What To Do If You Had Unprotected Sex
If you had unprotected sex about a month ago and want to avoid getting pregnant, there are some steps you can take. Knowing your options and acting quickly gives you the best chance to prevent pregnancy.
Take Emergency Contraception
Emergency contraceptive pills like Plan B can prevent pregnancy if taken within 3-5 days of unprotected sex. The sooner you take them, the more effective they are. This stops or delays ovulation.
Get Tested
Take a pregnancy test in 2-3 weeks to find out if you’re pregnant. Blood and urine tests at a clinic are most accurate. Home pregnancy tests take 1-2 weeks to become positive after conception.
Consider Your Menstrual Cycle
If you had sex close to ovulation, you’re more likely to get pregnant. Ovulation happens about 14 days before your next period starts. Track your cycles to know when you ovulate.
Discuss Your Options
If pregnant, you have choices – continuing the pregnancy and raising the child, adoption, or abortion. Talk with your healthcare provider about what’s right for you. Act in your timeframe.
Use Protection In The Future
Going forward, properly use condoms, birth control pills, IUDs, or other contraception to avoid unplanned pregnancy. Use dual methods like condoms plus hormonal birth control for best protection.
When To Take A Pregnancy Test
Take a pregnancy test 2-3 weeks after unprotected sex for an accurate result. Home pregnancy tests detect the hCG hormone only after implantation occurs, about a week after conception. If negative but unsure, retest 1 week later. See a doctor for the most reliable testing.
Preventing Pregnancy Next Time
To avoid pregnancy scares after sex, be proactive. Here are some tips:
- Use condoms, birth control pills, IUDs, implants or other contraception correctly every time.
- Consider emergency contraception if a mistake happens, but use as backup, not regularly.
- Track your menstrual cycle to know when you ovulate. Avoid unprotected sex on fertile days.
- Communicate with your partner openly about pregnancy plans and prevention. Make a choice that’s right for you.
The only guaranteed way to avoid pregnancy is abstinence. But following precautions carefully lowers your risks so you don’t have to deal with a potential unplanned pregnancy again.
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