When it comes to sex, there are a handful of scenarios that can be a bit nightmarish. We’ve compiled a clear-headed selection of guidelines to help sort you out in the event that:
- a condom breaks
- you miss your period
- you’ve had unprotected sex
- you think you have an STD
What to do if… the condom breaks
This is a frustrating one. There you are, commendably taking precautions to have the safest sex possible, and fate slips you a wild card.
Luckily, you have options.
Emergency Contraception
If you are not using another form of contraception, such as the hormonal pill or a coil, you may need emergency contraception to prevent pregnancy. Remember, your partner does not need to have ejaculated for you to be at risk of pregnancy, as sperm are found in the seminal fluid which is released during arousal and before orgasm.
Don’t douche
Whether you have been having vaginal or anal sex, if the condom breaks, it might seem like a good idea to douche, as a way of washing away any sperm or sexual fluid and reducing the risks of pregnancy or infection. This can have the opposite effect, however. Douching may force any fluids further into the body or the uterus, thereby actually increasing the risks.
Get tested
If you are having sex with a casual partner when the condom breaks, you may want to go to a sexual health clinic for testing, to ensure that you haven’t contracted a sexually transmitted disease (STI). You’ll need to wait for some time to pass before you get tested, as an infection will not show up immediately. Some viruses can be tested for as soon as ten days after exposure.
Urinate
Urinating after sex helps flush fluids out of the urethra, which can help you avoid a urinary tract infection. (This is a good idea for both men and women after sexual intercourse, whether or not the condom has broken.) In addition, for male or female receptive sexual partners, sitting on the toilet after sex can help sexual fluids to leave the body.
HIV
If you are concerned about your risk of HIV infection, you may want to investigate your options for PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis, which reduces your risks of HIV infection), or have an early detection test.
What to do if… you miss your period
If you have a regular menstrual cycle, chances are you can set your clock by the arrival of your period every month. What do you do if you haven’t been trying for a baby, but the date comes and you still haven’t started bleeding?
Could you be pregnant?
If you have had unprotected sex at some point during your previous cycle, there is a chance you could be pregnant. An over-the-counter pregnancy test can help you get answers in the first week after your missed period, although bear in mind that they can give false negatives. A more accurate test (a blood test called a Beta HCG test) is available with the doctor. The level of beta in your blood doubles every day that you are pregnant.
Other causes
If there is no possibility of pregnancy, but your period is more than a week late, it is advised that you speak to a doctor. Disruptions to your menstrual cycle can have a number of causes, including underlying conditions (such as endometriosis, PCOS, and hormonal imbalances). The doctor can help you understand what’s going on and, where necessary, sort you out with a treatment plan.
Remember that periods can be delayed by things other than pregnancy. Stress, hormonal changes, a sudden drop in weight, and underlying conditions can all delay a period. Whatever the cause, a doctor can help you in getting the support you need, so keep calm and make your GP appointment.
What to do if… you’ve had unprotected sex
What should you do if you’ve had unprotected sex with a new or non-exclusive partner?
Don’t panic! Mistakes happen. Try to be kind to yourself about it.
Book yourself in for a sexual health screen.
If possible, have a conversation with your partner about sexual health. Are they practicing safe sex regularly? Do they have other partners? Have they been tested recently? All of this information can help you make an informed decision about your future sexual encounters with them.
If you have other partners, wait until you have a clear sexual health result before having unprotected sex with them. This reduces your risk of passing an undiagnosed infection on to someone else.
What to do if… you think you have an STD
You’ve noticed some symptoms down there. Maybe a rash, some unusual discharge, a burning or itching sensation, or things just don’t quite feel right. What are the next steps?
Get tested
The only way to know if you have an STD is to get tested at a sexual health clinic, so book yourself in as soon as you notice symptoms.
Don’t self-diagnose
Try not to self-diagnose. A lot of the most common STIs have similar symptoms, and some have no symptoms at all. It can be easy to do a quick online search and create extra stress. Therefore, for peace of mind, get tested as soon as possible.
Stay safe
Use condoms with sexual partners until you have seen a doctor and received your test results. That way, if you do have an STD, you won’t risk passing it on.
