Unprotected Sex, Its consequences and what to do Options

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I've noticed that several topics ask: "AM I PREGNANT?" or "HOW DO I KNOW I'M PREGNANT?" or "OMG!!! WE DIDN'T USE A CONDOM! WHAT DO I DO NOW?"

I understand the prospect of being pregnant could be insanely scary and it seems that your future is uncertain. Hopefully, this guide will help confused/panicking girls (and guys) when they need it.[/size]

I, in no way, condone careless sex. If you're going to be stupid about it, don't have sex. Remember, the best way to avoid pregnancy AND STDs/STIs is ABSTINENCE. If you do have sex, the next best thing is condoms.

What to Do After Unprotected Sex

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1. What is Unprotected Sex?
   Since we're focusing on the prospect of pregnancy, our primary concern is unprotected vaginal intercourse (although there are other risks with other unprotected sexually activities). Unprotected sex is sex without protection from pregnancy/STIs/STDs.
   
   Certains types of "pregnancy cautions" such as the withdrawal method (where the male pulls out before he ejaculates) or the rhythm method (where the female only has sex on days with the lowest possibility of fertilization) are not 100% fail proof and should not be relied on. These are still considered unprotected sex. Use these methods at your own risk.
   
   Also, having sex with birth control without a condom is still considered semi-unprotected sex. Birth control does not protect you from STDs/STIs. When you have sex, pregnancy should not be your only concern.
   
   
   
   
   
2. Help! We didn't use a condom but he didn't come (ejaculate) inside me! Is that okay?!?!
   
   One of the biggest concern with this problem is whether or not the precum can cause pregnancy. Even though, the male ejaculates outside the vagina, males release precum that contains minute amounts of sperm. The sperm count increases in precum if the male has ejaculated within the past 24 hours.
   
   Also, even if it's outside, some males (especially teenage ones) have problems with their control. So even if his penis pulls out the vagina, if he ejaculates in the immediate area of the vulva/labia, the sperm can migrate into the vagina and cause fertilization.
   
   In other words, it's not completely okay because there is a small chance you can get pregnant.
   
   
   
   
3. AH! We had unprotected sex last night! What am I going to DO? *hyperventilates*
   First of all, calm down. If you're going to freak out, its going to make the situation worse.
   
   Second, you should get the Morning-After Pill or the Plan B pill. THESE ARE NOT ABORTION PILLS! THEY DO NOT TERMINATE A PREGNANCY! They prevent pregnancies from happening. If you are pregnant, they have absolute no effect. Also, emergency contraception is not an acceptable form of routine birth control. Once again, if you're going to be stupid and use Plan B instead of a condom, don't have sex.
   
   Important: These pills should be taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex. They are most effective within 72 hours after unprotected sex. It could be effective as long as 5 days after unprotected sex but as time passes on, the less effective they are. Get them ASAP.
   
   How to Get Emergency Contraception:
   • Plan B is now available without a prescription for 18 year olds or older but you have to go to the pharmacy to pick it up. If you are a minor of 17 years or younger, you need a prescription. Check with your local pharmacy to make sure they stock it. Be prepared to pay quite a bit. Plan B can cost from $20 to $40.
   • Planned Parenthood is an THE place to go if you're a panicking, unprotected sex having teenager. It is completely anonymous so your parents won't find out. Planned Parenthood keeps files confidential, even if you're a minor (though sometimes this might not be so. Ask the center for their privacy policy. In some states, they are sometimes compeled to break confidentiality). Also, it tries to keep the cost low so people won't be discouraged from getting help. You have to register and see one of their doctors in order to get a prescription. Some doctors/pharmacists do not feel comfortable providing the medication - but Planned Parenthood will not deny you the pills. In other words, GO HERE if you need help. Make an appointment to ensure you see the doctor as soon as you can. Some Planned Parenthood centers take walk-ins.
   Plan B can be taken as one single dose or two pills in which the second one is taken 12 hours after the first. Side effects include: nausea, stomach pain, headache, dizziness, breast tenderness, or spotting/bleeding. Plan B can also delay your period by a week so don't panic if you don't get it during your regular time. However, if your period is more than a week late, get a pregnancy test.
   
