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Questions and Answers: Pregnancy
My husband has 37% sperm antibodies. Can we conceive without outside help?
If I get precum on my fingers and finger
myself, can I get pregnant?
I'm 7 months pregnant, haven't gotten
any prenatal care. Could there be defects?
My boyfriend and I did the cameltoe slide.
Could I be pregnant?
Is there any way to get pregnant from
masturbation?
After pregnancy, I am getting a discharge
and pain from my breasts. Why?
How long after conception do the breasts
begin to change?
Can you tell if you're pregnant without taking
a test?
We took off the condom mid-sex. Now
it's painful when I urinate. Why?
I've had negative tests, but I still
have symptoms. Should I get an ultrasound?
I had pre-cum on my fingers and fingered my
girlfriend, could she get pregnant?
Does going to the bathroom right after sex
decrease chances of conception?
I had sex with two guys: one ejaculated,
one didn't. I'm pregnant, but by who?
Missed two pills, had sex, missed my
period. Test was negative. Is this correct?
Can my girlfriend get pregnant
if I did not penetrate her?
My boyfriend didn't ejaculate in
me, and I'm spotting. Could I be pregnant?
If my husband has the flu and I get pregnant,
could it affect the fetus?
We reused a condom. I got the ECP. Could I be
pregnant?
Can a gynecologist tell if a woman is pregnant
just from a routine exam?
If he came in the condom and kept going, could
I get pregnant?
If you are pregnant, does your urine
turn bright yellow due to hormones?
We have unprotected sex but he pulls
out. When can I take a pregnancy test?
Can I get pregnant if I hold a guy's hand
during the day, and then masturbate?
Should I be able to feel my partner ejaculate?
I had no period for 3 months,
pregnancy symptoms, a negative test. Is this right?
If I give him oral sex, kiss him, then he
gives me oral sex, can I get pregnant?
We were having sex but I cleaned off my
penis every 15 seconds. Is this OK?
Is it possible to have a uterus
transplant?
If I am pregnant and I keep taking
pills, what will happen to the baby?
What is the possibility of getting
pregnant from pre-cum?
If I have a yeast infection, could
it affect my fertility?
I've had no period, but I'm not pregnant.
How do I know when I'm ovulating?
Could I still be pregnant after a methotrexate
shot?
If we are trying to get pregnant, is olive
oil a safe lubricant?
If we have sex 2 days before I ovulate,
could I get pregnant?
I'm having pregnancy symptoms, but my
test is negative. Is this correct?
I had sex with 2 people in 2 days. If I'm
pregnant, who is the father?
If I got my period, is there a chance
I could still be pregnant?
Had an IUD removed, had a period, had sex, but
negative tests. Should I retest?
Does ovulation still occur when
the fallopian tubes are blocked?
If I can't get wet before sex, does it affect
my chances of getting pregnant?
We use vaseline for a lubricant. Can this
affect my chances of getting pregnant?
I had 2 positive pregnancy tests,
then I got my period. Am I pregnant?
I took the ECP and got my period, but now
I'm cramping. Why?
I missed 4 pills so I stopped taking
them. I had sex. Could I be pregnant?
We're having unprotected sex, but 3
tests were negative. Could I be pregnant?
If I put a towel with his semen in my vagina,
could I get pregnant?
If my urine is cloudy, could I be pregnant?
I was 10 minutes late taking my pill and the
condom broke. Should I worry?
I went off the pill and we use the withdrawal
method. Could I be pregnant?
If a condom gets stuck inside me, can
I get pregnant?
Can ovarian cysts and tubal pregnancies affect
pregnancy test results?
I'm on the shot but I might be pregnant.
What will happen to the baby?
Will I be more or less wet during pregnancy?
Can I give my wife oral sex if she is
pregnant?
What kind of lubricant is safe to use during
pregnancy?
QUESTION: We
have been trying to conceive for about a year now. My husband
had a vascetomey reversal, and we found out in January that
he has 37% sperm antibodies. Is it still possible to conceive
without outside help, and if so what are the odds? (March
29, 2005)
ANSWER: Because fertility is dependant on a number
of issues, it is difficult to determine whether or not it is
possible for you to conceive without assistance. It is recommended
you speak with your primary care clinician or a fertility specialist
if you have concerns regarding fertility.
QUESTION: Can I
get pregnant if I jacked him off and he pre-cumed on my hand
and fingers and after that I fingered myself (March
18, 2005)
ANSWER: For information on how pregnancy occurs, please
visit our Pregnancy FAQ.
QUESTION: im seven
months pregnant and i haven't ever had a prenatal checkup could
my baby have defects (February 7, 2005)
ANSWER: Prenatal care is important for both the pregnant
woman AND her unborn child. Prenatal checkups are a time in
which a clinician or a team of clinicians will assess the health
status of the mother and the fetus.
Several tests are performed during these visits. Tests
performed during the first visit include blood tests to check
blood type, Rh factor, anemia, and immunity to several diseases.
