Tips to avoid pregnancy after unprotected sex
If you have unprotected sex, or there was a condom failure, you may be at risk of pregnancy. This can be a stressful and emotional experience, especially if you were not planning to get pregnant any time soon. There are a few things you can do to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex:
Right off the bat, take a deep breath and remember that you're not alone in this boat. Unprotected sex and condom malfunctions are more common than you might think. So, here's the deal:
Use the Bathroom
Make a pit stop in the bathroom and clear out any residual fluids. It's not just about comfort; it's about reducing the risk of pesky urinary tract infections (UTIs). But keep in mind that, peeing won't magically undo the pregnancy risk – those little swimmers are fast!
Use emergency contraception
Taking emergency contraceptive tablets is one of the simplest ways for sex without protection to prevent pregnancy. Pills for emergency contraception can significantly lower the chance of getting pregnant.
To prevent pregnancy, several emergency contraceptive medications, such as a 24 hour tablet, a 3 day pill, or a 5 day pill, are used. The tablets must be consumed within a specific time period in order for them to be effective.
The medication has higher benefits the earlier you take it. These are easily accessible at drug or medical stores. There is also a tablet that lasts for one month, but you can only take it with a doctor's prescription since they are dangerous.
Wash Up
Resist the urge to go all out with a deep cleanse. Genital areas don't need a post-coital spa day. A simple shower or a splash of lukewarm water will do the trick. Douching can lead to irritation and inflammation – not the kind of fireworks you're after.
Grab a Plan B
For the pregnancy paranoia, there's Plan B and other levonorgestrel EC pills available over the counter. Pop one within 72 hours of your encounter, and you're golden. Taking it within 24 hours slashes your pregnancy risk by 95%, but it's still 88% effective within 24 to 72 hours.
Plan B's negative impacts include:
- Irregular menstrual cycle
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Stomach Ache
- Fatigue
- Tender breasts
If you vomit within two hours of taking Plan B, you will need to take another tablet to guarantee its efficacy.
Preventing Pregnancy Naturally
We've talked about emergency contraceptives, but it's important to know they come with risks. Taking those pills can be tricky for women.
So, if you're wondering how to avoid pregnancy naturally, there are some home remedies you can try. They may not be foolproof, but they're worth a shot. Still, it's a good idea to reach out to a gynaecologist nearby for expert advice on the most effective methods. Here are some ways to prevent pregnancy naturally after unprotected sex:
1. Neem Leaves or Neem Extract
Neem is like a superhero against pregnancy. It doesn't just block the sperm; it annihilates them. You can have neem in your tea, neem tree oil, or any neem extract.
2. Spearmint Tea
Spearmint is another ally in the battle against pregnancy. Toss it in your tea, but be careful not to overdo it; too much can be harmful. For safe spearmint consumption, chat with your doctor.
3. Vitamin C Supplements
Vitamin C can be your natural ally in preventing pregnancy. Two 500 mg supplements can work if taken within three days of unprotected sex.
4. Dried Apricots
Mix dried apricots with honey and water to make a drink. Have a glass to reduce your chances of getting pregnant.
5. Parsley Leaves
Parsley leaves are like your natural shield against pregnancy. Use them however you like; they've proven themselves as a birth control method.
6. Papaya
After unprotected sex, eat papaya continuously for 3-4 days. It stops fertilisation and acts as a natural pregnancy preventer.
7. Pineapple
Pineapple has properties that prevent the baby from attaching. Eating ripe pineapple for 2-3 days after unprotected sex can help avoid pregnancy.
8. Ginger Tea
Boil grated ginger in water, strain it, and drink it daily. Ginger can help induce your periods naturally.
9. Dried Figs
Have 3-4 dried figs for 3-4 days after unprotected sex. They are one of the best natural birth control methods.
10. Cinnamon
Cinnamon can be consumed after unprotected sex and might even lead to a miscarriage or abortion.
Remember, these methods may not be perfect, but they offer a natural approach to avoiding pregnancy. Always consult with a healthcare professional for the best guidance. Your well-being is important, and they can help you choose the right path.
Look for Symptoms
If you're starting to wonder whether there is a new guest at your door, the first sign is usually a missed period. Take a pregnancy test around the 3-week mark to confirm. Patience is key here because it takes time for the hormone (hCG) that pregnancy tests detect to build up in your body.
Get Tested
As for genital herpes and HIV, testing isn't a cure-all. Genital herpes can pop up as blisters or an itchy sensation, while HIV might feel like a flu at first. Both require waiting about 3 weeks to test for accurate results.
Just to be on the safe side, consider retesting for STIs around the 3-month mark. This gives you confidence that any negative results you received are legit, and any treatment you received has done its job. When it comes to syphilis, retesting at 3 and 6 months is a wise move.
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