Unprotected sexual intercourse
Unprotected intercourse does not have to mean unintended pregnancy. Emergency contraception is effective up to 72 hours (pill) or 5 days (copper IUD). At Palmotićeva Clinic we provide discreet, prompt help — including STI testing.
What to Do After Unprotected Sexual Intercourse?
Unprotected sexual intercourse can cause significant concern — both due to the possibility of unwanted pregnancy and the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It is important to know that there are effective medical steps that can be taken within the right timeframe.
Emergency Contraception
If you wish to prevent unwanted pregnancy, the following options are available:
- Morning-after pill (Escapelle, EllaOne): Most effective if taken within 12–24 hours, but works up to 72 hours (Escapelle) or 120 hours (EllaOne) after intercourse
- Intrauterine device (IUD): A copper coil can be fitted up to 5 days after unprotected intercourse — the most effective form of emergency contraception with over 99% success rate
- Gynaecologist consultation: We recommend attending as soon as possible for individual assessment and optimal method selection
Risk of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
Unprotected intercourse carries the risk of transmitting numerous infections. The most common STIs we test for:
- Chlamydia — the most common bacterial STI, often asymptomatic
- Gonorrhoea — may cause purulent discharge and pain
- Syphilis — a serious infection requiring early detection
- HPV — human papillomavirus, causing genital warts and cervical changes
- HIV, Hepatitis B and C — blood-borne infections
- Trichomoniasis, Mycoplasma, Ureaplasma — common genital infections
When to Get Tested?
Different infections have different "windows" for reliable testing:
- Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea: PCR test, reliable from 5–7 days after exposure
- HIV: 4th generation test, reliable from 4 weeks (definitive from 3 months)
- Syphilis: Serological test from 3–6 weeks after exposure
- Hepatitis B and C: Testing from 6 weeks after exposure
Why Is It Important to See a Gynaecologist?
Early consultation with a gynaecologist after unprotected intercourse enables:
- Timely selection of emergency contraception
- Complete STI testing within the appropriate timeframe
- Early treatment of any detected infections
- Planning of ongoing contraceptive protection
- Reduction of stress and obtaining expert answers to all questions
Written by
Dr Đorđe Petković
Consultant in Operative & Endoscopic Gynaecology · 17+ years of experience
Patients often ask
The sooner, the better. Emergency contraception (the "morning-after pill") is most effective within the first 24 hours but can be taken up to 72 hours (3 days) after intercourse. A copper IUD can be inserted up to 5 days after and is the most effective emergency option.
Levonorgestrel tablets prevent about 85% of expected pregnancies if taken within 72 hours. Effectiveness decreases over time: highest in the first 24 hours (~95%), dropping to about 58% by the third day. A copper IUD has over 99% effectiveness up to day 5.
No. Emergency contraception works by preventing or delaying ovulation — it does not terminate an existing pregnancy. If conception has already occurred, the pill will not harm embryonic development.
A home urine test is reliable at the earliest 14 days after unprotected sex, i.e. from the first day of a missed period. A beta HCG blood test can give an answer slightly earlier — from 10–12 days after.
Yes, we recommend testing for chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, HIV and hepatitis B/C. Most tests are reliable 2–4 weeks after exposure. Early detection and treatment prevents complications and further transmission.
No, emergency contraception has no effect on future fertility. It is a single hormone dose that only delays ovulation in that cycle. Regular periods usually return within a month.