Urine tests to check for sugar and protein as signs of diabetes
and kidney changes, respectively, are also performed. A Pap
test may be done to detect changes in the cervix that could
be forerunners to cancer. Subsequent visits will include measuring
blood pressure, measuring weight to make sure the expectant
mother is gaining enough, listening to the fetal heartbeat and
checking the size and position of the uterus and fetus. The
doctor can also perform various tests to check the fetus for
birth defects.
Maternal difficulties such as diabetes, insufficient weight
gain, and high blood pressure, if gone untreated, can be harmful
to the fetus. A doctor can also monitor the baby's well being
directly by listening to the fetal heartbeat, checking the size
and positioning of the uterus and fetus, and testing for various
abnormalities. Some conditions, if detected prenatally, can
be treated in-utero. It is important to receive proper prenatal
care in order to ensure the health of both you and your baby.
Information taken from: http://www.womenshealth.org/a/pre_natal_care.htm
QUESTION: My boyfriend
and I didn't have sex, but he wore a condom so when we did the
"Cameltoe Slide", which is when the girl straddles
the guy back and forth on his penis with her vagina without
going inside of her, he wouldn't have to stop me to ejaculate
but when we finally climaxed and were done, some of the cum
had come out of the condom. My boyfriend climaxed before I did.
Could I be pregnant? (February 1, 2005)
ANSWER: For the answer to this and other pregnancy-related
questions, please see our Pregnancy
FAQ.
QUESTION: is
there anyway it possible to get pregnant from masterbating?
(January 27, 2005)
ANSWER: For information on how pregnancy occurs and
for other pregnancy-related topics, please visit our Pregnancy
FAQ.
QUESTION: Some
sticky watery substance comes out from my nipples after pregnancy.
Now I am also feeling very unbearable pain on account of this.
Please help me out. (January 18, 2005)
ANSWER: The breasts go through a great deal of change
during pregnancy and lactation, and a milky discharge at this
time is not uncommon. In fact, milky discharge can occur even
up to two years after breast-feeding.
Nipple discharge comes in many different colors and consistencies.
Different colors of discharge can indicate different things. Discharge
may be milky and whitish; creamy; watery and clear; yellow (serous);
pink; red (bloody); or it can be multicolored, or greenish.
If you notice any discharge that is abnormal for you, it should
be brought to your clinician's attention; it may indicate a breast
infection, or some other condition that needs medical attention.
QUESTION: If your pregnat around
what time does you breast feel itchy and start to develop milk (January
18, 2005)
ANSWER: Physical changes in the breast (including tender,
swollen breasts, and darkened nipples and areolas- the circle of
skin surrounding your nipple) may be one of the earliest clues that
a woman has conceived. These changes can begin to occur within a
few weeks of conception.
Full-scale milk production begins within 72 hours of delivering
a baby, although prior to this stage, the breasts release a substance
called colostrum. Colostrum is a creamy, high-protein, low-fat substance,
full of disease-fighting antibodies called immunoglobulins that
strengthen a baby's immune system.
QUESTION: How can you tell
if you are pregnant without taking a pregnancy test? (December
14, 2004)
ANSWER: There are many signs/symptoms of pregnancy, but
the only way to know for sure is to get a pregnancy test as some
signs/symptoms of pregnancy are similar to other issues like your
period. An Early Pregnancy Test (EPT) or Home Pregnancy Test (HPT)
can detect HCG hormone levels in your urine as early as the day
your period should have started. HCG is a hormone that is produced
by pregnant women. EPT/HPT can be used on the day of your missed
period as well as any day after that. There is always a chance that
you may be pregnant if you didn't use protection (like a condom
and/or an oral contraceptive).
If you are concerned about being pregnant, you may want
to see your clinician to confirm or disprove the possibility of
pregnancy.
If you want more information about pregnancy please check out www.plannedparenthood.org.
QUESTION: me and my boyfriend
were having sex with a condom, and it hurt a lot with it, so he
took it off. we're pretty serious and have been going out for a
while. he promissed me that he didnt cum at all after he took it
off, but i know i can get pregnant from pre-cum too. the morning
after we had sex, i went to go urinate and it hurt a lot. it feels
like i have to go really bad, but no urine comes out, and sometimes
it bleeds. this has been going on for two days now and im really
scared that this could be an early sign of pregnancy. HELP! (December
14, 2004)
ANSWER: There are many reasons why this can happen, but
it would be recommended you do discuss this with your clinician.
As for
taking the condom off in the middle, it is not recommended as there
can be semen or pre-cum on the penis and if the penis is inserted
into the vagina there could be a chance that pregnancy can occur.
If the condom was too tight, there are "large" or "magnum"
condoms available in stores and at the Wellness Center (if you are
a UIC student you can use the services at the Wellness Center).
You may experience discomfort if the condom is not well lubricated
in which case you can add a water-based lubricant to the condom.
