When the time came to have sex, you didn't ask your partner to use a condom or you missed a pill or had an accident. Firstly, it’s important that you don’t feel guilty. It can happen to anyone. Second, keep in mind that there is no shame in discussing this with your partner- open communication is part of practicing responsible sex. Contraception is a concern for both partners. In the case of unprotected sex, emergency contraception should be used to prevent any unplanned pregnancies. In addition, you should also consider getting screened for any STIs – some clinics will even do them for free.
A risk of pregnancy throughout the cycle
Unprotected sex involves sexual intercourse where you were neither using a form of contraception or if contraception has failed. The biggest concern when it comes to unprotected sex is the unpredictability of ovulation, it’s nearly impossible to know the exact day of your ovulation. Contrary to popular belief, it doesn’t always fall on the 14th day following your last period! Then there’s the lifespan of the sperm: they can survive up to five days in the fallopian tubes, waiting to fertilize the egg cell (which has a life span of 12-24 hours).
Because ovulation is so variable, figuring out your chances of getting pregnant will prove difficult. Many women underestimate the risk of falling pregnant. The oral emergency contraceptive is meant to be taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex and it works by delaying ovulation, therefore preventing fertilisation. You should still continue to taking your regular contraception and use a barrier method until your next period to avoid an unplanned pregnancy.
A risk of STIs if you don’t use a condom
Having multiple partners increase the risk of contracting an STI (sexually transmitted infection). We advise you to do regular STI screenings to avoid any unwanted outcomes. Some symptoms of STIs include pain in the pelvic area, burning sensation when you pee, irregular bleeding and smelly discharge. Luckily, most of these infections are easily treated if they’re of bacterial origin. In any case, it’s best to not wait too long because some could lead to infertility if left untreated. When it comes to viral diseases, it gets a little tricker. This is why women are always advised to use dual protection: a contraceptive method (like the pill or IUD) that prevents unplanned pregnancies and a second barrier method (such as condoms) that prevents STIs. If you’re not in a stable relationship with a partner you completely trust, you should always use a condom.