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| Monday, May 12, 2008 |
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I get birth control without my parents knowing?
Teenagers who are served at a Federally-funded family planning clinic do not need their parents’ permission to get birth control. It is a good idea, however for teenagers to talk with their parents or other trusted adult about their thoughts about birth control and get their help in carefully considering a decision about becoming sexually active. The Orange County Health Department receives Federal family planning funds.
I had unprotected sex last night under one of these conditions: What can I do now?
If you had unprotected sex in the last 72 hours, or three days, and want to avoid an unplanned pregnancy, you may want Emergency Contraceptive Pills (ECP). ECP used to be called “the morning after pill”. It is now called ECP because it can be used up to three days after unprotected sex; although it is most effective if taken within 12 hours after unprotected sex. ECP is a series of specific types of birth control pills and if taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex can prevent an unplanned pregnancy by up to 75%. The use of ECP does not prevent the spread of Sexually Transmitted Diseases, including HIV.
If you drink Mountain Dew after sex, can you still get pregnant?
Yes. Mountain Dew or any other soda has no pregnancy prevention ingredients.
Can you get pregnant if you have sex standing up?
Yes. You can get pregnant while having sex in any position.
Does douching after sex prevent a pregnancy?
No. It may actually increase the chance of a pregnancy by propelling the sperm further into the woman’s vagina.
Is it possible to get pregnant without even having sex? Can sperm live outside the male body?
Becoming pregnant this way is not common but once the sperm has entered a woman’s body, it can live up to one week. Sperm can be deposited on the skin surfaces near a woman’s vagina and can enter the vagina with the help of her own body fluids. Women have gotten pregnant without having the penis penetrate or inserted in their vagina. If there is a chance there is sperm on your hands, make sure to wash with soap and water before coming into any contact with the vagina. Sperm can live outside the male body for up to one week.
I am having sex for the first time. How can I protect myself from STDs and pregnancy?
It is an excellent idea for both parties to be screened for HIV and other infections that can be present without signs or symptoms. Have a discussion with your partner about which birth control method(s) will be good for both of you. Male and female condoms are good protection from both pregnancy and infections. Having Emergency Contraception Pills (ECP) on hand as a back up method is also good planning.
Is it possible to get pregnant while I have my period?
Yes. The chances of getting pregnant during your period are low but not impossible. The sperm can live in the female reproductive tract for up to one week.
How long after sex must I wait to take a pregnancy test so that I get accurate results?
It is best to wait until you have missed a period by 10 to 14 days or two weeks to give your body time to build up the hormone HCG, which is only present when you are pregnant.
Is the withdrawal method an effective form of birth control?
The withdrawal method, also referred to as pulling out, occurs when the man pulls his penis out before he ejaculates. If there is any pre-ejaculatory fluid on his penis, then there is a chance that a pregnancy may occur. It is not a reliable way to prevent pregnancy or prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV.
How long does it take for the pill or Depo to work?
The pill is effective two weeks after you start using it. As long as you remember to take the pill at the same time each day you will be protected from pregnancy. The Depo-Provera shot is effective about 24 hours after it is given (within the first five days of your menses); even if it is the first time you are getting the shot.
Is it true that you can use the pill to skip your period?
Yes. It is possible to skip your period by using the pill. You should discuss this with your health care provider in order to understand what this might mean for your body.
Do antibiotics and other medications affect the pill?
Certain antibiotics and medications can have an effect on the pill and reduce its ability to prevent pregnancy. If you are given a prescription medication, be sure and tell the clinician that you are on the pill. During the time and for one week after your last dose of taking an antibiotic, use a back up method of birth control like male or female condoms or abstain from vaginal sex.
If I become pregnant while on the pill or Depo will it harm the baby?
Studies have shown that the pill does not cause fetal abnormalities if taken during pregnancy. Of course, you should stop taking the pill as soon as possible when you find out you are pregnant.
As for the Depo-Provera, some health care providers will give you a pregnancy test before your Depo shot is given to determine if you are pregnant. If you suspect you have become pregnant while on Depo-Provera, you should go back to your clinician for a pregnancy test as soon as possible.