If
condoms continue to cause pain to either you or your partner then
it would be recommended another contraceptive method is used to
reduce the chance of an unplanned pregnancy.
QUESTION: Hello. I'm writting
you all because I am very concern right now. I missed my cycle for
4 1/2 moths now but I too two pregnancy tests at the doctor and
they came out negative. My breasts are tender, I feel very nausea
and light headed and my stomach is enlarging. I really don't know
what else to do. I really want to get an ultrasound done to see
if something is inside because if so the baby is going to need medical
attention. I just want to know is it possible that I could be pregnant
and if so how long does it take for it to show or is it possible
chance that it can't show even if I'm far along already?
(December 14, 2004)
ANSWER: Pregnancy tests can detect HCG hormone levels in
your urine as early as the day your period should have started (first
day of a missed period). HCG is a hormone that is produced by pregnant
women. Pregnancy tests can be used on the day of your missed period
as well as any day after that.
There are many questions you may want to ask yourself including
if missing periods is normal for you, if you had any drastic weight
changes (especially weight loss), significantly increased your exercise
routine, or if you have high levels of stress? All of these and
other factors can affect your menstrual cycle.
As always, if you are sexually active and having vaginal intercourse,
there is a chance of pregnancy. As for the two pregnancy test you
took at your doctors office, it would depend on when you took them
as to if they are reliable. If they were taken before you missed
your first period then they may not be as accurate. But, if they
were taken after missing your first period then they would be more
accurate.
As for getting an ultrasound, you would need to discuss this with
your clinician.
If you are sexually active and do not wish to get pregnant or contract/transmit
sexually transmitted infections (STI's) it would be recommended
a contraceptive is used. There are numerous contraceptive methods
available including birth control pills, condoms, etc. Condoms are
the only method that can provide some protection against STI's.
If you are still concerned about the possibility of being pregnant,
you may want to see your clinician again to discuss your situation
and your options.
QUESTION: During an afternoon
of foreplay, with no actual penis-vagina penetration, i masterbated
with my gf's help and felt a drop of "pre-cum" on my fingers...
About 15 minutes after, i began to finger her and have oral sex.
My insomnia causing question is wether or not that overlooked detail
could cause her to become pregnant. And if so, and in the event
that she does, what should i do? (December 7, 2004)
ANSWER: For the answer to this, and other pregnancy-related
questions, please see our Pregnancy
FAQ.
In the event that your girlfiend does become pregnant,
it is recommended that she see her clinician; her clinician will
be able to discuss her options with her (i.e. keeping the baby,
giving the baby up for adoption, or terminating the pregnancy).
If you girlfriend should become pregnant, it is ultimately her decision
as to which option she would choose. As far as what you should do,
it is important to remain supportive. Pregnancy (or even the possibility/potential)
can be a stressful event for a woman, especially if it is unplanned
or unwanted. Being supportive can help your girlfriend deal with
the emotions she might feel if she does become pregnant.
Communication is an important part of a healthy relationship. Even
if your girlfriend does not become pregnant, it is important to
communicate with her, and for the two of you to determine what course
of action you would take if she ever did become pregnant. If you
are trying to avoid pregnancy it is also important to discuss birth
control methods. Communicating with your girlfriend can help build
a stronger bond between you and help both of you know where the
other stands on issues such as pregnancy and birth control.
QUESTION: Does going to
the washroom immediately after sex decrease your chances of conceiving?
What about the age old idea of raising your legs immediately after
intercourse to increase your chances of conceiving. Is this true?
(November 23, 2004)
ANSWER: Washing or urinating after sex will not stop semen
and sperm that have already entered the uterus through the cervix.
Additionally, some people believe that having sex in certain positions
or laying a certain way after having intercourse, will force the
sperm in or out of the woman's vagina. In truth, positions during
and after sex have nothing to do with whether or not fertilization
occurs. When a man ejaculates inside of a woman, the sperm are deposited
well into the vagina. The sperm will, by nature, begin to move up
through the cervical canal immediately after ejaculation.
The
most important things you can do when trying to conceive is to make
sure your body is healthy; if you are trying to conceive, it is
recommended that you schedule an appointment with your clinician.
S/he can help you identify ways to get your body ready for conceiving
a baby.
Information taken from: http://www.clevelandclinic.org.
QUESTION: i had unprotected
sex with a guy on April 19th, he did not ejaculte in me. On April
21st, 23rd and 24th I had unprotected sex with a guy who ejaculated
in me. On May 28th i was told I was 6 weeks 5 days pregnant. When
did I get pregnant and to who? (November 16, 2004)
ANSWER: Pregnancy depends on a number of factors, such
as ovulation, and when intercourse occurred. For more information
about becoming pregnant, please see our Pregnancy
FAQ. As far as who the father of your baby might be, it is difficult
to tell. It would be best to consult your clinician on this matter.
