Back to Sexual health. Information for young people on where to get help if you have had unprotected sex. Having sex without protection is risky. Unprotected sex is any sex without contraception or a condom. You may have forgotten to use contraception, or it may not have worked. This will stop the condom slipping off and leaking sperm. Women who have sex with women also need to know about safer sex because they can pass infections on to each other. Read more sexual health tips for lesbian and bisexual women.
Go for a check-up if you have had unprotected sex and you have any unusual symptoms around your genitals vagina or penis , such as:. Some people don't notice any symptoms when they have an STI.
If you think you might be at risk, it's important that you get tested, even if you don't have any symptoms. Find sexual health services near you , including sexual health and GUM clinics. It doesn't matter what position she has sex in, what time of the month it is, or whether it's her first time.
There's always a risk of unwanted pregnancy, but using contraception and a condom can help to protect against it. Usually, the first sign of pregnancy is a missed period.
The only way to find out for sure is to do a pregnancy test. You can find more information about taking a pregnancy test and what happens if it's positive in Could I be pregnant? If you're pregnant, talk to a doctor or nurse as soon as possible so you can discuss your choices and any difficult questions you may have. They can help you make the decision that's right for you. Emergency contraception can help prevent pregnancy after you have had unprotected sex. You can buy the emergency pill from most pharmacies and some organisations, such as bpas or Marie Stopes.
If you're not using a regular method of contraception, find one that suits you and where to get it so you can start using it as soon as possible. Find out more about getting contraception. Find out what to do if you need help now includes missing a pill and sexual assault.
Find out what to do if you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted. What if I'm on the pill and I'm sick or have diarrhoea? Can I get pregnant just after my period has finished? How soon do STI symptoms appear?
Page last reviewed: 30 August Next review due: 30 August Contraception guide. Talking about sex Before sex: what to ask your partner Where can I get sexual health advice, now?
Good sex tips Sex as you get older Sex after hysterectomy Help after rape and sexual assault. Am I gay, lesbian or bisexual? Could I be pregnant? Pregnancy and baby guide. Penis health 5 penis facts Penis size How to keep a penis clean Penis enlargement Penis problems. Is my vagina normal? Keeping your vagina clean and healthy Vagina changes after childbirth Vagina problems.
This still counts as unprotected sex, and you're at risk of STIs and pregnancy. Get tips on using condoms Women who have sex with women also need to know about safer sex because they can pass infections on to each other. You can't tell by looking at someone whether or not they have an STI. The best way to avoid getting an STI is to use a condom every time you have sex. Getting a check-up Go for a check-up if you have had unprotected sex and you have any unusual symptoms around your genitals vagina or penis , such as: pain when you pee itching an unusual or smelly discharge sores unexplained bleeding Some people don't notice any symptoms when they have an STI.
Pregnancy after unprotected sex If a man and woman have unprotected sex, the woman can get pregnant. If you think you're pregnant after having unprotected sex Usually, the first sign of pregnancy is a missed period. Emergency contraception Emergency contraception can help prevent pregnancy after you have had unprotected sex.
Emergency contraception is more effective the sooner it's taken.