Having unprotected sex isn’t always the smartest move, but it’s not necessarily the end of the world either. Getting tested for STIs (like gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, and HIV) is important no matter what, so don’t be afraid to ask your doctor for a test.
The earliest sign of pregnancy is a missed period, but you may notice other symptoms too. Read on for more.
1. A missed period.
A missed period is one of the earliest signs that you could be pregnant. If you think you may be pregnant, the best thing to do is to take a home pregnancy test (available at most pharmacies and supermarkets) or visit your doctor for a blood test.
It can take a few days for sperm and an egg to meet and fertilise. Once this happens, the developing embryo or fetus starts to release the hormone hCG, which is detected by most pregnancy tests. It takes a couple of weeks for hCG to reach the uterus and implant itself into the lining, which triggers a period.
Even though it is possible to get a period before hCG levels are high enough for a test to detect pregnancy, it is usually recommended to wait at least two weeks after unprotected sex to take a test for the most accurate results. This also gives the embryo or fetus a chance to develop fully. In addition, many STIs (such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis) don’t produce any symptoms at all, so it’s important to receive regular testing.
3. Spotting.
Spotting, sometimes called breakthrough bleeding, is normal if you’re on hormonal birth control like pills or an implant or IUD. But if you’re spotting after unprotected sex, it’s worth checking out because it could be a sign of pregnancy.
Bleeding after sex is most likely due to implantation, which is when a fertilized egg attaches to the uterine wall. But it can also be a sign of other things, including cervical cancer or an infection. The color, size and timing of your bleeding are important clues.
It’s always a good idea to get tested for STIs two weeks after unprotected sex because some STIs don’t cause any symptoms at all. And even if you don’t get a positive test result, it’s still a good idea to talk to your partner about using protection next time because you can never be too careful!
4. Feeling sick.
If you had unprotected sex for any reason (you missed a pill, your condom slipped or broke, or sexual assault), there’s always a chance of catching a urinary tract infection, an STI or even pregnancy. Symptoms of STIs can vary, and sometimes you don’t even notice them, which is why getting tested for STIs — like chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis and HIV — is important.
Symptoms of STIs can include pain, vaginal discharge, genital itching and bleeding that isn’t related to your menstrual cycle. Some STIs don’t have any symptoms, including the herpes simplex virus.
If you’re worried about STIs, it’s usually best to wait two weeks after unprotected sex before taking a pregnancy test. This gives your body time to make enough of the hormone that pregnancy tests rely on. If you do want to take a pregnancy test before then, Medical Services has STI screening appointments and drop-in testing options that can help.
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