Had Unprotected Sex?
Here’s What to Do Next
First things first: take a breath. Having unprotected sex doesn’t automatically mean something bad is going to happen, but it does mean there are a few things worth knowing, and possibly doing, depending on your situation. No judgment here. Seriously, none. Just real information so you can make the choices that feel right for you.
Emergency Contraception: The Sooner, The Better
If you’ve had unprotected vaginal sex and don’t want to be pregnant, emergency contraception (EC) is an option. You have up to 5 days (120 hours) after unprotected sex to act, but it is most effective the sooner you use it. If EC is something you are considering, don’t wait.
The Morning-After Pill
The morning-after pill is the most common EC. There are a few types available, and the right one depends on timing and your body weight. Here’s a breakdown of your options and the timelines.
One thing worth knowing: EC is not the same as the abortion pill. It prevents pregnancy from happening — it doesn’t end one that’s already started.
After taking it, your period may come earlier or later than usual. If you don’t get your period within 3 weeks of taking it, take a pregnancy test.
IUD (Intrauterine Device)
For the highest protection against unwanted pregnancy, look into getting an IUD. The Paragard (copper), Mirena, and Liletta IUDs are more than 99.9% effective at preventing pregnancy when inserted within 120 hours of unprotected sex. From there, it works as highly effective birth control for up to 8-12 years, depending on the kind you choose.
When To Take A Pregnancy Test
Here’s something a lot of people don’t realize: you don’t get pregnant the moment you have sex. After having unprotected sex, it can take a sperm and an egg up to 6 days to meet, and then the fertilized egg still has to travel to the uterus and implant, a process that can take up to another week or two. So, from sex to confirmed pregnancy can be 2-3 weeks.
That’s why timing matters when testing for pregnancy. Home pregnancy tests (the kind you can buy at your local drugstore) are most accurate after you’ve missed a period. Some tests claim they can detect pregnancy a few days earlier, but the results are less reliable before that missed period window.
If you are unsure about the timing or want answers sooner, your health care provider can help you determine the best approach for your situation.
Getting Tested for STIs
Most STIs have no symptoms, and most people who have STIs don’t know it. That’s not a scare tactic, it’s just how it works. And the only way to know if you have an STI is to get tested.
Testing timelines vary depending on the STI. Here’s when to get tested for different STIs:
Chlamydia & gonorrhea: Wait 10-14 days after exposure for accurate results
Syphilis: A few weeks after exposure
Trichomoniasis: 5 to 28 days after exposure
HIV: Can take up to 3 months to show up on a standard test
If you are having symptoms — discharge, burning, sores, unusual pain — don’t wait for a timeline. Get tested now. Planned Parenthood of Orange and San Bernardino Counties (PPOSBC) offers same-day and next-day STI testing. Call 714-922-4100 to schedule your appointment.
If you think you have been exposed to HIV specifically, ask about PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis). PEP is a series of pills you can start taking after exposure that lowers your chances of getting HIV, but it has to be started within 72 hours to be effective.
Protection for The Future
Going through this experience is a natural moment to think about ongoing birth control — not because you did anything wrong, but having a plan means one less thing living rent-free in your head.
There are a lot of options out there: pills, patches, rings, IUDs, implants, shots. Some prevent pregnancies, some also help protect against STIs (looking at you, condoms), and some do both jobs when used together.
If you are not sure where to start or want to explore your options, PPOSBC is here to help you find something that works for your body, your habits, and your goals.
We’re Here For You
You don’t have to figure out how to navigate this on your own. Whether it is EC, STI testing, a pregnancy test, or just someone to talk it through with, PPOSBC is here. To schedule an appointment at one of our health centers, call 714-922-4100.