5 things to do after unprotected sex

In the heat of the moment, practicing safer sex habits might not be the first thing on your mind.  

Unprotected sex can include any contact with someone’s genitals without a protective barrier. This can also include times when a condom breaks, is not used for the entire time or falls off.  

Here are some things to do after having unprotected sex. 

What counts as unprotected sex? 

Unprotected sex includes any activity where you make contact someone else's genitals without a protective barrier. This can include contact with your mouth or genitals. This most commonly happens when a condom is not used, breaks or falls off.  

Using barriers like condoms or dental dams is important, because it can reduce the risk of getting or spreading sexually transmitted illnesses (STI) and prevent pregnancy. 

1. Explore emergency contraceptives if needed 

If you have vaginal sex without a barrier or birth control methods, emergency contraception is a safe and effective way to prevent unintended pregnancy after unprotected sex if taken in time (see below for specifics). It is also important to know that emergency contraception does not cause an abortion. 

Here are a few of the emergency contraceptive options available. 

Ella prevents pregnancy up to five days after sex and is recommended as the first choice for emergency contraception. It’s more effective than other morning-after pills (like Plan B), but you need a prescription to get it.  

• Take: As soon as possible or within 5 days (120 hours) 
• Weight limit: 195 pounds* 
• Prescription: Required 

  Note: Ella may not be effective if you are above this weight. See the next section for information on IUD options. 

Plan B and other levonorgestrel morning-after pills can lower your chances of getting pregnant by 75 to 89 percent. You can take this type of pill up to five days after unprotected sex, but it’s better to take it sooner because it can become less effective the longer you wait. 

• Take: As soon as possible or within 3 to 5 days (72 to 120 hours) 
• Weight limit: 165 pounds* 
• Prescription: Not required 

  Note: Levonorgestrel pills may not be effective if you are above this weight. See the next section for information on IUD options.

Intrauterine devices (IUDs) can be used to prevent pregnancy if applied within five days (120 hours) of unprotected sex. Copper IUDs don’t use hormones, are considered 99% effective at preventing pregnancy and can provide protection for up to 12 years. Copper IUDs are especially recommended for women who are above the weight limit for emergency contraceptive pills, because they have been shown to be less effective for women at or above the advertised weight limits. 

The Sexual and Reproductive Health team at Wardenburg can help you or your partner explore a variety of emergency contraception and birth control options, including copper IUDs and prescriptions. 

If you’re not able to see a healthcare provider in time, you or your partner can still purchase Plan B for $25 at the Apothecary Pharmacy in Wardenburg or other local pharmacies without a prescription. Most insurance plans will also cover the cost of Plan B without a prescription. However, if you are on another individual’s plan, they may receive an explanation of benefits for the purchase. 

Having Plan B or Ella on hand ahead of time could save you from feeling stressed about purchasing emergency contraceptives in time. Just be sure to monitor the expiration date to ensure it is still effective.  

2. Get tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) 

Sexually transmitted infections, also known as STIs, are infections that pass from one person to another through sexual activities, including oral sex, vaginal sex, anal sex, genital contact or sexual fluids like semen. These types of infections can be caused by bacteria, viruses or parasites. 

If you’re experiencing any symptoms at any time, such as new discharge, itching, burning, pain or skin changes, schedule a medical appointment right away to evaluate your symptoms.. Medical Services also provides STI screening appointments and drop-in testing options. 

If you’re not experiencing any symptoms but are worried that you may have been exposed to an STI, but are not experiencing symptoms, you can also contact a medical provider to determine whether you should get tested. 

Testing positive for an STI can be a scary experience. However, it’s important to know that providers at Wardenburg are here to support you through behavioral health services and provide you with effective treatment options. 

The Sexual and Reproductive Health team at Wardenburg can also provide consultations and prescriptions for preventative medications and vaccinations that can help prevent the spread of a variety of STIs. 

3. Take a pregnancy test if needed 

If you’re concerned about an unplanned pregnancy after unprotected sex, you can schedule an appointment to take a pregnancy test at Wardenburg. Students can also access free pregnancy tests at the Apothecary Pharmacy in Wardenburg, the Basic Needs Center in the UMC and the Center for Inclusion and Social Change (CISC) in C4C. Please note, supplies may be limited. Tests are also available for purchase at all pharmacies and supermarkets. 

If you choose to take an at-home test, it’s important to know that the accuracy of results can depend on when it is taken. Some tests can detect pregnancy hormones within ten days, but they are typically most accurate when you use them after you have missed your period. Just be sure to check the expiration date and follow the directions on the package. 

Finding out you are pregnant when you didn’t expect it can be a stressful experience. Deciding what you want to do about an unplanned pregnancy is a deeply personal experience, and everyone’s situation is different. Talking with your partner, a trusted friend or family member, a healthcare provider or a counselor can help you better understand your options and figure out what to do. Medical Services is here to provide accurate, non-judgmental information about your options and answer your questions. They also have mental health specialists on staff to help support you throughout the decision and appointment process. 

