Introduction:
If a person is experiencing a situation wherein, during sexual activity, the condom is broken or has been involved in unprotected sex; the main important point is not to panic. This is very common and happens to a massive number of people.
But there are some chances of infections and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) occurring when involved in unprotected sex. Also, there is an enormous risk of unintended pregnancies due to unprotected sex. So, to avoid any, there are plenty of precautions and immediate actions, which, when done correctly, may reduce the risks altogether. Let us see some self-care and essential things to ensure hygiene and health after unprotected sex.
What Should Be Done When the Condom Is Broken?
Even though it is recommended to use protection when indulging in sexual activity, the efficiency of condoms is only 85 %. This means there is a probability of 15 % that the condom we use may fail.
When you find out that the condom is broken, first, do not panic and stop any sexual activity and step aside from your partner.
Next, go to the bathroom and eliminate all the fluids around the genitals, that is, vagina, penis, or anus. This will ensure you are comfortable and eliminates the risk of bacterial infection.
Now try to wash gently using lukewarm water or take a shower and clean all the excess fluid from inside, if any. Peeing can also help in washing down any infectious microbes. It is most vital that you only wash and never douche. Douching products can cause irritation and inflammation and increase the risk of infection.
Since most cases are accidents, many people do not mentally and psychologically prepare for unprotected sex. And when you realize it is acceptable to have a wide range of emotions like anger, stress, anxiety, and sadness. You must be in the right mental state and never hesitate to reach out to close family or friends. If you need emergency contraceptives, try contacting the nearest pharmacy, as some of the emergency contraceptives do not require a prescription and are available over the counter.
What to Do Within Three to Five Days of Unprotected Sex?
While some of the STIs are asymptomatic, most show symptoms such as sores, smelly discharges, itchiness, or pain during urination. So keep an eye on such kinds of signs and also your genitals. Schedule an STI test in case of any symptoms to avoid significant problems.
Emergency contraceptives should be taken within 24 hours of unprotected sex as they can reduce the risk of pregnancy by 95 %, and the probability decreases to 88 % when taken within 72 hours. They prevent pregnancy by blocking biological processes like ovulation. Suppose you have concerns regarding human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) contraction; in that case, post-exposure prevention can reduce the risk of infection, and it is also recommended to be taken within three days of unprotected sex.
If you want other emergency contraceptives, such as Ella or Paragrad, to be taken five to six days after unprotected sex, a healthcare professional requires a prescription.
Ella is a pill that delays ovulation by blocking progesterone hormone and hence reduces the chance of pregnancy by 85 %. Paragrad is the most effective form of emergency contraceptive, and it is an intrauterine device with a failure rate of one in 1000 people after use. It works efficiently on day five, so timing is also not a factor. But of course, a prescription is needed, which is costly.
What Are the Symptoms and Time Frames of Various STIs?
Chlamydia and gonorrhea are sexually transmitted diseases resulting from unprotected sex and have symptoms like unusual discharge and pain during urinating. In transmission due to oral sex, throat and stomach pain are observed. Also, look out for bleeding after sex and in between periods. Since these STIs can have serious issues, including infertility, it is essential to test for these infections. Waiting for two weeks after exposure is the best time for tests as it can produce the most reliable result.
The most feared sexually transmitted infections are herpes and HIV, as both diseases do not have a cure. Genital herpes is characterized by blisters that leave open sores and have irritation or burning sensations. When it comes to HIV, the symptoms are very similar to flu and appear after a short term of exposure. Since both these infections have a long incubation period, waiting for a minimum of three weeks is advised for taking tests for either of these infections.
Another STI which is very hard to spot is syphilis, as it has no symptoms at all. Even though there are no fixed symptoms, there are a few signs with which we can identify the infection, such as:
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Fever.
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Headaches.
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Small sores or growths on genitals or mouth.
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Joint pain.
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Rash on feet and palm.
Since the incubation period for syphilis is much longer than the other infections, it is recommended to wait for at least six weeks before taking a test since the results are much more reliable during this time frame.
How to Determine Pregnancy Due to Unprotected Sex?
Every year almost three million women in the United States alone have unintended pregnancies as a result of unprotected sex or condom breakage. So if you are experiencing such a situation in your life, do not panic and be aware that you are far from being the only person it has happened to. This does not mean that unprotected sex will always lead to pregnancy, but there is a strong possibility that pregnancy can be expected out of it.
As discussed earlier, birth control pills and contraception can be used to avoid pregnancy if in case you are planning for unprotected sex. Also, in case of unintended accidents such as failure of condoms, emergency contraception methods are always available, as discussed above. If you fear that you may be getting pregnant, the first that you have to look out for is missing periods.
Suppose there is such a sign; take a pregnancy test to confirm. When taking pregnancy tests, it is detected using the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). It takes time for our body to build upon hCG, so it is recommended to wait three weeks after unprotected sex before taking the test. If the test result is positive, meet your healthcare professional to discuss the next steps.
What Things Should Be Considered for Next Time?
Some steps can reduce the consequences, whether accidental or intentional unprotected sex.
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Barrier Methods: Barrier methods are used to reduce the risk of STIs. They include condoms, gloves, and dental dams for oral sex. When using condoms, ensure they are not expired and do not open using sharp objects as it may cause accidental cuts or nicks.
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Secondary Conceptions: Condoms can help against STIs but cannot function effectively as contraception. Hence always prefer birth control options such as pills or, in case of long-term goals, use intrauterine devices. There is also emergency contraception that can be taken after the sexual activity in case of failure of condoms.
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STI Screening: It is essential to get tested regularly for STIs for your sexual health. It is advised to take these tests once a year and increase the frequency to every three to six months in the case of multiple partners.
Conclusion:
An excellent sexual routine is essential since it enhances a person’s metabolism and concentration and has other health-related benefits. But it is also equally important to have safe sexual practices. So, whether it is intentional or accidental unprotected sex, plenty of steps can be taken to maintain your sexual health to avoid infections and pregnancy. If you are sexually active, always use a barrier method; it can reduce the consequences to a great extent.
