In brief...
Accidents happen... We have two 'emergency measures' to help you, not just for the 'morning after' but for up to 3–5 days after the 'accident'. If you want, at shac, we can give you free emergency contraception. The most commonly used type is just a special pill. The sooner you take it the better, but it should work if you take the first one within 72 hours after having the unprotected sex, approximately 3 days. In some circumstances, we can also arrange for you to have a coil (IUD) fitted, which can prevent pregnancy if it is fitted within 5 days after ovulation. Emergency contraception, like other contraception methods, is not 100% effective. We can also help you find out if you have been given any infections, and can arrange counselling and advice if you wish.
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What is unprotected sex?
Unprotected sex is sexual intercourse without the 'perfect' use of a condom. If you use a condom but it tears or the semen spills out, the sex you have had is 'unprotected'.
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What are the risks from having unprotected sex?
It puts you at risk of catching several infections from an infected partner during sex. Male and female condoms, if used perfectly, can protect you from most of infections. Unprotected sex also puts a fertile girl or woman at the risk of becoming pregnant.
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Why use condoms and why do they need to be used perfectly?
Condoms used perfectly can prevent a fertile girl or woman from getting pregnant, especially if they are also used with a hormonal contraceptive. Condoms are, however, much less 'safe' than other methods of contraception such as the combined oral contraceptive pill or injectable hormonal contraceptives such as Depo-Provera.
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What is the 'ideal' for safer sex and contraception?
Ideally, the girl or woman should use hormonal methods of contraception and the boy or man a condom until they have both been checked for infection and are in a monogamous, long-term relationship. Other combinations can work well.
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Why safer sex?
By practising safer sex you reduce the risk of catching infections or giving one to your partner. Most people practise safer sex until they are, at least, in a stable, monogamous (only one partner) relationship. Sex is about trust and respect. To trust your partner and be sure that they won't give you an infection needs the confidence that they don't have an infection and that they are not going to catch one from another partner that they are also having sex with.
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When should I have unprotected sex and why should I get myself 'checked out' first?
If you want to start to have unprotected sex with someone, you might want to get pregnant and have a baby, it would be a good idea if both of you get yourselves 'checked out' for any infections you might accidentally give each other. Many of these infections can have only very mild or no symptoms, and can 'hang around' for a long time if they are not treated. If you have had unprotected sex you should get yourself checked for any possible infections at some point during the relationship to help you reduce the risk of infecting your partner with a bug such as chlamydia.
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What is emergency contraception?
If you have had unprotected sex, are not using other contraceptives and think you are at risk of becoming pregnant, you can get emergency contraception. Emergency contraception is safe and easy but works only if you get it soon after having unprotected sex. Emergency contraception that involves taking pills has a time limit of 72 hours from having unprotected sex, but the earlier the better. , There is, however, another type of emergency contraception that can sometimes be used up to five days after you have had unprotected sex, this is the coil or IUD. At the moment, most people get emergency contraception from a doctor, many G.P's, all family planning clinics and also Accident and Emergency Departments in hospitals can give you emergency contraception. It is also possible to buy the emergency contraception pills at pharmacists, chemists, but you can get them for free from doctors.
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I have had unprotected sex, what should I do next?
Tell your partner. If you have had sex without using a condom or the condom didn't work perfectly, make sure your partner knows so that you can both be 'checked out'. It might be embarrassing at the time, and your partner might be cross, but they will be even more cross if they find out later that they have caught an infection or if they have become pregnant. Go to a clinic such as shac for advice.
Don't have unprotected sex again, especially if you think you might have already caught an infection or are still at risk from becoming pregnant. Go to a clinic such as shac for advice.
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What tests can shac offer me?
When you go to a doctor who can test you for infections they will, talk with you, examine you and take some samples to test for infections. They might give you antibiotics to take or ask you to come back for results later on. They can also test for pregnancy.
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Where can I get advice in Cambridge?
At The Laurels - Contraception & Sexual Health Service in Cambridge City Centre, you can get emergency contraception. ARK is a Teenage Health Clinic held at the Contraception & Sexual Health Service on Saturdays, no appointment is needed.
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