Take a breath. Here’s what to do.
I had unprotected sex.
Now what?
You’re not the first person to be here. Most bacterial STIs are curable, and many viral ones are manageable with treatment. Here’s the plan.
General health information based on CDC and USPSTF guidelines. Not medical advice or a diagnosis. If you have symptoms or a known exposure, see a licensed clinician.
Doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis (200 mg taken within 72 hours) reduced bacterial STI incidence by roughly 65% in trial populations of MSM and trans women on PrEP (CDC, June 2024). Evidence in cisgender women is more limited. A telehealth clinician can decide whether it’s appropriate for you and prescribe it.
Typical total ~$35 (telehealth consult + generic doxycycline). Final cost varies by provider and pharmacy.
Different tests have different detection windows. Typical timelines below; talk to a clinician about what’s right for your situation.
*ACA-compliant plans typically cover screening for these STIs at no cost-sharing when ordered as preventive care; coverage and eligibility depend on your plan.
Find cheapest testing near you4th-generation HIV antigen/antibody tests are typically considered conclusive by ~45 days post-exposure. Set a calendar reminder for the right window. (Optional reminder emails are coming later.)
CDC recommends rescreening at 3 months after a positive chlamydia or gonorrhea result because reinfection is common (published estimates range roughly 10–20%). A repeat panel can confirm a result.
Most bacterial STIs are curable with antibiotics, and many viral ones are manageable with treatment. The hardest part is what you’re doing right now — deciding to deal with it.
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