In this article, we will discuss how to Avoid Pregnancy After Unprotected Sex. Do not panic if you had sex without a condom or had a sexual encounter where the condom was broken. Things happen, and you’re certainly not the only one to go through one or the other of these scenarios.
You need to remember that there are a few risks associated with these sexual events. There are a lot of ways to mitigate those risks so you are protected and sexually healthy.
Immediately after
If you find that your condom has broken, you should stop all sexual activities and leave the person you are with. If you had sex without a condom that there are some steps you can take.
Use bathroom
To avoid pregnancy after unprotected sex, first, you must go to the bathroom in order to get rid of excess fluids that remain in the vagina or the anus. This will make you feel more relaxed and help eliminate the bacteria that may cause Urinary tract infections (UTIs).
You can also sit in the bathroom and press it down using your genital or anal muscles to flush out any fluid that remains. Peeing can help.
Plan out your next steps
When you’re feeling more at ease, it’s a good idea to consider what you’re going to do next. If you require emergency contraception (EC), look for the nearest pharmacy and open hours. Specific EC can be purchased over the counter and does not require a prescription from a physician.
If you’re concerned you’ve been exposed to a sexually transmitted disease (STI) or HIV, make an appointment with your doctor immediately.
How To Avoid Pregnancy After Unprotected Sex? Your Contraceptive Option For Emergencies
1. The Morning-After Pill or Emergency Contraception (EC)
It is a very popular option following an unprotected sexual encounter because it can significantly decrease your chance of becoming pregnant. The Emergency Contraception Pill can be utilized to avoid pregnancy after sexual activity if contraception was not used or a condom broke during sexual activity, or a woman is sexually assaulted.
Although it’s sometimes referred to as the “Morning After Pill,” it is beneficial for as long as five days following unprotected sexual sex. The earlier you take it, the better it is. When it is taken within the first three days following sexual activity, it can prevent around 85 percent of pregnancies that are expected to occur.
For maximize efficiency, emergency contraception must be taken at the earliest possible time after the unprotected sex and preferred within 120 hours. You can use the emergency contraceptive pill anytime during menstrual cycles.
The pill contains special doses of female hormones. It’s a hormone-based drug that can slow the process of ovulation (ovaries release eggs that will later be fertilized by male sperm).
Remember that EC does not provide protection against STIs. They are available for purchase over-the-counter in most pharmacies. There are more potent medications that could be better suited to your specific needs; however, they will likely require the prescription of a doctor.
Contraceptives for emergency use are safe, do not cause long-term adverse health effects, and will not affect your chances of getting pregnant in the near future. However, using them as your sole source of regular contraception isn’t the best option since they’re not nearly as effective as regular methods of birth control (like pills, condoms, or implants).
Well-known brands of emergency contraceptives (ECP) such as iPill and Unwanted 72 are being sold OTC (Over-The-Counter) throughout India.
Risks
Emergency contraception is an effective method of preventing pregnancy following unprotected sexual activity. However, it’s not as efficient as other contraceptive methods and isn’t recommended for daily use. The morning-after pill can fail even with correct use and provides no protection from sexually transmitted diseases.
Morning-after pills aren’t suitable for every person. Do not take a morning-after pill when:
- You are allergic to any ingredient of the morning-after pill.
- There are certain medicines that can reduce the morning after pill’s effectiveness.
If you’re overweight, there’s some indication that the EC won’t be as effective in preventing pregnancy as it is for women who aren’t obese.
Make sure that you’re not pregnant prior to taking the drug. If you’re breastfeeding, it’s not recommended to take these pills.
Some side effects of taking the pill typically last just a few days and could include:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Breast tenderness
- Bleeding between periods or heavier menstrual bleeding
- Lower abdominal pain or cramps
How does emergency contraception work?
Pregnancy doesn’t happen right after you have sex. That’s why it’s possible to stop the pregnancy within a couple of days after having sex. The key is timing.
Sperm remain within the body for up to six days after having sex and is waiting for the egg to fertilize. If you ovulate at that time, the sperm could fertilize the egg, resulting in pregnancy. Morning-after pills prevent the ovary from releasing eggs.
It’s like pressing the emergency brake on the ovulation. What stage you’re in your menstrual cycle, as well as the time after unprotected sex you take your morning-after pill, could determine the degree to which it stops pregnancy. Morning-after pills will not work in the event that your body has begun ovulating.
This is why timing is so important.
2. Copper Intrauterine Device (IUD)
IUD is no-hormone long-acting contraception. If used for birth control, it can be effective for as long as 12 years. However, it is also a viable option for emergency contraception since it blocks the eggs from implanting inside the uterus.
Bottom line
Whether you had sex without a condom or experienced an accident with a condom, there are a lot of actions you can take to protect your sexual well-being and safeguard against the possibility of pregnancy.
Protecting yourself for the long haul is easy, too. All you require is a barrier technique and reliable contraception. Morning after pill is a reliable way to avoid pregnancy after unprotected sex.
Also, Read
10 Signs You Need a Psychologist – When to see a psychologist?
What is Counselling? Benefits & Importance of Counselling
Why Does Privacy Matter? Why Do Children Need Privacy From Their Parents?