4. Prepare for next time 

While many of us have intentions to practice safer sex, it can be hard to do in the moment, especially if we don’t feel prepared. Here are some things you can do to feel more prepared and protected in the future. 

• Explore independently 
  How do you think or feel about connecting sexually with yourself or a partner? How does your own body experience pleasure? This topic is often absent in traditional sex education, if you have been offered any at all. Our SexEd Workbook can be a great place to start thinking through questions that you may not have considered or been asked before.  

• Explore barrier methods 
  Using barriers during sex and foreplay can help protect you and your partner(s) against STIs. Barrier options include things like external condoms, internal condoms and dental dams (for oral sex). When using barriers, make sure they are not expired or damaged. Using a personal lubricant can decrease friction during sex, which can help improve overall pleasure and reduce the risk of tearing sensitive tissues, which can aid the transmission of STIs. All of these supplies are available for free at the Sexual and Reproductive Health office and Wellness Suite in Wardenburg. 

• Explore birth control options as needed 
  If you’re concerned about an unplanned pregnancy, consider taking some time to explore birth control options. Medical Services is available for in-person birth control consultations to walk you through short- and long-term options, potential side effects and application. Bedsider is also a great resource to explore online if you’re not ready for an in-person conversation. 

• Keep emergency contraception on hand 
  You can get a prescription or pick up emergency contraception at the pharmacy to keep it on hand. Just be sure to monitor the expiration date to ensure it is still effective before you take it. 

• Consult with a sexual health provider 
  Scheduling a visit with a sexual and reproductive health provider can help you learn how your body works and identify problems early. They can also discuss screening for STIs, birth control methods help you learn more about healthy sexual relationships. 

• Screen for STIs regularly 
  It’s important to get tested for STIs at least once per year. If you have multiple partners or switch partners, it’s important to get tested before you start having oral, vaginal or anal sex. It’s also important to discuss your results with your partner, so that you can both receive treatment as needed. 

• Take preventative measures 
  Did you know that there are vaccines and medications that can help prevent the spread of certain STIs? Vaccines are available for several STIs, HPV and hepatitis. Both of these vaccines are strongly recommended for all college-aged adults. You can also learn more about preventative medications from the sexual and reproductive health providers. These include these like HIV PrEP (helps prevent the transmission of HIV) and doxyPEP (reduces the risk of transmitting gonorrhea and syphilis). 

5. Connect with campus resources

Sexual and reproductive health 
Medical Services providers are here to support all CU Boulder students learn about their bodies and take care of their sexual and reproductive health. Services include health exams, birth control, gynecological services, HPV vaccines, HIV prevention, pregnancy testing, hormone therapy, infection treatment and more. 

STI testing 
Students can schedule an in-person or telehealth appointment to get testing recommendations, review results or order STI tests from the lab. Drop-in testing is also available at the lab in Wardenburg Health Center. 

Safer sex supplies 
Students living on campus can order a free Buff Box that includes supplies and information about safer sex, such as condoms, lube, finger cots, dental dams and tips for communicating with partners.  

Students living off campus can stop by Wardenburg Health Center to pick up free safer sex supplies on the third floor in the Wellness Suite and on the first floor outside of the Sexual and Reproductive Health office. 

Behavioral Health 
Medical Services has licensed behavioral health professionals on staff to help you with everything from managing stress, getting connected with resources or finding ongoing mental health care. They are available to anyone who has an appointment at Medical Services and can be seen by request during your appointment. 

Apothecary Pharmacy 
The Apothecary Pharmacy at Wardenburg Health Center provides prescription medications and over-the-counter products, including emergency contraception, condoms, pregnancy tests and more. 

Office of Victim Assistance (OVA) 
OVA provides free and confidential information, consultation, support, advocacy and short-term, trauma-focused counseling services for students, grad students, faculty and staff who have experienced a traumatic, disturbing or life-disruptive event, including, but not limited to, sexual assault, intimate partner abuse and harassment. 
  Confidential resource

Let’s Talk 
Let’s Talk is a free service where CU Boulder students can check in for an informal, brief and confidential consultation with a counselor or psychiatrist. Let’s Talk provides a special hour on Tuesdays for sex and gender topics. This service is a great way to connect with a mental health provider to talk through resources, get support and talk through your concerns. 

Support for international students, staff and faculty 
Individuals who have experienced certain crimes, such as sexual assault or domestic violence, may be eligible for U.S. immigration relief through the U visa or VAWA self-petition, regardless of their immigration status. Please speak with an immigration attorney or a non-profit organization that assists immigrants to learn more about the eligibility requirements, application process, and timeline. Learn more about free or low-cost legal immigration services.