WHAT SHOULD BE DONE AFTER UNPROTECTED SEXUAL INTERCOURSE?

Published: 2026-01-22 Updated: 2026-01-22

Rector Advisor, Vice Dean, and Faculty Member - Istanbul Kent University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Departmant of Pharmocology
Visiting Researcher&Lecturer - University College London, Mechanical Engineering and Faculty of Medicine, UK
Visiting Lecturer - University of Aveiro, Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, Portugal

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"The most critical steps after unprotected sexual intercourse are to apply for emergency contraception within the first 72 hours to prevent unintended pregnancies and to undergo comprehensive screening tests at appropriate intervals for the early diagnosis of sexually transmitted infections."

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WHAT SHOULD BE DONE AFTER UNPROTECTED SEXUAL INTERCOURSE?

Condition	Action to be Taken	Explanation
Emergency Contraception (Birth Control)	Emergency contraception (morning-after pill) should be used within 72 hours.	The morning-after pill reduces the risk of pregnancy after unprotected intercourse. However, it is not the most effective method of protection.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)	Tests should be conducted for sexually transmitted diseases (especially HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HPV).	Unprotected intercourse carries a risk of STDs. Early diagnosis allows for treatment and prevents transmission to others.
Pre-Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP/PEP) against HIV Risk	If there has been HIV exposure after a high-risk encounter, a healthcare facility should be consulted within 72 hours for PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis).	PEP is a medication treatment used to prevent HIV transmission and must be started within 72 hours.
Pregnancy Test	A pregnancy test should be taken if emergency contraception was not used or if a period is delayed.	A risk of pregnancy can occur after unprotected intercourse. Early testing is important for early intervention.
Health Counseling and Psychological Support	Information on sexual health should be obtained, and professional support can be sought to reduce worry and anxiety.	Emotional stress and anxieties can occur after unprotected intercourse; professional support can be beneficial.