Precautions

So you’ve had unprotected sex because you both forgot, in the spur of the moment, to think about protection. Or you are worried because a condom broke, another contraceptive method failed or you forgot to take the pill.

 

What next?

 

First of all, stop panicking. It is always useful to think about things strategically and with a clear mind, as you don’t want to forget to do something important just because you are feeling emotional. Here are a few other suggestions you might want to think putting into action:

 

  • You can do it. 
    This is the first thing you have to know: you will be able to get through the situation. Don’t get overwhelmed by it. Rather, try to get past the shock and think tactically.
  • Talk to your partner. 
    If you can and you think your sexual partner will understand, talk to him about your worries. After all, you were both there and you should both take responsibility for what happened.
  • Think about your options. 
    Write down or discuss out loud all of your options and see which one you will feel most comfortable with. If you determine that taking the morning after pill is the best option for you then take it as soon as you can, as this type of emergency contraception is most effective when taken closest to the sexual encounter. Call up your doctor –or go on the internet to trusted online clinics- and, if given an option, decide which pill to get prescribed (Levonelle or EllaOne).

 

When the emergency is over

 

  • Think contraception: taking the morning after pill is perfectly alright for rare emergencies. However, it is highly discouraged to keep on taking the pill as a regular contraceptive. Therefore, think (or re-think) about which method of contraception might be right for you so next time you are prepared.
  • Think about your sexual health: Remember that neither the regular contraceptive pill nor the morning after pill protect you from sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It is highly recommended that you talk to your partner about this openly. In general, if you are considering contraception, make sure you are also thinking about your sexual health and not only about avoiding getting pregnant.
  • If you think you might have caught an STI and you want to have a sexual health check-up, then consider going to your GP, your local GUM clinic or trusted websites where you can get a home test kit. To avoid a false negative, make sure you wait 14 days before taking a test. Remember, though, that you might have an STI even if you are asymptomatic. So if you have been a risk in the past, it is best for you to have a sexual health screen.