The Morning After: What to Do After Unprotected Sex

It happened. Maybe the condom broke, maybe it slipped, maybe nobody had one. Take a breath: unprotected sex once doesn’t mean you have anything. But a few things are time-sensitive, so here’s what to do, and when.

In the first 72 hours

1. If pregnancy is possible, look at emergency contraceptionThe over-the-counter morning-after pill (levonorgestrel) works best within 72 hours, and the sooner the better. A prescription pill (ulipristal) works up to 5 days after sex. The most effective option is a copper IUD placed by a provider within 5 days. Anyone can buy the over-the-counter pill, so a partner can pick it up too.
2. If HIV is a concern, ask about PEP right awayPEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) is medicine that can prevent HIV after a possible exposure. It has to be started within 72 hours, ideally within 24, and it’s taken for 28 days. Go to a doctor, an urgent care clinic or an emergency room and ask for it by name.
3. Call a provider or a clinicTell them what happened and when. They can tell you which tests you need, when to take them, and whether any treatment makes sense now. Free and low-cost testing sites are listed at gettested.cdc.gov.

In the weeks after

4. Get tested at the right timeTests have a “window.” Test too early and an infection might not show up yet. Chlamydia and gonorrhea tests are usually reliable about 2 weeks after sex. Syphilis and HIV tests can take several weeks, and a provider may suggest testing again around 3 months. If you notice symptoms at any point, don’t wait. Get checked.
5. Talk to your partnerAsk when they were last tested and share when you were. Agree that whoever gets results first tells the other. The best time for this conversation is before sex. The next best time is now.
6. Take a pregnancy test if your period is lateEmergency contraception can make your next period come a little early or late. If it’s more than a week late, take a test and check in with a provider.

What doesn’t help

Peeing, showering or douching after sex won’t prevent pregnancy or STIs. Douching can actually irritate the body and make some infections more likely. And waiting to “see if anything happens” doesn’t work for infections that never cause symptoms.

For next time

Condoms every time. A regular testing routine. Vaccines for HPV and hepatitis B. If HIV is a real risk for you, ask a provider about PrEP, which prevents it before an exposure ever happens. And the conversation, before anything starts. Here’s how to finesse it.

This piece is for general awareness and isn’t medical advice. For care specific to you, talk to a licensed healthcare provider.