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.

If you know for sure that your partner is not a carrier of any disease and it's an unwanted pregnancy that you're worried about, you need to sit back and take a deep breath.

Now is the time for a morning-after pill or an emergency contraceptive. Keep in mind the word 'emergency' here. This is an emergency and the only reason this pill should be used. "This pill should not be used as a regular contraceptive and is not always 100 per cent effective," says Dr Duru Shah, leading gynaec and obstetrician. The pills available in the market are Ecee2 and NorLevo Pill 72, which should be taken only after consulting a doctor.

For maximum effectiveness, this tablet needs to be taken within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse. It prevents a pregnancy by making the lining of the uterus hostile to the implantation of the fertilised egg. Most emergency pills have few or no side effects. The person may suffer from nausea, vomiting or gastro intestinal disruption.

According to Dr Shah, if you don't get your period on time the next month, it is advisable to do a home pregnancy test within three or four days of missing your period.

The best way to prevent both - an unwanted pregnancy as well as contraction of STDs is of course to stop having sex! It might be easier to make sure that your partner uses a condom instead, no matter how caught up you are in the heat of the moment. Even if you think you are going into early menopause, it is imperative that you use a condom. The chances of getting pregnant may be low, but you are still exposing yourself to numerous STDs.

Now that you've calmed down and have a better idea of your situation, it is time to make that call to your gynaec and run down to the pharmacy and pick up a packet of condoms - just to be on the safe side!

"The morning-after pill should not be used as a regular contraceptive and is not always 100 per cent effective"