Wake up on the safe side of the bed

Forgot to use a condom?

Worrying about it is the last thing you need to do, says Smita DeSouza

You've woken up horrified, hoping that it was only a bad dream and that your man really did wear a condom last night. As you frantically look around for an empty condom packet, you're worried about what you've gotten yourself into. Or more importantly, what's gotten into you and whether your gynaecologist will have time to see you ASAP. For those of you who haven't already been in this situation, we're hoping you never will be, but in case you find yourself in a position like this, it's best to know what your options are. Before you hysterically look for your gynaecologist's number, here are a few things you need to do - wake your partner up and ask him if he has to tell you something about any STD (Sexually Transmitted Disease) he may have. Yes, we all agree, a very awkward and unpleasant task, but it must be done. Knowing what you may have contracted makes it faster to start your treatment. If he isn't there, or says he doesn't have any, you still need to get checked.

While there are more than 20 known STDs, some of the common ones that you might contract are chlamydia, genital herpes, gonorrhoea, hepatitis B, HIV and syphilis. Each of these has an incubation period that ranges from three days to three weeks and sometimes, even months. Some like chlamydia and gonorrhoea don't even have noticeable symptoms. Others like genital herpes cause painful blisters that turn into open sores. HIV and hepatitis B have no cure, though hepatitis B can be prevented with a vaccine. You need to speak to your gynaec about what your course of damage control should be.