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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    I am fertile and I had unprotected sex. What can I do?

    Related Topics
    Contraception Sexual Health Women's Health
    Please tell me what to do to avoid pregnancy. I am supposed to have my menstrual period on the 12th of this month. Please help :-(
    • 2 answers
    • Dr Shian Miller
    • Dr Karen Osborne
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  • Dr Shian Miller

    Gynaecologist, Obstetrician

    Dr Shian Miller is a Brisbane Obstetrician Gynaecologist who has rooms on Wickham Tce in Brisbane city and admitting rights at Greenslopes Private Hospital. She … View Profile

    Hi,

    This question is trickier than it seems.

    At any time of the month, having unprotected sex is a risk for pregnancy - it is more likely towards the middle of the period cycle but still possible at any other time.

    If you have had unprotected sex, did not use any contraception, and do not want to risk pregnancy, take emergency contraception. This is most commonly a single dose of levonorgestrel 1.5mg available in Australia over-the-counter (no prescription) from pharmacies. It is a progestagen and can be safely taken by the majority of people as it is only a single dose. This is thought to be effective for up to 5 days after the encounter, although is most effective the sooner it is taken.

    Of course, there are other considerations with unprotected sex, including STIs. One should also consider ongoing contraception as it is not advised (and nowhere near as effective) to keep taking emergency contraception. Please see your GP or gynaecologist for further individualised advice.

    All the best.

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  • Dr Karen Osborne

    GP (General Practitioner)

    Sydney GP specialising in Reproductive & Sexual Health for both women and men. At Clinic 66, we deal with a wide range of reproductive and … View Profile

    Hi, I can't tell how old this question is so hopefully you've already had your anxiety relieved by a period!

    I just wanted to add that, in addition to the excellent advice given above re the Emergency Contraceptive Pill & STI checking, you could also use a copper IUD device for emergency contraception. It needs to be inserted up to 5 days post unprotected intercourse but it is more effective than the emergency contraceptive pill and, unlike the ECP, also provides ongoing contraceptive cover for up to 10 Years.

    http://www.fpnsw.org.au/422437_8.html / http://www.fpnsw.org.au/EMERGENCY%20CONTRACEPTION.pdf

    http://www.fpnsw.org.au/682847_8.html / http://www.fpnsw.org.au/COPPER%20IUD.pdf

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