Buzzapp Master 
Valentine’s Day can be a special time for couples, and sometimes, it leads to moments of intimacy. Whether it was planned or spontaneous, if you had sex without protection, it’s important to take immediate action if you don’t want to end up pregnant.
You don’t need to panic, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of pregnancy, and it’s crucial to understand your options. Below, I’ll walk you through practical things you can do right away and long-term solutions that will keep you in control of your sexual health.
Take emergency contraception (EC)Emergency contraception (also called the morning-after pill) is one of the first things you can consider if you’ve had unprotected sex or if your contraceptive failed (like if a condom broke). It works by preventing or delaying ovulation (the release of an egg), which means it helps stop pregnancy before it starts.
The earlier you take it, the more effective it is, but it can still work up to 72-120 hours after sex. You don’t need a prescription for some forms of emergency contraception, and you can get it at most pharmacies. However, it’s always a good idea to speak to a healthcare professional before taking it, especially if you’re unsure about what’s best for your body.
Visit a healthcare professionalEven if you’ve taken emergency contraception, it’s a good idea to visit a healthcare professional, like a doctor or nurse. They can provide advice on the most effective methods of preventing pregnancy in the future and answer any health questions you may have.
If you’re feeling nervous or unsure about the emergency contraception, it’s also a good time to talk to them about your options for regular birth control. This will help you feel more in control moving forward.
Consider long-term birth control methodsWhile emergency contraception can work in the short term, it’s important to think about long-term protection if you’re sexually active. There are different birth control options you can choose from, including birth control pills, patches, injections, implants, and intrauterine devices (IUDs).
These methods are highly effective and can help prevent pregnancy for months or even years. Some options, like IUDs or implants, are “set and forget,” meaning you don’t have to remember to take a pill every day.
Birth control pills: These are taken daily and are about 99% effective when used correctly.
IUDs: These small devices are inserted into the uterus by a doctor and can last anywhere from 3 to 10 years.
Implants: These are small rods placed under the skin of your arm and release hormones to prevent pregnancy for up to 3 years.You should talk to your doctor about which option might be best for your lifestyle and health needs.
Learn about fertility awareness methodsSome people track their menstrual cycle to understand when they’re most fertile. This is called fertility awareness, and it involves paying attention to things like the length of your cycle and when ovulation happens.
While this method can be useful, it’s not foolproof, and it’s better to combine it with other forms of contraception. If you’re considering this method, make sure you research it thoroughly or talk to a healthcare professional to better understand how to track your fertility accurately.
Talk to your partnerOne of the most important things to do if you don’t want an unplanned pregnancy is to communicate openly with your partner. Discuss what you both want in terms of contraception and make sure you’re on the same page.
It’s important to talk about how you both feel about using protection during sex and what to do in case of a mistake, like a condom breaking. Healthy, respectful conversations about sexual health can help reduce the chances of an unplanned pregnancy and create a stronger, more trusting relationship.
Take a pregnancy testIf you’re worried that you could be pregnant, it’s important to take a pregnancy test. It’s normal to feel nervous, but testing early can give you peace of mind and help you take any next steps as soon as possible. Pregnancy tests are available over-the-counter at pharmacies, and you can usually take them at home. It’s best to wait at least two weeks after unprotected sex before taking a test to ensure the results are accurate.
If the test is positive, don’t panic—take some time to think through your options and talk to a trusted adult or healthcare provider for guidance.
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