So often people think that after one act of unprotected sex, they might as well just continue not using protection. They couldn't be more wrong. STDs are not transmitted with every unprotected sexual contact, so even though you were unsafe once or took some chances… you still have a chance to protect yourself from STDs.
Usually in casual relationships people recognize the need for condoms. Often when the sexual excitement of an encounter escalates, however, they believe it is too late to use condoms or talk about condom use. It's not too late, though. You need to assert your desire to be safe, stop and put on a condom. When you start having sex again, you will likely feel less anxious.
If you are in a monogamous, or exclusive, relationship, you both need to be checked for STDs. If neither of you tests positive for an STD, you still need to take into account the window period (See Section: Window and Incubation Periods). It is only safe to have unprotected sex when both of you are absolutely certain that neither of you is having sex with another partner(s).
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