I had unprotected sex. Could I be pregnant?

The only way to know if you are pregnant is to have a test. You can make an appointment at Family Planning, with your local Sexual Health service or with your own doctor. You can also buy home pregnancy test from any chemist or most supermarkets. Tests are usually accurate from two weeks after sex.

If you are having unprotected sex or the contraception you are using fails (e.g. the condom broke) then there are a couple of things you need to consider. The emergency contraceptive pill (ECP, known also as the morning after pill) might be suitable. Remember that you need to take it within 72 hours of having unprotected sex, and the sooner the better.

You may also be at risk of catching an STI (sexually transmissible infection), so you might want to consider a sexual health check-up as well. These are free at all Sexual Health clinics (see your hospital at the start of the white pages). STI check-ups are also available at Family Planning clinics, any Youth Health service or your own doctor.