• Birth Control
• Chlamydia
• Sexual Health

A Comprehensive Guide on What to Do After Having Unprotected Sex

Having unprotected sex can be intentional or happen accidentally, but knowing what to do afterward is essential in any circumstance.

Ensuring that you take appropriate care after having unprotected sex can help you avoid health issues like infections or unwanted pregnancy.

Understanding the Risks Associated with Unprotected Sex

Unprotected sex — defined as sexual intercourse without the use of barrier methods like condoms — carries various health risks.

One of the biggest concerns associated with unprotected sex is an increased risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like genital herpes or chlamydia.

Without the protection of a barrier, viruses and bacteria can easily be transmitted between partners. These infections can cause long-term complications if left untreated.

Unprotected sex also puts you at risk of an unplanned pregnancy, which can be a life-changing event — especially if you’re not prepared for the responsibility of carrying or raising a child.

Immediate Steps to Take After Unprotected Sex

Engaging in unprotected sex — whether intentionally or accidentally — can cause unnecessary stress and anxiety.

However, taking immediate and appropriate steps after having unprotected sex may help you alleviate feelings of worry while also reducing the risks associated with it.

Stay calm and assess the situation

If you notice that your barrier method has failed — such as a condom breaking — it’s important to stop all sexual activity.

Try to stay calm to avoid making a hasty and irrational decision on what to do next.

Determine the specific risks involved — like potential exposure to STIs or the likelihood of pregnancy — before taking action.

Calmly assessing the risks will help you make the best decision on what to do next.

Clean yourself, but avoid douching

After having unprotected sex, it’s advised to clean the external genital area with mild soap and lukewarm water.

This may help remove some bacteria and viruses, potentially reducing the risk of contracting a urinary tract infection. However, this doesn’t significantly lower your risk of getting an STI.

When cleaning yourself, it’s important to avoid douching as this can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in the genitals and increase your risk of infection.

Consider emergency contraception

If there’s a risk of pregnancy and you weren’t planning for it, it’s recommended that you consider emergency contraception.

These contraceptive methods are effective at preventing around 95% of pregnancies, provided you take them within five days of having unprotected sex.

There are several different types, but the morning-after pill tends to be the most effective. It should be taken as soon as possible after having unprotected sex, ideally within 24 hours.

These emergency contraceptive pills are available at most pharmacies, and you can usually get them without a prescription.

If more than five days have passed since having unprotected sex, it might be a good idea to schedule an appointment with your doctor or visit your local sexual health clinic.

They can assess your individual situation and provide the most appropriate recommendations for other forms of emergency contraception that could help you prevent pregnancy.

Schedule an STI screening

If you’ve identified a risk of contracting an STI or just want to be sure that you’re not infected, schedule a screening appointment with your doctor.

During the screening, you’ll be tested for various STIs, and your doctor will recommend appropriate treatment methods if your results are positive.

If you do have an STI, it’s recommended that your partner get tested as well to determine whether they’ve also been infected.

It’s important to note that STIs won’t show up immediately after having unprotected sex. To avoid false negative test results, it’s best to wait a few days before getting screened.

What to Do in the Next Few Weeks and Months

After taking immediate steps following unprotected sex, there are important follow-up actions to consider over the next few weeks and months.

These steps are crucial for taking care of your sexual health and overall well-being.

Two to three weeks after

This is the earliest window for initial STI screening, and many infections — like chlamydia and gonorrhea — can be accurately detected in this period.

After you’ve gotten tested, it’s important to keep monitoring yourself for signs and symptoms of STIs. This may include:

• Unusual discharge

• Burning during urination

• Sores or rashes on the genitals

If you develop any of these signs, schedule an appointment with your doctor or at local sexual health clinics to get tested again.

Some STIs may take longer to develop, so monitoring your symptoms is key to ensure you get proper treatment if necessary.

During the three-week period, it’s also recommended to consider a pregnancy test if there’s a risk of conceiving.

This is the earliest stage at which a home pregnancy test can provide reliable results. If the test is negative and you still have concerns, you can retake it in a week or consult your doctor.

Six weeks later

STIs like HIV and syphilis require a longer window than chlamydia and gonorrhea for accurate detection, so it’s recommended to schedule a second screening six weeks after having unprotected sex.

These comprehensive test results will offer you peace of mind about your sexual health status.

If any tests are positive, you can also get treatment early on — a key component of STI management that’s crucial for preventing long-term complications.

The six-week mark is also when you should take another pregnancy test, especially if your first one was negative, but you haven’t had a period since.

At this point, you can also visit your healthcare provider for confirmation.

Three months later

For complete assurance — especially when it comes to infections like HIV — a final STI screening is recommended at the three-month mark.

This will help you ensure that any infections with longer incubation periods — such as hepatitis B and C, or syphilis — haven’t been missed.

During this time, it’s also important to monitor your emotional and mental health.

If you find yourself struggling with anxiety, stress, and other emotional challenges, consider seeking support from a mental health professional.

You can also use this time to review and update your contraception methods to ensure safe sex practices in the future.

Mental Health and Emotional Considerations

As we’ve mentioned before, having unprotected sex can be a stressful experience — especially if it results in health scares.

It’s normal to feel overwhelmed and worried during this time, which is why it can be good to find healthy ways to cope with your feelings.

This can involve implementing stress reduction techniques — like deep breathing or journaling — or talking to a trusted friend.

You can also educate yourself about any risks you may have been exposed to, to help you determine what to do next and what you may need to look out for.

Try to avoid harmful coping mechanisms that can further damage your well-being, such as excessive alcohol and drug use.

If you’re struggling to cope with your feelings, it’s recommended to talk to your doctor or a licensed mental health professional for guidance.

Should You See Your Doctor After Having Unprotected Sex?

Scheduling an appointment with your doctor after having unprotected sex is typically a good idea – especially if you’re concerned about your sexual health.

Your doctor can help you make decisions on the appropriate next steps to take, and will advise you on whether it’s necessary to schedule an STI screening or take a pregnancy test.

They can also provide guidance on managing any physical and emotional distress symptoms that you may be experiencing.

It’s also recommended to consult your doctor to discuss long-term contraceptive options and strategies for safer sex in the future.

Where Can You Learn More About Sexual Health?

If you’re concerned about your sexual health or want to know more about having unprotected sex safely, LifeMD is here to help.

LifeMD can connect you to a team of medical professionals who can assist you with information and provide guidance on engaging in unprotected sex while avoiding risks and complications — all from the comfort of your home.

Make an appointment today to get started.

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