Short answer
Post-assault STI care is survivor-directed, trauma-informed medicine built on one principle: the survivor controls every decision, forensic exams, prophylaxis, reporting, follow-up pacing, while clinicians preserve every option and window.
Time-sensitive interventions (HIV PEP within 72 hours, emergency contraception within 5 days, forensic evidence viability over hours to days) run in parallel with unhurried, consent-narrated care.
Nothing is compelled; everything is offered; control is restored step by step.
Continue with Vaginal Bleeding After Sex: When to Seek Care and Understanding Confidentiality in Sexual Health Care for the directly connected guidance.
Advertisement
Need a test? STDTest.online is education-only and does not provide testing. The banner above is a paid advertisement for an independent testing service. We may earn a commission if you use it, at no extra cost to you. Always confirm current prices, accreditation, and privacy terms on their website before ordering.
See Tests & Prices →Immediate windows, in priority order
- HIV PEP: evaluation immediately, first doses within 72 hours of exposure. Sooner substantially better. Do not wait for test results or business hours; emergency departments carry starter packs around the clock.
- Emergency contraception: oral options within 3–5 days by type, copper IUD up to 5 days (most effective, doubles as ongoing contraception).
- Forensic evidence: viability spans hours to days by sample type; collection can proceed with anonymous storage where programs allow. Deciding about reporting later, with evidence preserved either way.
- Presumptive STI therapy: offered per guidance (covering gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomoniasis) without awaiting results, declining which is equally respected.
Examination approach that centers consent
Consent narrated at each step (“I’m going to…
is that okay?”), with explicit permission to pause or skip anything.
Injury documentation with photography only by consent.
NAAT baselines (genital plus throat/rectal by assault history) and blood baselines (HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B). Pregnancy assessment with options counseling.
Presumptive therapy offered, never imposed.
The exam adapts to survivor readiness. Partial today with planned completion beats forced completeness that retraumatizes.
Follow-up architecture across months
- 2 weeks: wound check, symptom review, initial bacterial results, counseling check-in.
- 6 weeks: HIV/syphilis early follow-up, mental-health screening.
- 3 months: HIV/syphilis/hepatitis confirmation draws.
- 6 months: final hepatitis and HIV closure testing per protocol.
Mental-health check-ins and advocacy continuity run alongside throughout.
Schedules adapt to survivor capacity. Missed appointments get rescheduled without judgment, never closed out.
Support systems beyond medicine
Rape-crisis advocates (hospital accompaniment, available 24/7 through hotlines like RAINN 1-800-656-4673), trauma-focused counseling modalities (trauma-focused CBT, EMDR. Evidence-based for assault sequelae), support groups (survivor community normalizes reactions), legal aid (protective orders, victims’ compensation, reporting guidance), and primary-care continuity for the months of follow-up testing.
No one navigates alone unless actively choosing to.
When to seek care
Immediately for PEP and forensic windows (hours matter most here).
Promptly for baseline care whenever ready. Delayed presentations still receive full protocols without diminished thoroughness.
Ongoing for counseling and follow-up testing on whatever schedule feels sustainable.