According to a study published in the journal Contraception, there’s almost a 55% chance of sex without contraception leading to pregnancy. Additionally, an STD Center report suggests that the risk of getting an STI from unprotected sex with an infected partner can be as high 60-90%. Given these staggering numbers, we totally understand if you’re worried about your last night’s unshielded encounter. Maybe you went with the flow and forgot to take precaution. Perhaps, you did everything right, but the condom broke. Either way, we’re here to help
We got in touch with Dr. Meenakshi Ahuja, Director, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Fortis La Femme, Delhi, to figure out a foolproof rescue plan. Here are the guidelines suggested by her:
Wash Up
While washing your intimate area won’t prevent an unwanted pregnancy, it can help decrease the risk of an STI. “This step can help you get rid of any infectious discharge stuck on your vulva or groin and keep it from entering the vagina. It can also prevent skin-related STIs like herpes and syphilis on your nether regions,” she says. You can use an unscented, mild cleanser like Sirona’s Refreshing Intimate Wash for the job. Made with natural ingredients like Tasmanian pepper fruit, it can clean your intimate area while being super-gentle on your sensitive skin down there.
Don’t Fall For Baseless Contraception Methods
From squatting to peeing to sipping on hot liquids post sex–there’s no dearth of DIY pregnancy-prevention methods on the web. However, we can attest to the fact that there’s absolutely no shortcut to contraception. On the contrary, some practices like douching can wreak havoc on your vagina. For the unversed, it involves introducing a stream of water into the vagina to “clean it up”. However, according to Dr. Meenakshi, post-sex douching cannot be counted as a contraception method. “Douching should not be done at all. It can disturb the natural flora of your vagina and lead to fungal and bacterial infections,” she warns.
Plan E=Best Plan B
Your best bet against an unwanted pregnancy in this case is an emergency contraceptive pill as it can delay ovulation. “The first and foremost step is to take an over-the-counter emergency after-pill within 72 hours of having unprotected sex,” says Dr. Meenakshi. FYI, these pills are 95% effective within the first 24 hours after unprotected sex. This number drops to 58% when the pill is taken within 49-72 hours. So make sure to have one ASAP.
Visit A Gynaecologist
The emergency contraceptive pill can take care of your pregnancy situation, but it can’t help you prevent an STI. “It is important to get tested for sexually transmitted infections and diseases especially if one has had unprotected sex with a new partner,” says Dr. Meenakshi. “Starting with a course of antibiotics on time can help the infection from spreading and curb its severity,” she adds.
Take A Pregnancy Test
An emergency contraceptive pill is 95% effective. But there’s still a 5% chance of pregnancy. This is why you need another layer of assurance in the form of a pregnancy test. “Don’t wait until your next period. Take a pregnancy test two weeks after popping the pill. This can help you take the necessary course of action on time in case there’s a pregnancy and you want to discontinue it,” says Dr. Meenakshi. You can use these products to be sure:
SIRONA PregRx Midstream Pregnancy Test Kit
This innovative midstream pregnancy test is designed to simplify your life. No more cumbersome urine collection or messy procedures. With PregRx, simply place it directly under your urine stream for quick and hassle-free results.
Ovlo Plus Pregnancy Test Kit
This one’s a discreet, easy-to-carry pregnancy kit that requires you to urinate on the absorbent tip for 15-30 seconds. It gives instant results and is easy to carry.
Cipla’s Rapid Pregnancy Detection Kit
This one comes with a single-use pregnancy detection strip, a test device and a disposable dropper. It guarantees 99% accurate results which it gives within 5 minutes.
Folks, we understand that having unprotected sex is scary situation to be in. But taking these precautions post sex can keep you safe from STIs and prevent unwanted pregnancy too.
Featured Image: Pexels
