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Home / What to do if / We didn’t use protection.

We didn’t use protection.

Sometimes sex just happens and no one used protection. You may not have worried in the moment, but now you may be concerned. Here is what you can do:

See a health care provider
If you have had penetrative or oral sex with someone who has an STI, see your health care provider as soon as possible. If your partner has tested positive for an STI, it is important that you also have STI testing. Depending on the type of STI, you may be given medications to prevent the STI whether or not you have symptoms.

Get tested for STIs
Get tested for STIs if you had sex without a condom or other kinds of protection. Getting tested will help you know for sure if you have an STI, even if there are no symptoms. Find out where you can get tested.

Prevent pregnancy
Taking the emergency contraceptive pill (Plan B) as soon as possible and within five days of having sex without a condom will reduce the chance of becoming pregnant. Copper IUDs are also a good option for emergency contraception and can be inserted up to seven days after uprotected intercourse. Find out where you can go for emergency IUD insertion in BC.

Get a pregnancy test
If you are worried about becoming pregnant or think you might be pregnant, see your health care provider for a pregnancy test. Your health care provider can help you to know the options that are available for you if you are pregnant or want to avoid becoming pregnant.

Talk to someone about pregnancy
Public Health youth clinics and agencies such as Options for Sexual Health BC provide support and counseling for people and their partners dealing with an unexpected pregnancy. See the clinic finder or contact Options for Sexual Health BC at 1-800-SEX-SENSE (1-800-739-7367) if you have questions or to find an Options clinic location near you.

HIV Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)
If you know or think there is a significant chance that your partner has HIV, then there is medication that you can take within 72 hours to reduce your chances of getting HIV.

Other things you can do:

  • Carry condoms with you when you go out and keep them handy beside your bed.
  • Talk to your sexual partner(s) about how you will use protection during sex. Practice saying what you plan to say ahead of time. We have some tips on how to start this talk with partners.
  • Leave condoms out where your partner(s) can see them or pull them out when you need them. This makes a statement that you prefer to use protection. Your partner(s) will see you have them on hand and that you plan to use them.
  • Worried about erections and condoms? Find out how to enhance your pleasure with condoms.