Having sex without protection is risky. You're risking pregnancy, getting a sexually transmitted infection (STI) and maybe stress too. Find out where to go for help if you have unprotected sex.
Unprotected sex is any sex without contraception or a condom. You may have forgotten to use contraception, or it may not have worked. Sometimes a condom might split or slip off during sex.
This still counts as unprotected sex, and you're at risk of STIs and pregnancy. Always hold on to the base of the condom when the penis is pulled out. This will stop the condom slipping off and leaking sperm. Get tips on using condoms.
Women who have sex with women also need to know about safer sex because they can also pass infections on to each other. Find out more about sexual health for women who have sex with women.
Unsafe sex and infections
There are lots of STIs, and you only have to sleep with someone once, or have oral sex once, to catch one or more. You can't tell by looking at someone whether they have an STI. Even if you or your partner only had unprotected sex once before you may have caught an infection.
The best way to avoid getting an STI is to use a condom every time you have sex. Always buy condoms that have the CE mark on the packet, because this means that they've been tested to European safety standards.
Getting a check-up
Go for a check-up if you've had unprotected sex and you have any unusual symptoms around your genitals (vagina or penis), such as:
- pain when you pee
- itching
- discharge that isn't normal for you
- sores
- unexplained bleeding
Some people don't notice any symptoms when they have an STI. It's important that you get tested even if you don't have any symptoms if you think you might be at risk.
Go to your nearest sexual health or genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinic, or see your GP. Find sexual health services near you, including sexual health and GUM clinics.
Pregnancy after unprotected sex
If a man and woman have unprotected sex, the woman can get pregnant. 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 usingcontraception and a condom can help to protect against it.
If you think you're pregnant following unprotected sex
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 buy a test at a pharmacy or supermarket, or you can get one for free at a contraceptive or sexual health clinic, young persons' clinic (call 0800 567 123), or some GP surgeries, pharmacies or NHS walk-in centres.
You can find more information about taking a pregnancy test and what happens if it's positive in Am I 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 to make the decision that's right for you.
If you've had unprotected sex
Don't panic. Emergency contraception can help to prevent pregnancy after you've had unprotected sex, and you can get tests and treatment for infections.
There are two types of emergency contraception:
- the emergency contraceptive pill (sometimes called the 'morning-after' pill)
- the IUD (intrauterine device, sometimes called a coil)
The emergency pill is more effective the sooner it's taken, especially within the first 24 hours after unprotected sex. The IUD can be inserted into your uterus up to five days after unprotected sex.
You can get the emergency contraceptive pill and the IUD free from:
- a GP surgery that provides contraception
- a contraceptive clinic
- a sexual health clinic
- some young persons' clinics (call 0800 567 123)
You can also get the emergency contraceptive pill free from:
- some pharmacies
- most NHS walk-in centres and minor injuries units
- some accident and emergency (A&E) departments
You can buy the emergency pill from most pharmacies if you're aged 16 or over (for the emergency pill Levonelle) or 18 or over (for the emergency pill ellaOne), and from some organisations such as bpas or Marie Stopes. The cost varies, but it is usually around £26.
If you're not using a regular method of contraception, find one that suits you (and where to get it) so that you can start using it as soon as possible. Find out more about getting contraception.
You can get help and advice on contraception from:
- a community contraceptive clinic
- a GP surgery that offers contraception
- a sexual health clinic
- young persons' services (call 0800 567 123)
- some GUM clinics
- FPA: a provider of information on individual methods of contraception, common sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy choices, abortion and planning a pregnancy
- Brook: the sexual health charity for under-25s
Find out what to do if you need help now (includes missing a pill and sexual assault).
Learn more about what to do if you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted.
