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Sexual Health: It is vital to be vigilant about your sexual health for your overall well-being. Sexual health or reproductive health is a state of physical, mental and emotional well-being related to the sexuality of an individual. Sexual intercourse is one of the basic needs of humans but one should be extra careful when sexually active. 

Unprotected intercourse can lead to the development of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), sexual health requires a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships, as well as the possibility of having pleasurable and safe sexual experiences, free of coercion, discrimination and violence. If you had s*x without any protection, here are some important things that you should follow post-unprotected intimacy.

Watch the video below to know more about sexual intimacy: 

1. Wash Up

Post-sexual intimacy, it is important to wash up your vagina, penis or anus to remove any fluids. This practice can help in removing any bacteria which can lead to urinary tract infections (UTIs). Also, you should urinate after sexual intercourse as it can flush out the bacteria and prevent the development of any UTIs.

2. Communicate

It is important to have honest and open communication with your partner post-intimacy. Communicate about your experience, feelings and thoughts to your partner. Having conversations after sexual intercourse can build trust, increase intimacy and strengthen your relationship.

3. Check For Symptoms

Unprotected intercourse can increase the risk of sexually transmitted diseases (STIs), therefore one should be careful and watch out for symptoms. Some common symptoms of STIs include unusual discharge from the vagina or penis, lumps or skin growths around the genitals or bottom, pain when peeing, unusual vaginal bleeding and rashes among others.

4. Pregnancy Test

If you had intercourse without protection, then it is vital to take a pregnancy test. According to health experts, one should wait until three weeks before taking any pregnancy tests after unprotected intimacy.

5. Explore Barrier Methods

It is crucial to understand and explore barrier methods for sexual intimacy. Using protection while intimacy can help in preventing STIs and unwanted pregnancies. Some options include condoms, dental dams, diaphragm, and cervical cap among many others.

 

(Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment.)