Paternity
testing would require a blood or saliva sample from the baby and
one of the alleged fathers. DNA testing would be performed on each
of these samples; the patterns in the DNA of the baby and the alleged
father are compared to see if a relationship exists. Additionally,
DNA testing can be performed before the birth of the baby, but it
is a more invasive and expensive procedure. Your clinician would
be able to direct you to a facility that performs paternity testing,
and help you determine what type of testing (i.e. before birth or
after birth) would be best for you.
Additionally, having unprotected sex greatly increases your risk
for pregnancy and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs); having
unprotected sex with multiple partners further increases this risk.
To reduce your risk of pregnancy and infection it is recommended
that you use a barrier method, such as a condom, each and every
time you engage in sexual activities. A second form of birth control-
(i.e. birth control pills), in addition to a barrier method, can
further reduce your risk of becoming pregnant, although it may not
reduce your risk of catching or spreading an STI.
QUESTION: I had sex
after my period, missed 2 days of my pills, and had sex like a couple
weeks later, and i missed my period all together for the month.
I had blood taken and they said it was negitive. Could there be
a chance that I am pregnant or would that blood test be correct?
(November 16, 2004)
ANSWER: Missing pills can significantly decrease the effectiveness
of oral contraceptives, making pregnancy among sexually active users
a greater possibility. However, missing pills can also alter one's
menstrual cycle, even if pregnancy does not occur. Periods may be
heavier, lighter, early or late, depending on the number of pills
missed.
A pregnancy blood test or a pregnancy serum test is a test that
measures the exact amount of the pregnancy hormone, human chorionic
gonadotropin (hCG), in the bloodstream of a woman to detect pregnancy.
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a hormone that is produced
by the placenta of a pregnant woman. Blood tests can detect a pregnancy
earlier than a home pregnancy test. They can detect it about 7-12
days from possible conception and can also measure the concentration
of human chorionic gonadotropin hormone in your blood.
False
negative results are a rare occurance, especially in blood pregnancy
tests. A false negative result is when the test says you are not
pregnant but you are. However, if you think you might be pregnant,
it is recommended that you retest to confirm or disprove your suspicions.
QUESTION: 2 or 3 weeks
ago me and my girlfriend were foolin around we did not have sex
but she got on top of me and place her clit on my penis and went
back and forth now she is fellin the symptoms of pregancy. Is it
possible for her to have gotten pregant even if i never inserted
it inside her. (November 16, 2004)
ANSWER: For the answer to this and other pregnancy-related
questions, please see our Pregnancy
FAQ.
QUESTION:
My
bf and I never had sex before we finally had sex. WE didn't use
protection but he didn't ejaculate iside my vagina, he ejaculated
on my tummy. After that we tried again but he hit a spot where it
hurt alot and then right aways I began bleeding. After that everytime
we tried I would spot. Why is that? Ever since them I haven't had
my period and it has been more than a month and a half. We already
had the pregnancy test and i came out positive. Is it possible that
I can be pregnant or I'm just very late. Confused.. :( (November
16, 2004)
ANSWER: If a woman takes a pregnancy test and it's positive,
that means that she is pregnant. It is recommended you see a clinician
if you have had a positive pregnancy test; s/he will be able to
discuss your options in more detail with you (i.e. keeping the baby,
giving the baby up for adoption, or having an abortion). If you
are having pain during intercourse or abnormal spotting after intercourse,
it is recommended you discuss this with your clinician as well.
S/he would be able to examine you to determine why you are having
these problems.
QUESTION: My husband and I are
trying to get pregnant. Is it okay to try even if he sick with the
flu or will this affect the future fetus? (November 9, 2004)
ANSWER: In the event that your husband is willing to try
even though he is sick, it is unlikely that having the flu would
have any harmful effect on the fetus, if you were to conceive. However,
it is important for you to stay healthy if you are pregnant or trying
to conceive. Some studies have shown that having the flu during
pregnancy can lead to undesirable outcomes. There are a few studies
linking exposure in the womb to the risk of mental illness in adulthood.
The risk of mental illness is low, but it may be slightly higher
than in people who were not exposed to influenza in the womb. The
same has been shown in a few small studies linking influenza exposure
in the womb to the future risk of brain tumors. It is important
to remember that the increased risk is low, but it is still a possibility.
Conceiving a child should be an enjoyable act that both
you and your partner take pleasure in. If your husband is feeling
that this is not the best time to try to have a child, you might
want to consider waiting until you next cycle to try to conceive.
QUESTION: 6 days ago i had sex
with my boyfriend, he put the condom on, but he didnt come in but
after he took it off and he put it back on and we had sex, ive had
the 72hour pill about30hours after we had sex, do you think i could
be pregnant or have anything to worry about? (November 2,
2004)
ANSWER:If you had/have unprotected sex then there is a
greater chance of an unplanned pregnancy than if you used protection
correctly. Condoms are meant to be used only once and when they
are taken off of the penis they should be thrown away and another
condom should be used if you are intimate again. It is not recommended
you take a condom off and put it back on even if he didn't ejaculate
as there is also pre-cum that could be in the condom.
