Sexually Transmitted Diseases or Infections
(STD or STI)

There is a small chance that you could get a sexually transmitted disease if you have been sexually assaulted.  A doctor or nurse will be able to tell you if you are at risk and know how to help you.  They can give you medication to prevent a sexually transmitted infection from occurring.

They will also be concerned about how you feel about what happened.  They may recommend that you talk with a counsellor about your feelings.  That would be your decision.

They will ask you to follow-up with your family doctor two weeks after the assault to double check that you are okay.  If you would prefer not to let your family doctor know about the assault, they can help refer you to another doctor.

AIDS

It is unlikely that you will get AIDS from a sexual assault.  The risk is very low.  If you are worried about AIDS, this is something you can discuss with a nurse, doctor or other professional.

If there is reason to believe that you could be at risk, there is medication that might help prevent HIV/AIDS.  Your doctor will know if this would be an option for you to consider.

Pregnancy

The fear of becoming pregnant can be a major worry after a sexual assault.  You may want to talk to a nurse or doctor about the risk of getting pregnant.  You may want to talk to someone about your worries, and get information about the choices you have.  A nurse or doctor at a Sexual Assault Care Centre or any hospital Emergency Department or Public Health Department can talk with you about these worries.

There is medication called the Emergency Contraceptive Pill or Morning After Pill that is effective in preventing a pregnancy.  The medication must be taken within three days (72 hours) following the assault.  If taken within 72 hours, the Emergency Contraceptive Pill can delay or stop the release of an egg and may prevent the fertilized egg from planting in the lining of the uterus.  It is safe for most women to take.