Unprotected sèx or condom failure can bring up a lot of anxiety. It’s a normal and important reaction to practice harm reduction. The following are some ways you can start to reduce the risk of pregnancy and any potential sèxually transmitted infections (STIs) you may be exposed to after unprotected séx....CONTINUE READING
Select an Emergency Contraception……CONTINUE READING
Emergency contraception (EC) can reduce your risk for unintended pregnancy following unprotected sèx. There are three types of EC that are indicated for use in specific cases:
• Plan B or other progestin-only ECs are approved for immediate use after unprotected sèx and might be available over-the-counter in your state.
• Ella, or ulipristal acetate, is approved for use within five days following unprotected sèx.
• Copper IUD is approved for immediate and long-term protection and must be inserted into your uterus by a health care provider.
You can get emergency contraception at a health clinic, drugstore, and, in some states, through an online pharmacy. It is important to choose the method of EC that best suits your individual needs and the type of unprotected sèx that took place. That way, you can optimize the effectiveness of the contraception.
Understand Any Potential STI Risk
According to healthline, It is important to understand the risk of acquiring an STI after unprotected contact. Depending on the type of unprotected sèx that took place, there could be a risk for multiple infections. Knowing your partner’s sèxual history and whether or not your condom broke is key in assessing your risk.
If there is a risk for Sèxually Transmitted Infections (STIs), it is important to get tested and evaluated to receive a diagnosis. Furthermore, if applicable, it is important to assess your partner for an STI and receive proactive treatment.
Withdrawal and Pulling Out
Withdrawal, or pulling out, is when the pènis is removed prior to ejàculation. It is not a method of contraception, and it carries a risk of unintended pregnancies and STIs. It is estimated that 27% of pregnancies are due to withdrawal failure.
When it comes to STIs, withdrawal can still lead to the transmission of infections because some STIs can be passed through contact with pre-ejàculate fluid.
Get Checked at a Health Clinic
If you have had unprotected sèx and feel like you need more information, it is important to find competent sèxual health care. It is best to either look for an STI/HIV testing facility or a health clinic for a comprehensive health assessment.
When you attend these clinics, it is important to provide as much information as possible about the unprotected contact. This will allow the health care provider to best assess your risk and recommend the most appropriate tests and treatments.
Talk to Someone
Understanding the risks involved in unprotected sèx is important and so is processing it. If you feel overwhelmed and scared, it is important to notice your feelings and find support. If you need to speak with someone about your experience and your emotions, a counselor or a therapist is there to assist.
Additionally, it is important to create honest communication with partners and ensure that everyone is on the same page when it comes to discussing sèxual health. This conversation should not just happen one time though, it is important to keep communicating in order to reduce any potential risk of unwanted pregnancies or STIs.
Conclusion
Unprotected sèx can cause a lot of anxiety, but it is important to work through these fears and make an informed decision. It is important to assess the risks and employ harm-reduction based strategies. The best place to start is understanding the available types of emergency contraception, including their effectiveness and appropriate window of use. Furthermore, it is important to assess any potential STI risk, discuss with anyone involved, and get tested. Additionally, it is important to find a reliable health provider and feel comfortable in discussing the risks of unprotected sèx. Ultimately, it is important to create honest communication with partners and discussing sèxual health……CONTINUE READING