By taking emergency contraception pills within 72 hours after sex,
it can reduce the chances of an unplanned pregnancy by 75-89%. ECP
can be taken up to 120 hours after sex, but they work best the earlier
you take them.
There is no way for us to know if you are pregnant or not. Please
see the Pregnancy FAQ for more information
on how you can/cannot get pregnant. The only way to prevent an unplanned
pregnancy is abstinence from vaginal sex. Use of a contraceptive
method can reduce the chances of an unplanned pregnancy, but none
are 100% effective. Only condoms can reduce the transmission/contraction
of some sexually transmitted infections.
QUESTION: Can
a gynecologist tell from a routine exam whether a woman is
pregnant or not? (October 29, 2004)
ANSWER: At a routine gynecological exam, your clinician
will talk to you about a number of things, such as your personal,
family, sexual, and medical history. From there, s/he will usually
determine your risk for pregnancy and/or sexually transmitted infections,
among other things, and will order and perform laboratory tests
accordingly. Routine gynecological exams will also include a pelvic
exam (including a pap smear) and a breast exam.
If you are concerned about being pregnant, it is important
that you inform your clinician. S/he will run a pregnancy test to
confirm or disprove pregnancy. If you are pregnant, s/he will be
able to discuss your options with you (including keeping the baby,
abortion and adoption). Additionally, if you are not pregnant, and
do not wish to become pregnant, your clinician can help you determine
the form of birth control that is right for you and your body.
QUESTION: I was having sex
and I came when wearing a comdom but we carryed on having sex is
it posible for her to get pregnent from doing this. (October
29, 2004)
ANSWER: When using a condom, it is important to pull out
before the penis softens, and hold the condom against the base of
the penis while you pull out, so that the semen doesn't spill. If
semen spilled in or around your partner's vagina, pregnancy is possible.
For
other pregnancy-related questions, please see our Pregnancy
FAQ.
QUESTION: as a sign of
pregnancy, does your urine become bright yellow due to hormones?
(October 15, 2004)
ANSWER: There are many reason why urine may be bright yellow,
including dehydration and numerous other conditions. If urine continues
to change colors it is recommended you see your clinician.
If
you are concerned about becoming pregnant, please see our "Pregnancy
FAQ."
QUESTION: I had
sex with my bf right near ovulation. He did tell me he could not
get me pregnant because of his prostate problems. We did have sex
without protection, but he pulled out because I felt it best. Now
I have sore breasts and bloated. Can I tell within 12 days after
conception if I am pregnant, using a home preg test? (October
15, 2004)
ANSWER: An Early Pregnancy Test (EPT) or Home Pregnancy
Test (HPT) can detect HCG hormone levels in your urine as early
as the day your period should have started. HCG is a hormone that
is produced by pregnant women. EPT/HPT can be used on the day of
your missed period as well as any day after that. There is always
a chance that you may be pregnant if you didn't use protection (like
a condom and/or an oral contraceptive).
It
is important to remember that sperm can survive in a woman's body
for up to 5 days, so if your partner ejaculated in your vagina before
you ovulated, your chances of becoming pregnant may be increased.
If you are concerned about being pregnant, you may want to see your
clinician to confirm or disprove the possibility of pregnancy.
QUESTION: Can you get
pregnant from holding a guys hand during the day and then finger
your self at night? (October 12, 1004)
ANSWER: No. For information on how pregnancy occurs, please
see our Pregnancy FAQ.
QUESTION: we are trying to get
pregnant--should i be able to feel the ejaculate when my partner
comes in me? (October 8, 2004)
ANSWER: It is not necessary to feel your partner ejaculate
in order to become pregnant. Although women cannot always feel their
partners ejaculate, many women can sense a male partner's orgasm
by changes in his breathing, body language, motion, etc.
For more information on how pregnancy occurs, please visit
our Pregnancy FAQ.
QUESTION: my
boyfriend and i have a lot of unprotected sex and i know it is safe
b/c we lost our virginities to each other, but anyway i have all
the symptons of pregnancy and i havent had a real period for three
months, and i took a test but it was negative is there still a chance
im pregnant? pleaze ansa asap i apprecitae ya (September
17, 2004)
ANSWER: An Early Pregnancy Test (EPT) or Home Pregnancy
Test (HPT) can detect HCG hormone levels in your urine as early
as the day your period should have started. HCG is a hormone that
is produced by pregnant women. EPT/HPT can be used on the day of
your missed period as well as any day after that, so if you used
the EPT/HPT before your period should have started, the results
may not be accurate. It is very important to follow the directions
exactly as they appear in the insert, otherwise test results may
not be accurate.
There is always a chance that you may be pregnant if you
didn't use protection (like a condom and/or an oral contraceptive).
Keep in mind that there are other reasons besides pregnancy that
could cause your period to be late; exercise, stress, weight loss
or gain, and/or changes in your diet could all be reasons that your
period might be late.
