Some actions can create an unpleasant atmosphere and leave you or your partner with negative feelings about the experience. The first and most important thing to avoid is criticism. If there’s something you’re unhappy with, it’s better to talk about it in advance or address it gently during the act, rather than bringing it up afterward in a way that might hurt your partner.
In my training within the program “Psychological Counseling in Sexology,” one of the topics we often emphasize is the importance of using a condom—it is a key condition for both safety and comfort during sex. However, if you happen to have had sex with someone unfamiliar without protection, the first step is to make sure you get tested for infections. There is no need to rush to the lab immediately, as most sexually transmitted infections do not show up right away; they usually become detectable only about a week after unprotected intercourse. It’s best to discuss the situation with your gynecologist or urologist, who will provide you with a clear schedule for necessary tests.
Another crucial point is emergency contraception. If intercourse ended with ejaculation inside the vagina and it happened to fall on a fertile day of the cycle, taking emergency contraception as soon as possible is strongly recommended. These methods are most effective within the first 48 hours; after that, their effectiveness gradually decreases.
