#HealthBytes: What are the risks of having sex without condom
Having unprotected sex isn't the smartest of thoughts, as far as your sexual (and general) health is concerned, but mistakes might happen. At times, you may be too drunk to care about protection, at others, your condom may break during the act. Here are risks of having unprotected sex and how you can undo the damage.
Sex without condom implies greater risk of STI transmission
By hindering bodily contact between partners during sexual activity, condoms largely reduce risk of transmission of dreadful Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV, gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, and certain types of hepatitis. So naturally when you choose not to use protection, your risk of catching STIs multiplies. This risk further depends on the type of sexual activity and your number of sexual partners.
Note the symptoms of STIs
STI symptoms may or may not show, or sometimes, they may be so mild that you might fail to notice. However, generally speaking, symptoms for STIs include unusual discharge of (white/yellowish) fluids from the vagina or penis, unexplained rashes, burning sensation during urination, and bumps/sores/blisters/warts on or around the genital area. If one or more of these symptoms show up, see your doctor soon.
A couple of weeks later, get an STI check-up
Whether or not you witness any symptoms, make sure to get tested for STIs, nearly two weeks after having unprotected sex. Notably, in case, you did it with a new partner, STI chances could be greater than with your regular partner.
Unprotected sex puts you at risk of undesired/untimely pregnancy
When used perfectly, condoms are as much as 98% effective in preventing pregnancy. Hence, fertile couples engaging in penetrative vaginal sex are more prone to conceiving, if protection (condom) is ruled out of the equation. Couples who have sex without condom and do not wish to get pregnant, should consider an alternate form of contraception and also get tested for pregnancy soon.
What next? Think of an alternate method of contraception
Since unprotected sex significantly raises risk of getting an undesired or untimely pregnancy, you need to think of an alternative soon. It is advisable to go for a Birth Control Pill, within 72 hours (or preferably, as early as possible). An IUD device can also be used as emergency contraception, but for that, you will have to see your doctor.
Get a pregnancy test appointment
Wait for nearly 3 weeks, and then visit your doctor to get a pregnancy test done. You can also use a pregnancy test kit at home. These kits are available at general medical stores and pharmacies. If the result is negative, it means you are safe. But in case it comes out positive, talk it up with your partner and inform your doctor.
How to be safe in future
If the condom is your primary contraception, and you think it's not working out well, try a more reliable and long-term birth-control device. Devices like IUD and implant are highly effective in avoiding unwanted pregnancies, and they last between 3-10 years. In addition to avoiding pregnancy chances, one should always use a condom to avoid risk of transmission of STIs.