If you are still concerned about being pregnant, you may want to
repeat the home pregnancy test (if you took it too soon, or didn't
follow the directions accurately) or see your clinician to confirm
or disprove the possibility of pregnancy.
QUESTION: I gave my boyfriend
oral sex. We then kissed for a while, and then he gave me oral sex.
What are the chances that semen was passed from my mouth to his
to my vagina? I know you cannot tell me whether or not I am pregnant,
I was just wondering if you think the semen could've been transferred
in this way, and if it was likely to be transferred. (August
11, 2004)
ANSWER: It is not possible to get pregnant from oral sex,
however unprotected oral sex puts both partners at risk for a number
of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), whether they are giving
or receiving genital stimulation.
For more pregnancy-related questions, please see our Pregnancy
FAQ link.
QUESTION: i had sex with my girlfriend
but i took my penis out every 10-15 seconds and i squeezed out and
wiped off the pre cum, what are the chances of her getting pregnant
and can she pregnant with the way i did. (August 5, 2004)
ANSWER: Please read the "Pregnancy
FAQ" for a response to your question, and remember that
having unprotected sex not only increases your risk of becoming
pregnant, it also increases the risk of contracting a sexually transmitted
infection (STI). To lower your risk of pregnancy and infection,
it is recommended that you use a barrier method (such as a condom)
each and every time you engage in sexual activity.
QUESTION: WELL I HAVE I
QUES. 3 MONTHS AGO I HAD A SURGERY THEY REMOVE MY UTERUS BECAUSE
I HAD CANCER SO THEY TOLD ME THAT IT WAS BETTER TO HAVE IT REMOVE
BUT IM REALLY YOUNG AND I HAVE ONLY ONE KID I WANTED TO HAVE MORE
BABIES BUT MY DOCTOR TOLD ME THAT I COULD STILL HAVE BABIES BUT
WITH ANOTHER BODY LIKE SURROGATE MOTHER UT MY QUES. IS IS IT TO
EXPENSIVE TO DO THAT EVEN IF I HAVE A VOLUNTEER OR IS THERE ANOTHER
WAY THAT I COULD HAVE A BABY I WANNET TO NOW IF ITS POSSIBLE TO
HAVE MY MOTHERS UTERUS AND PUT IT TO ME BECAUSE I READ THAT NOW
THEY ARE DOING THAT IN DIFFRENT COUNTRIES CAN SOME ONE HELP ME I
NO THAT SOMEONE IS GOING TO HELP ME BECAUSE THEY HAVE HELP ME THANK
YOU HOPE TO HEAR FROM SOMEONE (July 13, 2004)
ANSWER: Whether set up through an agency or privately negotiated,
surrogacy - having another woman bear a child for you - is an emotionally
intense and legally complex arrangement. The process can require
vast amounts of time, money, and patience to succeed.
Couples most often choose surrogacy when the woman is infertile
and treatments have failed, when a woman is unable to carry a child
herself because of abnormalities in her uterus or if she has had
a hysterectomy. A surrogate mother typically conceives after being
artificially inseminated with the man's sperm (the man is usually
the biological father). She then goes on to carry the baby to term.
When the child is born, the surrogate mother gives the baby to the
couple and terminates her parental rights. The father's partner
can then apply to adopt the baby legally.
More recently, sophisticated assisted conception treatments have
made it possible for a surrogate to carry a baby that is completely
the biological child of the infertile couple (using an embryo conceived
through in vitro fertilization (IVF) or a similar method). It is
also possible for a surrogate to carry a donated embryo to term.
Surrogate arrangements are usually set up through agencies although
private arrangements exist. The couple is typically heavily involved
in the pregnancy and the surrogate will remain a part of the baby's
life after birth. In both situations, the infertile couple usually
pays the surrogate mother's expenses along with additional legal
and agency fees if a contract is involved. Finding a healthy, willing
surrogate can take months or even years. Once they've made an arrangement,
the couple and the surrogate usually try artificial insemination
or IVF for about three or four months, although it can take longer.
For a woman who can't conceive, surrogacy creates a chance for her
and her partner to parent a child who is their genetic offspring
at least partially (if they use the father's sperm and the surrogate's
egg) or completely (if they ask the surrogate to carry an embryo
created from the mother's egg and the father's sperm). If they set
up an open arrangement, the couple can be intimately involved in
all the details of their baby's gestation and may be there for the
birth of their baby.
In addition to the complications accompanying procedures, such as
artificial insemination and IVF, surrogacy is highly controversial
and can be legally complex. Some surrogates also face difficult
emotional and psychological issues over letting the baby go. The
infertile couple not only experience the usual suspense and anxiety
of waiting for a pregnancy to reach full-term safely but also worry
about legal complications, the ethics of 'buying' a child and the
possibility that the surrogate will change her mind.