   Emergency Contraception Links:
   • Plan B
   • Planned Parenthood - Teenage Emergency Contraception Answers
   • Where to Get Emergency Contraception
   
   
   
   
4. Oh no! It’s too late to take Plan B! How soon can I find out if I’m pregnant?
   Pregnancy does not happen immediately. It takes up to 6 days for the sperm to meet the egg (aka fertilization). Then, it takes 6 to 10 days for the fertilized egg to implant on the uterus wall.
   
   You can find out as soon as 7 days after unprotected sex with a blood test or a really strong urine test. They measure relatively lower amounts of the pregnancy hormone, hCG, than commercial pregnancy tests. Though, if you use an early test, make sure to retest later in case it is a false negative..
   
   The urine pregnancy tests (E.P.T, First Response, etc.) can only detect pregnancy within a few days before your missed period. They are accurate but you should still buy a two tests kit to be extra certain. You must read the test’s instructions carefully! If you do it incorrectly, it could give you inaccurate results.
   • E.P.T. – can be used 4 days before the expected period. But for 99% accuracy, use it the day of your expected period.
   • First Reponse – 5 days before a missed period. 99% accuracy on day of expected period.
   • Clear Blue – 5 days before a missed period. 99% accuracy on day of expected period.
   Pregnancy symptoms can present at different times for different women. Some claim that symptoms start as soon as a week after unprotected sex. Use a pregnancy test instead of relying on the display of symptoms because pregnancy symptoms are similar to several things including stress and your period.
   
   Pregnancy Links:
   • Discovery Health’s Guide to Pregnancy Test
   • Planned Parenthood - Teenage Pregnancy Answers
   
   
   
   
   
5. Oh my god! I just found out I’m pregnant! What am I going to do?
   
   You have three choices: keep the kid, put it up for adoption, or abortions. You should contemplate all these choices. However, abortion should be the last resort.
   
   Keep the Kid:Parenthood is a big responsibility. No words I can provide will prepare you or make you feel any better. Also, there is no science behind this so I can’t explain it. Planned Parenhood provides services for unprepared parents. Make sure to receive prenatal care to ensure the safety/health of you and your child.
   
   Adoption:Once again, there is no science behind this. Aside from adoption agencies, there is also an option with the Safe Haven laws. Under these laws, a parent can leave the baby in designated safe zones such as hospitals, fire houses, and police stations. It changes from state to state so check.
   
   Abortion: This should be your absolute last resort and this decision should come to after much heavy consideration. There are two types – medical or vacuum aspiration abortion. Some states require a minor to get parental consent or inform a parent before the procedure. Check your state’s parental consent and notification laws.
   • Medical abortion (97% effective) – Can be taken up to 49, 56, or 63 days into the pregnancy: it depends on the medication. It is a multi-step process and you must commit yourself to it. Can cost $350 to $650.
     1. Dose of either mifepristone or methotrexate at the doctor’s/clinic. Mifepristone stops hormone progesterone and the lining of the uterus breaks down, ending the pregnancy. Methotrexate stops growth of pregnancy in uterus and in the fallopian tube (ectopic pregnancy).
     2. Misoprostol is given to soften the cervix and cause the uterus to empty. This can be taken at the clinic or at home. It should be taken up to 3 days after taking Mifepristone or up to 5 days after taking Methotrexate. This causes heavily bleeding - the emptying of the uterus. This is the abortion.
     3. Followup. Just to make sure everything is okay.

Vacuum Aspiration Abortion (Nearly 100% effective) – Up to 14 weeks in the pregnancy. $350 to $700. Hospitals cost more than a clinic. Can be done manually by a doctor or by a machine. Takes from 10 – 20 minutes.

Links:

• Parental Consent and Notification Laws