It’s always a better idea to reduce the risk to eliminate the stress the next day. Yes, we are talking about pregnancy scare and Effective Ways To Prevent Pregnancy After Unprotected Sex. It is very common for people to have unprotected sex. However, it shouldn’t be. Contraception is a great way to avoid unwanted pregnancy and also keep STIs away. There are a lot of contraceptive measures out there for people who are sexually active and want to avoid any unwanted pregnancy.
It is important to protect yourself from unwanted pregnancy before you engage in sexual intercourse. However, if you have unprotected intercourse, you still might be able to avoid the pregnancy! There are many contraceptive measures you can use to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse. Wanna know more about it? Read on to find out how to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse!
Also read: Birth Control Methods
Common Myths About Safe Sex
There are several misconceptions about safe sex that can lead to unwanted pregnancy and STIs. Those need to be busted. You can take control of your sexual health by avoiding these misconceptions. Here are they:
- The “Pulling out” method can prevent pregnancy
A very common myth about sex is that the pull-out method can avoid pregnancy. While the pull-out method isn’t a birth control measure at all, many people believe it. Pre-ejaculation contains active sperm which can lead to pregnancy. 1 in 5 couples will conceive using the pull-out method. Also, it doesn’t provide any protection against STD.
Also read: Can Precum Make You Pregnant?
- Washing your genitals after sex can prevent pregnancy and STDs
Douching your vagina will push the bacteria and semen into the vagina rather than removing it. It increases your risk of infection and unwanted pregnancy. So, if you are going to rigorously wash your vagina after unprotected sex, you are even increasing the risk rather than eliminating it.
- You can use a condom twice
condomCondoms are designed for single use. Even if you are someone who doesn’t like to waste things, you still can’t use condoms twice or use them after washing them. Using a condom twice may increase the chances of it breaking easily. So, you wouldn’t want to use it twice.
- You can’t get pregnant the first time you have sex
It doesn’t matter if it’s your first or fiftieth, the time you don’t use any contraception, you are more likely to get pregnant. The only way to prevent pregnancy is by using an effective form of contraception.
- You can’t get pregnant on your period
The sperm can live up to 5 days in the female reproductive system. If your cycle is shorter than 28 days, there’s a chance of you becoming pregnant, even though it is not very likely, but still possible. So, use your contraception always if you don’t want an unwanted pregnancy.
Also read: Female Reproductive Health
What Includes Unprotected Sex?
Unprotected sex may include:
- No birth control was used. (It may include condoms and birth control pills).
- When the birth control may have failed to work. This includes, when the condom breaks, a cervical cap comes off, torn, or taken out too early.
- You miss taking two or more of your birth control pills.
- When you’ve been sexually abused, assaulted, or raped and are not using any birth control method which is effective.
How To Prevent Pregnancy After Unprotected Intercourse
You may have forgotten to take your birth control pill or the condom may have broken. Accidents do happen! You still might be able to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex. Here are the steps you can take to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex:
1. Take an Emergency Contraceptive Pill
contraceptive pill The ECP or emergency contraceptive pill is taken within 72 hours (3 days) after having unprotected sex. However, some doctors may prescribe it for up to five days. This measure should be adopted in emergencies and works for a short period. The sooner you take it the better it will work. ECP is most commonly called a morning-after pill, however, you don’t necessarily have to take it in the morning. However, the sooner the better!
How it works:
Emergency contraceptive pills may prevent pregnancy by blocking the implantation of the egg in the uterus. Emergency hormonal contraception may be taken on any day of the menstrual cycle. It prevents ovulation and fertilization if taken within three days of having unprotected sex. These pills won’t work if you are already pregnant. Taking an emergency contraceptive pill won’t act as an abortion pill or harm your baby. The emergency contraceptive pill won’t lead to any birth defects for your baby in the future. The pill helps in preventing the fertilized egg from establishing in the uterine wall if it is formed.
2. Copper-T
Copper-T is another very effective way to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse. It is not a tablet or oral contraceptive pill but a device that is placed in the uterus to prevent past pregnancy. If it is too late for you to take the emergency contraceptive pill, Copper-T can be effective for women who weigh more than 70kg.
How it works:
IUD or Copper-T is inserted into the uterus within 5 days or 120 hours after having unprotected sex depending on your cycle. Copper IUD is a great contraceptive measure as it protects you from pregnancy for 10 years. Also, it is 99% effective. It is a quick procedure and should be done by your doctor in the clinic.
Copper-T2 weeks after having unprotected sex, get an STI to check whether you experience symptoms or not. 3 weeks after having unprotected intercourse, take a pregnancy test to be sure. Make sure you take it three weeks after having unprotected intercourse or the first day of your missed period.
Emergency contraceptive pills and IUDs are some contraceptive measures to take after you’ve had unprotected sex. For the next time, make sure to be prepared and organize your contraception if you do not want unwanted pregnancy. Remember to always use condoms as they prevent pregnancy as well as protect from STIs.
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