The uterus is not an organ that is thought to be amenable to transplantation,
hence there is no research in this area. Even in the most ideal
circumstances it would be extremely unlikely that a transplanted
uterus would be able to carry a fetus to maturity. Although organ
transplantation is very successful today compared to the past, it
is still only accomplished through the use of toxic drugs that poison
one's immune system and cause numerous side effects.
Unless one has a life-threatening disease or is reliant on a technology
like dialysis to go on living, a transplant is not worth the risk.
Until immunosuppression is perfected, a uterus transplant would
not be imaginable since the risk would far outweigh the chances
of carrying a successful pregnancy.
Information taken from www.babycentre.co.uk
and www.transweb.org.
QUESTION: what happens if i'm
pregnant and don't know it and i'm still taking my pills? (May
24, 2004)
ANSWER: Continuing to use any birth control pill during a pregnancy
without knowing will not abort the fetus and it is unlikely it will
have an effect on the development of the fetus.
But, depending on they type of pill you're taking as progestin-only
pills may increase the change of ectopic pregnancy; where the fertilized
egg begins to develop outside the uterus - usually in the fallopian
tubes. Ectopic pregnancies need to be attended to quickly as they
can be dangerous and life threatening. Signs/symptoms of an ectopic
pregnancy could include sharp, stabbing pains, cramps, a dull to
severe headache, blood loss, or other abnormal symptoms. If you
feel you may have an ectopic pregnancy it is recommended you contact
your clinician or midwife as soon as possible.
QUESTION: my boyfriend and
i have protectes sex and the other night we
didnt. it was our first time doing it unprotected. we both decided
on taking
it out when we started to feel it and he did. i am very worried
that i can be
pregnat from the pre-ejaculatory fluid because we did it more than
once and i
dont know what to do. please Email me back my percentage of getting
pregnat
and if there is any way of me getting the emergency contraception
pill at the
age of 16. (April 27, 2004)
ANSWER: It is important to remember that having unprotected
sex can increase your risk of pregnancy and sexually transmitted
infections (STIs). Even if you are monogamous (faithful) with your
partner, s/he may not be monogamous with you; therefore it is important
to protect yourself by using a barrier method of contraception,
such as a condom, each and every time you have a sexual encounter.
Additionally, oral contraceptives (i.e. birth control pills) can
provide further protection against pregnancy, however, they do not
protect against STIs or HIV.
There is no way for us to know if you are pregnant or not
- no matter how much information you give us. If you want to know
if you are pregnant we will always recommend you see a clinician
for a pregnancy test.
Some women use Emergency Contraception Pills (ECP) when they are
concerned they might be pregnant from a particular sexual experience.
It is important to remember ECP can reduce the chance of pregnancy
by 70-80%, if taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex; after 72
hours, the effectiveness decreases. If you need ECP, please see
the ECP FAQ link for a list of providers in the Chicagoland area.
If you have additional questions or concerns, it is recommended
that you speak with your clinician.
QUESTION: My boyfriens and I have
been trying to get pregnant for a while
and he even ejaculates inside me if I have a yeast infection could
this stop
the fertail process. (April 27, 2004)
ANSWER: Some information indicates that yeast infections
may not hurt your chances of fertility in the long run, but may
cause a slight decrease in fertility during the course of the infection.
Vaginal yeast infections are a common occurrence among women; during
a lifetime, 75 percent of all women are likely to have at least
one vaginal yeast infection, and up to 45 percent have two or more.
Women tend to be more susceptible to vaginal yeast infections if
their bodies are under stress from poor diet, lack of sleep, illness,
or when they are pregnant or taking antibiotics. Women with immune-suppressing
diseases such as diabetes and HIV infection also are at increased
risk.
The symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection include:
Vaginal
itch and/or soreness
Thick,
white, cottage cheeselike discharge
Burning
discomfort around the vaginal opening
Pain
or discomfort during sexual intercourse
Any woman who experiences symptoms of a vaginal infection for the
first time should visit a doctor. This is important to be sure that
the vaginal discharge and discomfort is caused by yeast and not
bacterial vaginosis or sexually transmitted infections such as gonorrhea,
chlamydia, or trichomoniasis.
To help prevent vaginal yeast infections, you can try the following
suggestions:
Keep
the external genital area clean and dry.
Avoid
irritating soaps (including bubble bath), vaginal sprays and douches
Change
tampons and sanitary napkins frequently.
Wear
loose cotton (rather than nylon) underwear that doesn't trap moisture
Always
wipe from front to back
After
swimming, change quickly into your dry clothing instead of sitting
in your wet bathing suit for prolonged periods
Take
antibiotics only when prescribed by your doctor, and never take
them for longer than your doctor directs
If
you are diabetic, try to keep tight control over your blood sugar
levels.
If you are concerned about your yeast infection, or that you are
having difficulty conceiving, it is important to talk to your clinician.
QUESTION: i haven't had a period
in 4 months.but i am not pregnant. i am trying to get pregnant now.how
will i know that i'm ovulating so i can get pregnant? (April
27, 2004)
ANSWER: It would be recommended you see your OB-GYN as s/he
can help you determine the best route to take in determining if
you are ovulating.
