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Saturday, December 5, 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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Related: std, sex, hiv, gynocologists, condoms

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From the Community…

Comments 11-20 of 57
  • Frenchy's Avatar
    Posted by Frenchy Sat Oct 4, 2008 5:37pm PDT

    NO WAY! UNLESS YOU HAVE ACTUALLY TAKEN THE TIME TO KNOW HIM AND KNOW THAT HE IS FAITHFUL AND CAREFUL AND DOESN'T PRACTICE UNSAFE SEX ON A REGULAR BASES.....NO WAY SHOULD YOU EVEN CONSIDER THIS! ESPECIALY IN THESE TIMES, WE LIVE IN A VERY SICK WORLD WITH MANY DIEASES, NEXT TIME BE MORE RESPONSIBALE!PRACTICE SAFE SEX!!!

    Report Abuse
  • MZ. TWEETYBADAZZ's Avatar
    Posted by MZ. TWEETYBADAZZ Sat Oct 4, 2008 10:51pm PDT

    hey everybody i be having unprotected alot but i need to stop im only 17 years old i jus can't stop myself but i will before its to late.

    Report Abuse
  • Daniella's Avatar
    Posted by Daniella Sun Oct 5, 2008 1:39am PDT

    Yall all buggin....yeaa def wear condoms ...& if all dem doctors are sayin ur not pregnant..den ur not sorry...

    Report Abuse
  • sola's Avatar
    Posted by sola Sun Oct 5, 2008 2:02pm PDT

    I am not going to judge you we all have made mistakes,I think going to the GYN is best that way you will get a piece of mind!

    Report Abuse
  • Leigh's Avatar
    Posted by Leigh Sun Oct 5, 2008 4:21pm PDT

    Dear flybenji,

    I think you are confused. Herpes, HPV and HIV ARE ALL stopped by condoms. I think you are thinking of the pill.

    Report Abuse
  • Leigh's Avatar
    Posted by Leigh Sun Oct 5, 2008 4:25pm PDT

    brothasista69ohh, It might help if I could understand a friggin' word you said. I can't even make sense of that mess....

    Report Abuse
  • Kevin's Avatar
    Posted by Kevin Sun Oct 5, 2008 7:14pm PDT

    Leigh,

    I think you owe brother sister an apology. I completely understand what he/she was trying to say...

    Report Abuse
  • So Bless's Avatar
    Posted by So Bless Sun Oct 5, 2008 7:17pm PDT

    WOW!!!! Dats true..... ur not the only one. just what it was Mess.... i didnt understand a damn thang she said and I AM a Sista. there is a tym in a place for that kinna language (WHATEVEA IT IS) this is SERIOUS.

    just to let u know u didnt help made u no sense.

    Report Abuse
  • Lotsoflove's Avatar
    Posted by Lotsoflove Sun Oct 5, 2008 11:11pm PDT

    Herpes, HPV and HIV ARE not stopped by condoms just a slim chance. Using a condom does not protect aginst everything. Make sure you get tested with the person.

    Report Abuse
  • maryjoy's Avatar
    Posted by maryjoy Sun Oct 5, 2008 11:34pm PDT

    sex is nice i

    Report Abuse
Comments 11-20 of 57

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