How to Avoid Pregnancy After Sex: 5 Critical Mistakes to Avoid

A condom breaks. Birth control was forgotten. Someone realizes afterward that contraception was not used at all.

In that moment, the biggest mistake is often waiting and hoping everything will be fine.

If pregnancy is not wanted after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure, there are time-sensitive options. Emergency contraception can be used after sex, and some options remain available for up to five days. The sooner appropriate emergency contraception is used, however, the better—so knowing what not to do matters.

This guide focuses on five common mistakes that can make an already stressful situation more confusing.