Unprotected sex advice

Unprotected sex is a term used to describe any sex or sexual activity:

• Where protection is NOT used. Protection is using condoms.
• Your method of contraception has failed. For example, a split condom or a missed pill.

Having unprotected sex can put you at risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unplanned pregnancies.

There are lots of different sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and many don’t have obvious symptoms. So you might not even know you have one. If left untreated, some STIs can cause health problems.

STIs don’t show up straightaway after unprotected sex. Infections can take some time to show on tests:

• Most STIs: Wait 2 weeks before testing for the most accurate result.
• HIV: You need to wait 6 weeks for a reliable test.

This waiting time is called the window period – the time it takes for an infection to show up on a test. Testing too early may give you a false result.

Why test?

Testing is the only way to know for sure if you have an STI. It’s quick and easy, and there’s even self-testing kits you can do at home. Check your Personal Health Record (PHR) for more info.

Treatment

Most STIs can be treated with antibiotics, and if you test positive, you’ll get advice and support for your treatment.

For more info about testing and where to get tested, check our Testing section.

Had sex without a condom or any other contraception and don’t want to get pregnant? Don’t panic,  there are methods of emergency contraception available to help prevent an unplanned pregnancy.

You have up to five days after unprotected sex to use emergency contraception but the sooner you use it, the better it works.

There are two types of emergency contraception:

• emergency contraception pills (also known as the morning-after pill) – works by stopping you producing an egg (ovulation)
• Copper coil (IUD) – works by preventing a fertilised egg from implanting in the womb (uterus).

To find out more about emergency contraception and where to get it, see our emergency contraception page.

PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) are medicines that are taken after you have had recent sexual contact with someone who is living with HIV and and not on treatment, to help reduce the risk of developing HIV yourself.

PEP must be taken within 72 hours (3 days) of the sexual activity to be effective. Ideally it should be started within 24 hours. The sooner you can take PEP the better. PEP will not be prescribed if it is more than 72 hours after the event.

PEP is available from sexual health clinics (during opening times only) and hospital emergency departments. PEP should only be used in emergency situations – for example if your condom broke or split. It is not a substitute for other HIV prevention methods such as PrEP.

PEP is effective, but not 100%, so you should continue to use condoms and safe injection practices whilst taking PEP.

You can find your nearest sexual health clinic using our find a service tool or search via the NHS website.