Valentine’s Day could be a particular time for {couples}, and generally, it results in moments of intimacy. Whether or not it was deliberate or spontaneous, in case you had intercourse with out safety, it’s essential to take speedy motion in case you don’t need to find yourself pregnant. 

You don’t must panic, there are steps you may take to cut back the chance of being pregnant, and it’s essential to know your choices. Under, I’ll stroll you thru sensible issues you are able to do straight away and long-term options that can maintain you answerable for your sexual well being.

Take emergency contraception (EC)

Emergency contraception (additionally referred to as the morning-after capsule) is likely one of the first issues you may take into account in case you’ve had unprotected intercourse or in case your contraceptive failed (like if a condom broke). It really works by stopping or delaying ovulation (the discharge of an egg), which suggests it helps cease being pregnant earlier than it begins. 

The sooner you are taking it, the simpler it’s, however it could possibly nonetheless work as much as 72-120 hours after intercourse. You don’t want a prescription for some types of emergency contraception, and you may get it at most pharmacies. Nonetheless, it’s at all times a good suggestion to talk to a healthcare skilled earlier than taking it, particularly in case you’re not sure about what’s finest to your physique.

Go to a healthcare skilled

Even in case you’ve taken emergency contraception, it’s a good suggestion to go to a healthcare skilled, like a physician or nurse. They will present recommendation on the best strategies of stopping being pregnant sooner or later and reply any well being questions you’ll have. 

If you happen to’re feeling nervous or not sure concerning the emergency contraception, it’s additionally a great time to speak to them about your choices for normal contraception. This may provide help to really feel extra in management shifting ahead.

Think about long-term contraception strategies

Whereas emergency contraception can work within the quick time period, it’s essential to consider long-term safety in case you’re sexually lively. There are completely different contraception choices you may select from, together with contraception capsules, patches, injections, implants, and intrauterine units (IUDs). 

These strategies are extremely efficient and can assist stop being pregnant for months and even years. Some choices, like IUDs or implants, are “set and overlook,” which means you don’t have to recollect to take a capsule daily.

• Contraception capsules: These are taken each day and are about 99% efficient when used appropriately.
• IUDs: These small units are inserted into the uterus by a physician and might final wherever from 3 to 10 years.
• Implants: These are small rods positioned underneath the pores and skin of your arm and launch hormones to stop being pregnant for as much as 3 years.

You need to discuss to your physician about which possibility is perhaps finest to your way of life and well being wants.

Find out about fertility consciousness strategies

Some individuals monitor their menstrual cycle to know once they’re most fertile. That is referred to as fertility consciousness, and it includes listening to issues just like the size of your cycle and when ovulation occurs. 

Whereas this technique might be helpful, it’s not foolproof, and it’s higher to mix it with different types of contraception. If you happen to’re contemplating this technique, be sure you analysis it completely or discuss to a healthcare skilled to raised perceive methods to monitor your fertility precisely.

Speak to your accomplice

One of the vital essential issues to do in case you don’t need an unplanned being pregnant is to speak overtly together with your accomplice. Talk about what you each need when it comes to contraception and be sure you’re on the identical web page.

It’s essential to speak about the way you each really feel about utilizing safety throughout intercourse and what to do in case of a mistake, like a condom breaking. Wholesome, respectful conversations about sexual well being can assist scale back the possibilities of an unplanned being pregnant and create a stronger, extra trusting relationship.

Take a being pregnant take a look at

If you happen to’re nervous that you could possibly be pregnant, it’s essential to take a being pregnant take a look at. It’s regular to really feel nervous, however testing early may give you peace of thoughts and provide help to take any subsequent steps as quickly as doable. Being pregnant exams can be found over-the-counter at pharmacies, and you may often take them at house. It’s finest to attend a minimum of two weeks after unprotected intercourse earlier than taking a take a look at to make sure the outcomes are correct. 

If the take a look at is optimistic, don’t panic—take a while to suppose by your choices and discuss to a trusted grownup or healthcare supplier for steerage.