Unprotected sex intercourse: what to do

If you have engaged in unprotected sexual intercourse (such as a condom breaking or not using one), there is a standard, time-sensitive procedure you should follow to protect your health and prevent the transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV.

Here is the standard protocol for what to do:

1. Seek Immediate Medical Care for PEP (Within 72 Hours) If you think you may have been exposed to HIV, you must act within 72 hours (3 days) to start PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis).

What it is: PEP is an emergency medication regimen that prevents HIV from establishing an infection in your body.

How it works: You must start it as soon as possible—every hour counts. If prescribed, you will need to take the medication daily for 28 days.

2. Consider Doxy PEP for Bacterial STIs (Within 24 to 72 Hours) If you are a gay or bisexual man or a transgender woman, you may also be eligible for Doxy PEP.

What it is: This involves taking a dose of the antibiotic doxycycline ideally within 24 hours, but no later than 72 hours, after condomless sex.

How it works: It has been proven to reduce the chances of contracting bacterial STIs (syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea) by about two-thirds in these populations.

3. Get Comprehensive Testing Because most STIs have no signs or symptoms, getting tested is the only way to know if you have contracted an infection. A healthcare provider will likely recommend a baseline assessment, which includes:

An HIV rapid blood test.

STI screenings for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. Depending on your sexual activities, your provider may test three sites: your throat, genitals, and rectum.

Hepatitis B and C blood tests.

A pregnancy test if you or your partner could become pregnant.

4. Communicate with Your Partner(s) and Get Treated If you test positive for any STI, getting the infection is not the end of the world, as many are entirely curable and all are treatable.

Encourage your partner(s) to get tested too.

If either of you has a curable STI, both of you need to receive treatment at the same time before resuming sexual activity to avoid re-infecting one another.

5. Adopt Future Prevention Strategies To lower your risk in future sexual encounters, consider integrating these methods into your routine:

Use condoms the right way every time you have vaginal, anal, or oral sex.

Ask about PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis): If you are frequently exposed to HIV risks without a condom, PrEP is a highly effective daily pill or periodic injection that reduces the risk of getting HIV from sex by about 99%. (Note: If you are taking PEP, you can transition to PrEP after completing your 28-day PEP course).

Get vaccinated: Ensure you are fully vaccinated against HPV, Hepatitis A, and Hepatitis B, as these viruses can be transmitted sexually.

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