AM I PREGNANT

1. How do I know if I am pregnant?

There are many signs of pregnancy, sucy as your period stopping, tender breasts and more. However these signs can all be caused by something else, so the only way to know for sure is to have a pregnancy test.

You buy pregnancy tests from pharmacies and supermarkets. Alternatively,  you can have them done by a professional at FPA clinics, Sexual Health Services, Youth Health Centres, nurse or doctor. Pregnancy tests are often free.

Pregnancy tests are usually accurate from two weeks after sex.

2. When is the best time to get pregnant?

It depends on your cycle. If your cycle is regular and between 26 and 32 days long, then you're most likely to get pregnant half way through.

There are other signs of when you are most fertile, or ovulating. Your temperature rises slightly, and so does your vaginal discharge - it usually becomes wetter, clearer and stretchy. The FPA pamphlet 'Fertility Awareness' gives further information. A doctor or nurse can also help you understand these changes, or information can be obtained through an organisation called Natural Fertility.

3. What are the best things I can do to get pregnant? Is there anything I can take to increase my chances of getting pregnant?

Normally, no. There is nothing available over the counter that increases your fertility.

If you are having difficult conceiving you can discuss this with your doctor. You may both need tests and referral to a fertility specialist.

If you are planning a baby, it is a good idea to take Folic Acid for about three months first as this increases the health of the pregnancy.

4. I would really like to have a boy (and then a girl), is there anything I can do to have a boy?

Not at this stage. Medical science has come a long way but there are no proven ways of improving your chance of having a baby of a particular gender.

5. Last year I got an STI and now I want to know if I can get pregnant?

One side effect of some STIs can be Pelvic Inflammatory Disease which can lead to infertility, or an increased chance of Ectopic Pregnancy. It really depends on the STI, the seriousness of infection and how long you were infected before treatment.

There is a testing procedure to find out if you are still fertile, but it requires surgery. The only way to know for sure is to actually get pregnant.

6. I have heard that you can use a natural way of not getting pregnant (I think it is called natural family planning) how does this work?

The Fertility Awareness method (sometimes called natural family planning or the rhythm method) works if you don't have unprotected intercourse the most fertile time of the woman's menstrual cycle. This form of contraception involves checking your temperature and your vaginal secretions daily. You need to learn this method from an experienced teacher and track your cycle for several months.

For this method to be effective you need advice from FPA, Natural Fertility, a doctor or a nurse.

7. My boyfriend and I had sex, but he withdrew before cumming. Could I be pregnant?

The withdrawal method is likely to result in pregnancy for two reasons. Firstly, pre-cum can be present, but not necessarily noticeable, on the penis as soon as arousal occurs. Pre-cum contains sperm. Secondly, often a male ejaculates (cums) without enough warning to withdraw in time.

If you think you might be pregnant, have a pregnancy test.

8. My boyfriend wants me to give him a blowjob. Can I get pregnant?

No you can't. In order for you to get pregnant, live sperm needs to enter your vagina.

9. My boyfriend and I had anal sex, could I be pregnant?

Yes, it is possible, but not likely. When you have anal sex sperm could flow out and run or be rubbed over your vagina, which could be enough for the sperm to enter your vagina and get you pregnant.

The only way to know for sure is to have a pregnancy test.

You can purchse these yourself from pharmacies and supermarkets. Alternatively, you can have them done by a professional at an FPA clinic, Sexual Health Service, Youth Health Centre or any doctor. Some places are free.

10. I have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and only have about two periods a year. Can I still get pregnant?

Yes, but you will need to consult with your doctor to determine when.