Be sure to visit your primary health care provider again within two weeks. Your follow-up visit will give you time to discuss your hepatitis B vaccination status and the vaccine used to prevent human papilloma virus (HPV).
Your provider may also recommend repeat testing for HIV. Together with your care team, you can make a plan for repeat testing and continued follow-up care.
Call your health care provider right away if any of these occur:
- Redness, swelling or increasing pain in any injured area
- Genital discharge or unexpected bleeding
- Lower abdominal (stomach) pain
- Fever of 100.4 or higher, or as directed by your health care provider
- Pain or burning with urination
- Painful or difficulty swallowing
- Trouble breathing
Sexual assault is a crime of power, control and violence. Remember that it was not your fault. No one has the right to hurt you – no matter what you say, no matter what you wear or no matter what you do.
Sexual assault can cause a traumatic response and everyone’s reaction to these events is different. You may go through a lot of feelings and emotions; know that this is normal. It is important for you to take special care of yourself during this time and do what is right for you to feel safe and secure.
Long-term emotions following the assault may include:
- Anxiety
- Avoiding friends or family
- Confusion
- Denial
- Distrust of others
- Fear
- Flashbacks
- Mental replay of the assault
- Nervousness
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Shame or guilt
- Shock
- Trouble sleeping
- Withdrawal
Help is available to those who need it. Here are other ways to get the help you need:
