Accidents happen, but there are steps you can take to make sure you are safe and healthy.

What is unprotected sex?

Unprotected sex refers to having sex without any form of contraception. It can also happen if you use contraception, but haven’t been consistent or correct with its usage. For example, if you had sex with a condom, but it was expired. Or if you have sex when on the daily pill, but forgot to take a couple of doses. Don’t worry, these things happen and we’re here to provide you with support and next steps.

Step 1 – Get Tested

STIs & HIV

In addition to resulting in an unplanned pregnancy, having unprotected sex may put you at a higher risk of contracting a sexually transmitted infection (STI) or HIV. Symptoms of STIs can include itching, pain when having sex, or pain when urinating, but sometimes, they might not show any symptoms. It's important to get tested, even if you are not experiencing any symptoms.

Where to get tested

To get tested, you can head to a health facility and speak to a nurse or a doctor. This may seem scary and you may be nervous, but don't worry. Healthcare workers are understanding and will help you. You can let them know you would like to get tested for STIs and HIV, and they will give you more information about the process

Step 2 – Talk to your partner

Talk to your partner

You can explain to them that this is to ensure both of you are taking care of your health. Find a quiet and private space to talk to them. Let them know that you want to get tested and that it is important that they also do so. You may offer to get tested together so that it is less scary for both of you.

Preventing unwanted pregnancies

If you had unprotected sex with a girl, you can also help them by getting emergency contraception (EC) to prevent an unwanted pregnancy. EC is most effective if used within 3 days (72 hours) of having unprotected sex. If it has been more than 3 days, you can also support them when it comes to taking a pregnancy test 14-21 days after having unprotected sex. Both emergency contraception and pregnancy test can be bought at a health facility near you.

Step 3 – In The Future

Condom Use

Condoms are the only contraceptives that can prevent STIs, HIV, as well as unwanted pregnancies. You can buy condoms at a health facility near you. Make sure to always carry condoms with you just in case you want to have sex and it wasn't planned. It is always better to be prepared.

You think you have an STI? You have taken the right step to get more information. Don't worry, this can happen to anyone and most STIs can be cured.

Step 1 - Get Tested

Common Symptoms

Some common symptoms to look out for boys may include pain while peeing, unusual discharge from the penis or itching around the penis. For girls, some common symptoms may include itching around the vagina, abnormal discharge from the vagina (green or yellow color), foul smell, pain when peeing or pain during sex.

Getting tested

Once you notice any of these symptoms, it is very important that you get tested right away. This way you can be put on the right medication and also avoid spreading the infection to others. You should only have sex once you're no longer infectious. Remember, while some STIs may present symptoms, there are others that don't show any symptoms. Therefore, it is best to get tested often, and every time you change sexual partners.

What to expect

Once at a health facility, a nurse or doctor will speak to you about the different types of STIs, their symptoms and how they can be managed. They will examine you and this may involve taking a look at your genital area, and performing tests to confirm if you have an STI. This process may take a few hours.

Step 1 – Confirm you’re pregnant

Get Tested

The first thing to do is to confirm if you are really pregnant. If you haven't already, you need to take a pregnancy test. This doesn't hurt and you just need to provide a urine or blood sample. If you have taken a test already and have confirmed you're pregnant, skip to the next step.

Where to buy test

You can visit a health facility to get a test done,order it at Z-zone or you can buy a pregnancy test at the pharmacy that you can use at home. Pregnancy self-tests look like a stick, and all you have to do is pee on it and after a few minutes, the stick will indicate if you are pregnant or not. It is normal to feel nervous or scared while waiting for the results. It may be helpful to have someone you trust with you while waiting. Take your time and remember, even if it is positive, you still have options.

Step 2 – Talk to someone

Ask for support

Find a comfortable and safe space to have the conversation. Start by saying that you have something important you'd like to share, and that you require their support and understanding. You may feel embarrassed but remember, this is normal and it is something that can happen to anyone. Let them know that you have tested positive for pregnancy, and that you would like some advice on next steps and how to handle this situation. You may ask them ccompany you to the health facility, or to simply listen to your concerns.

Step 3 – Visit a facility

What to expect

When you get to the health facility, you will see a doctor or a nurse for a consultation. They will start by giving you more information about available pregnancy tests. . They will then do a pregnancy test, either a urine or blood test, to confirm the pregnancy.

In most cases, this will only take a few minutes.

Once the results have confirmed you are pregnant, the healthcare provider may ask you more questions to determine how far along you are.

They will also speak to you about your options, which might include referring you to a hospital.

Lastly, they will provide you with information about prenatal care.

Step 4 – Know your options

Keeping the baby

If you choose to continue the pregnancy to birth, you will now be required to visit the health facility to start your pre-natal visits. This ensure that your health and that of the fetus is taken care of throughout the pregnancy by professionals.

Abortion laws

If you do not want to continue with the pregnancy, please don't fear. It is never an easy choice to make, but do know you have options. In Rwanda, abortion is allowed if the pregnancy is due to rape, incest, or forced marriage, as well as if the pregnancy is a danger to the mother's life or the fetus. Abortion is also allowed if you are under 18 years old. Abortions are only done at the hospital. If you would prefer, you can first see a healthcare provider at a health post or centre, who can then refer you to a hospital. If any of these conditions apply to you, visit your nearest health facility immediately so that you can get help. Abortion is safe, but it is very important that you are treated by a healthcare professional, and do not attempt ending the pregnancy through any other means as that can result in severe injury or death.

In the future

To prevent any unplanned pregnancies, it is important to use contraception when having sex. Always use condoms to give you double protection from STIs/HIV, as well as unplanned pregnancies.