Did you have sex without protection? Then try these….

We sometimes don’t plan to have sex without a condom or other adequate protection, but still it happens. Though an episode of unprotected sex might not bother you too much, but the fear of an unwanted pregnancy could make you go weak in the knees.

While protection during sex is imperative, there could be a lot of reasons that could lead to unprotected sex; condom tear, untimely intake of contraception pills, unpreparedness before intercourse or sheer ignorance. All these could increase the chances of getting infected with a Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) or an unwanted pregnancy. However, there are ways to avert such incidents by just acting the right way immediately or almost immediately after you had an unprotected sex.

These are what you should do after you have had unprotected sex:

• How to achieve sexual climax

Look out for unusual signs: An episode of unprotected sex increases the chances of acquiring STD in both men and women and that of an unwanted pregnancy in women. Remember, if you have contracted an STD, the symptoms could remain dormant for some time before you know that you are affected. You can however look for the following signs that can give you a clue that everything is not normal with you after the act:

• Unexplained bleeding: Although this symptom might be associated with women more than men, it is not unnatural if a man also experiences some amount of blood in the genital areas after having unprotected sex. It is a sign that there could be an infection in your urinary tract that needs immediate attention.

• Pain during urination: This is commonly believed to be a sign of urinary tract infection (UTI) but at times can be an indication of STD.

• Pain during sex: If you indulge in intercourse soon after an act of unprotected sex and experience pain during penetration; in case of women, or during ejaculation; in case of men, chances are it might be an outcome of an infection.

• Rashes and sores: Rashes and sores around the genitals are not a normal sign and should raise your suspicion when you spot them. Even if it doesn’t itch, pain or cause burning sensations, it is advisable to report it to you doctor immediately.

Take the morning after pill: It might be possible that you don’t see any of these symptoms the morning after you have had unprotected sex, or anytime you did. But that still does not rule out the possibility of you getting pregnant. You can use an emergency contraceptive pill soon after the act. An emergency contraceptive pill is readily available over-the-counter and can prevent an accidental or unwanted pregnancy when taken within a few hours after a spontaneous intercourse.

Depending on its strength and capacity, you can take the pill either within 48 or 72 hours of an unprotected sex. The pill reverses hormonal reaction and prevents a fertilised egg from implanting in the uterine wall, in case it is formed.

Do a home pregnancy test: No matter on which days of your menstrual circle you had unprotected sex, you still have a fair chance of getting pregnant during your safe-sex days. So, if you have doubts about unwanted pregnancy and your periods are delayed the very next month, do a home pregnancy test to confirm your status. Remember, the earlier you find out about an unplanned pregnancy, the better.