After being sexually assaulted, what should we do to protect our bodies?

Over the years, more and more "sexual assault cases" have come to the public's attention. Some victims have bravely exposed them, some have kept silent, and some have never been able to speak out again. After being sexually assaulted, what should we do to protect our bodies and avoid causing secondary harm?

1. Going to the hospital for a checkup is the most important thing

If the victim is a woman, she will have to undergo a gynecological examination. The doctor will wipe the vagina to extract secretions and check the hymen and vagina for damage. The surgeon will conduct a violent tearing and injury assessment on other parts of the body. In short, there will be a diagnosis or medical record book, which can be used as evidence and to protect yourself.

2. Testing and prevention of sexually transmitted diseases

When sexual assault occurs, the victim is likely to be infected due to the lack of knowledge of the attacker's physical health status.

(1) Hepatitis B

Sexual transmission is an important mode of transmission of hepatitis[1]. If the attacker is infected with the hepatitis B virus and no safety protection measures are taken during the sexual assault; or if the victim's skin and mucous membranes are damaged (broken) and come into contact with the saliva or secretions of the hepatitis B patient, there is also danger.

Solution : Get the hepatitis B vaccine and immune globulin. If you've had it before, you'll need a booster shot.

(2) Gonorrhea, viruses, and AIDS

Many sexual assaults are high-risk, unprotected sexual behaviors. Gonorrhea, syphilis, and AIDS can all be transmitted through a single sexual intercourse.

The causative bacteria of gonorrhea, gonococci, can be found in the pharynx, anus, and rectum, in addition to the private parts. Initially, there are often no symptoms, with an incubation period of 3 to 5 days or even 10 days[2].

Syphilis can be spread through both sexual contact and blood. Syphilis goes through the primary stage (ulcers at the site of contact), the secondary stage (small rash, flu-like discomfort), and the tertiary stage (damage to important organs such as the heart and brain).

I believe everyone knows that AIDS can be transmitted through sex. What should we do if we are infected? AIDS blocking drugs are our hope. The sooner we take them, the better! The best effect is achieved if we take them within 2 hours after high-risk behavior. They are still effective if we take them within 48 hours. Within 48 to 72 hours, the blocking effect is relatively weak, but it is better to take them than not. The "AIDS treatment center" will provide some drugs. The hospital especially recommends that you consult the local CDC department directly to obtain accurate information as soon as possible [3].

(3) Emergency contraception

Contraception after being sexually assaulted is very important! For emergency treatment, the only way is to take emergency contraceptive pills, and the sooner the better! Take 1 tablet (1.5mg) or 2 tablets (0.75mg, 12 hours apart) orally within 72 hours. If you vomit within 2 hours after taking the pill, you need to take it again.

(4) Mental health

If someone unfortunately encounters this, there will always be people around who gossip about the victim. They are not the direct offenders, but become "accomplices", causing serious secondary harm to the victim. Friends and family should actively help and guide, and not use "verbal violence". I hope we can all understand that when the victim suffers physical humiliation, and finally has to endure a discussion from the people around him that may last for several years or even a lifetime, it is undoubtedly a double pain.

References

[1] Cao Yangwei, Li Yongguo. Sexual transmission of viral hepatitis[J]. Journal of Clinical Hepatobiliary Diseases, 2019, 35(05): 1106-1108.

[2] Yang Yunqing, Zhu Huilan, Luo Quan, Tang Shaokai, He Wanping, Liang Rongjiao, Zhong Xuelian, Peng Jiajun, Wang Jianqin, Chen Xiangsheng. Advances in molecular epidemiological research on gonorrhea[J]. International Journal of Epidemiology and Infectious Diseases, 2019(04):322-326.

[3] Liu Lili, Wang Qing, Yang Yuanyuan. Survey on the knowledge of syphilis and AIDS prevention among patients with sexually transmitted diseases[J]. Contemporary Medicine, 2019, 25(19): 138-140.