Questionable history
Question
My best friend had unprotected sex a few nights ago. He's got no idea about her sexual history but it's likely she's had several partners. The thing is, she won't take the morning after pill because she reckons it won't work because she's been taking drugs. He's only worried about her being pregnant and hasn't thought about the possibility of catching an STI.
I know it's important to diagnose them as quickly as possible but I don't know if you have to wait a bit until they come up on a test. I know Aids doesn't come up for a while but are the others detectable straight away? What should I tell him?
Answer
According to the fpa almost every woman can use emergency contraceptive pills. But if she's taking certain prescribed or complementary medicines, or suffers from particular illnesses she may need special advice. You, your friend or his sexual partner can discuss this further with a nurse on the fpa helpline on 0845 310 1334. In addition, an IUD (intrauterine device) can be also be fitted as an emergency contraceptive up to five days after sex.
It can take up to three months for an accurate HIV test result, because that's how long it takes for the anti-bodies to show up on the test. It would not take as long for other infections to show an accurate result but there are a number of different sexually transmitted infections (STIs), all of which have slightly different incubation periods.
Your friend and his sexual partner can get advice and testing at a genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinic. Services are located attached to or within local hospitals and consultations are free and confidential. Before being tested it is usual to see a health adviser who will discuss any concerns, and reassure you about what the tests will involve.
If you'd like more information about this you can call the Brook Helpline on 0800 018 5023.
Updated: 11/05/2005
Question answered by YouthNet in association with Brook
