If you have had unprotected sex (either because you did not use a birth control method or your method failed), you should know about emergency contraception (EC). It can be used to prevent pregnancy up to 120 hours (five days) after unprotected sex. Please see the next page for more information about this emergency birth control method.

Unfortunately, EC offers no protection from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including HIV. If you have had unprotected sex, you may want to consider getting tested-remember that many STDs can show no signs or symptoms. More information about STDs and why and where to get tested can be found here.

Finally, if you have been raped or sexually assaulted, it is important that you go to your local hospital within 72 hours (3 days) to have a sexual assault exam, which should include being offered EC and getting tested for STDs. For further information and resources, please go to the Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault's website at http://www.ccasa.org.