Maybe the condom broke. Or maybe you just didn't use one. Whatever your reason was, it's okay. Accidents can happen from time to time. The first and foremost thing to do is not panic. While it can result in some unwanted consequences, it doesn't necessarily mean the end of the world - especially if you take the necessary precautions! So now that you've had unprotected sex for whatever reason, what should your next steps be? Let's know more;

1 Firstly, go pee - This holds true even for protected sex. Peeing will help flush bacteria out of your system and reduce your chances of a UTI.

2 Wash up - Remove traces of lingering fluids by washing your vulva thoroughly with water. You can use a mild cleanser. Cleaning up after sex will lower your chances of infections.

3 Explore plan B - Emergency contraceptive pills are your next best bet to avoid unwanted pregnancy. They work by preventing ovulation and should be taken within 3-4 days to prevent conception.

4 Get PEP from a doctor - Post-exposure prophylaxis is a medicine that can reduce your risk of HIV when taken within 72 hours of sex. If you're concerned about HIV exposure, opt for PEP.

5 Get STI tested later - If you are unsure of your partner's STI status, you can get tested 2 weeks after unprotected sex. If you test positive, make sure to follow your doctor's advice.

Thank me later 👋