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Sunday, November 8, 2009

Ask Dr. Kate: I recently had unprotected sex. What should I do?

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Dr. Kate,

I had unprotected sex a few days ago (oral and penetration). I know it's stupid and I've been alternately kicking and lecturing myself ever since. What I'd like to know is this: how soon can I get tested for STDs? I don't mind going in several times to get the tests, since I know different things show up at different times, it's just I'd like to start getting answers to my worries as soon as possible. Thanks for your help.

Stupid and Worried


Dear SAW, You're not stupid--we all get careless with something in our lives now and again. You just need to take care of yourself going forward. Different infections do show up at different times, so you're looking at a few trips to your gyno over the next six months. There's no single right answer, but I would recommend:
  • testing for chlamydia and gonorrhea (cervical swab or a urine test) and trichomonas (vaginal swab) in two weeks
  • blood testing for syphilis and HIV in 3 months
  • blood testing for HIV again in 6 months
I know that it seems an incredibly long time to wait, but you don't need to get tested before it will tell you anything. And have you thought about Plan B? It's the emergency contraceptive available "behind the counter" (on request from the pharmacist) that can help prevent pregnancy up to 5 days after sex. This way you can avoid at least one unwelcome test result...

Best of luck,
Dr. Kate

Related: The STD risks when you don't use condoms.

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From the Community…

Comments 1-10 of 57
  • ms.scott's Avatar
    Posted by ms.scott Fri Oct 3, 2008 9:44am PDT

    i think iam paganet but do want to check in it

    Report Abuse
  • Erin's Avatar
    Posted by Erin Fri Oct 3, 2008 10:43am PDT

    I would always make the guy wear a condom no matter how good it feels or how uncomfortable it feels if I were you. Don't have unprotected sex unless you're married or if you're planning on having a family.

    Report Abuse
  • PinkLemonade's Avatar
    Posted by PinkLemonade Fri Oct 3, 2008 11:32am PDT

    The sexiest thing a man can do for me is wear a condom.

    Report Abuse
  • jennifer's Avatar
    Posted by jennifer Fri Oct 3, 2008 1:05pm PDT

    i have had sex unprotected i have been tested for pregnancy by lots of clinics and they all say im not pregnant but i know my body my stomach is growing big and i have heartburn also i sleep alot and i eat alot i know im pregnant why are all my tests coming up negative?

    Report Abuse
  • Mencia's Avatar
    Posted by Mencia Fri Oct 3, 2008 2:28pm PDT

    Hey sweetheart... i totally undastand.. but you just have to be patient and take care of yourself.. Best of luck..

    Report Abuse
  • natalie's Avatar
    Posted by natalie Fri Oct 3, 2008 2:53pm PDT

    whats poppin jennifer not to be funny but some times you may wish your pregnant so bad that u start getting symptoms its probably all in your mind its called (symptomatic pregnancy) you should research it

    Report Abuse
  • flybenji's Avatar
    Posted by flybenji Fri Oct 3, 2008 10:10pm PDT

    Condoms will not stop Herpes Or HPV Or HIV so good luck.

    Report Abuse
  • khialazam's Avatar
    Posted by khialazam Sat Oct 4, 2008 2:04am PDT

    +

    Life is the gift of nature we need to handle it carefully ok...

    Report Abuse
  • vosheya's Avatar
    Posted by vosheya Sat Oct 4, 2008 2:52am PDT

    look at everyone as if they have HIV... like damn he or she is fine but she/he may have something but damn i want to f--- so if i were this rubber i get to nut and less worries

    Report Abuse
  • MCGSR's Avatar
    Posted by MCGSR Sat Oct 4, 2008 3:38am PDT

    put on the condom and have lots of fun whenever and wherever possible...practicing multiplying is the best sexual experience there is....

    Report Abuse
Comments 1-10 of 57

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