill. It is the most effective way of dealing with a possible pregnancy within seventy-two hours of unprotected sex, as it prevents the implanting of a fertilized egg in the uterine wall.
· Take Post-exposure prophylaxis drugs
These are antiretroviral drugs that are taken after possible exposure to HIV with the aim of stopping the spread of the virus in the body if it is there. It is must be taken as quickly as possible as any delay may be the difference between you living positively or negatively afterwards.
They are considered 99% effective when taken in the recommended time, but one will be required to undergo an HIV test in six months to be considered free from the virus.
· Have an STI/STD test done
Symptoms of a possible infection with gonorrhea, Hepatitis B or C, syphilis and any other sexually transmitted diseases are not immediately visible and can easily fool you into thinking that all is well.
Getting screened for the above reduces the possibility of the disease becoming severe. This provides an avenue for early treatment if found and rests any fears that one may have.
However, as the manifestation of these infections may take a while, it is advised to get tested again in a few weeks. If an infection is detected, then a medical professional should be able to provide you with an effective treatment plan.
However, if within the re-testing period you experience pain urinating or change in discharge, then seek professional help to avoid infecting others and to control the spread of the infection.
Prevention
Unprotected sex can be the result of carelessness but it should not be condoned as the consequences are far more dangerous and caution should be exercised. For example, both men and women can decide to carry their own condoms and see they are used properly.
Other forms of regular contraception should also be considered to help you stay healthy and full of life.