QUESTION: I had an ectopic pregnancy for
the third time now, and for this one i took a methotrexate shot,
and they said it is suppose to shrink the fetus so it could go into
the uterus and i will start to see bleeding. But its been about
2 weeks now and am starting to look pregnant and am starting to
feel like am pregnant, and i wanted to ask is: is there any chance
that after the fetus came out of the fallopian tube and into the
uterus it attached itself and started to grow again? Or after a
methotrexate shot could the fetus continue to grow? (April 6,
2004)
ANSWER: Ectopic pregnancy is a very serious, and potentially
life-threatening, medical problem. If you think you are still pregnant,
it is recommended that you see your clinician immediately. S/he
will be able to answer this and any other questions you may have
about ectopic pregnancies.
QUESTION: i don't produce enough natural
lubrication before sex even if my partner and i engage in foreplay
for some length of time so we use olive oil as a lubricant. my question
is that we are trying for a baby and i wanted to know that is olive
oil ok to use as a lubricant as i have heard that some lubricants
reduce sperm motility. does olive harm sperm and can it reduce my
chances of getting pregnant? (April 1, 2004)
ANSWER: It is not recommended that you use lubricants when trying
to conceive. Some believe that water-soluble lubricants are okay,
but even these can be hostile towards sperm. If you are having trouble
producing enough arousal fluid, try to spend more time working up
to intercourse, since intercourse can be painful without it. Natural
lubrication may increase when you and your partner take the time
to kiss and caress for at least a half hour prior to intercourse.
If you have additional concerns about not being able to conceive,
it is recommended that you see your clinician.
QUESTION: my husband and i are trying
to conceive. he is away a lot for work and i have been trying to
figure out my ovulation and he isn't home the week that I ovulate.
However I have read that sperm can live 5-7 days in a woman's body.
If my husband and I have sex 2 days before I'm due to be fertile
is there a chance that we can get pregnant. (March 16, 2004)
ANSWER: To answer your question, yes there is a possibility
you could still get pregnant. You are correct in saying that sperm
can live inside a woman's body for 5-7 days. For more pregnancy
related questions, please see our Pregnancy
FAQ section.
QUESTION: I had an abortion in the
middle of November. It was a painful and shameful experience and
I feel very guilty for killing my own baby. I don't think I'm depressed
but I get very nervous each time when I have intercourse afterwards
(after my recovery period of course) My boyfriend refuses to use
condoms so I've decided to take the birth control pills. The last
period I had before the pill was January 29th, I started the pill
on February 9th but had a really bad reaction from it so I stopped
after I took one week of pills. the next period came on February
18th and it lasted for 5 days- seems like a regular period to me.
I'm ashamed to say this, but I still had unprotected intercourse
(no condoms) afterwards. I have started to have the pregnancy feelings
including nauseous (it comes and goes, it may not happen every day);
my nipples are tender and sensitive and for two days it hurts a
lot even when I was walking fast when I felt my bra was pressing
against them. I have a lot of non-odor whitish discharge and I am
experiencing lower abdominal cramps for the past week.
I heard that going off the birth control pill can give you pregnancy
symptoms even when you are not pregnant. But I feel that I have
so many symptoms already and I'm extremely worried that I might
be pregnant again. My period is usually normal before I started
the pill. I have run a urine test and it was negative (but I know
it's too early to detect it). Is there any way I could be pregnant
again? Or are these symptoms considered normal even when I just
took the birth control pills for one week? (the pill I took has
is the new one with the lowest estrogen level)
Thanks for answering my question, and for being here for me!
(March 15, 2004)
ANSWER: There are several issues that must be addressed within
your email. First of all, having unprotected sex not only increases
your risk of becoming pregnant, it also increases the risk of contracting
a sexually transmitted infection (STI). To lower your risk of pregnancy
and infection, it is recommended that you use a barrier method (such
as a condom) each and every time you engage in sexual activity.
Additionally, there is no way to know you are pregnant unless you
take a pregnancy test. If a woman has sex there is always a chance
that she will become pregnant.
One option is Early Pregnancy Test (EPT) or Home Pregnancy Test
(HPT). EPT/HPT can be used on the day of your missed period as well
as any day after that, so if you used the EPT/HPT before your period
should have started, the results may not be accurate. It is important
to follow the directions exactly as they appear on the insert, as
failing to do so may give you an inaccurate test result.
Also, if you live in the Chicago area you can see your primary care
physician, you can go to www.plannedparenthood.org
to find the nearest Planned Parenthood Clinic, or if you are a UIC
student you can get a free pregnancy test at the UIC Family Medicine
Clinic by scheduling an appointment at 312.996.2901. Furthermore,
it is not recommended that you stop taking birth control pills without
consulting your clinician. S/he might be able to recommend a different
form of birth control pills if you are not satisfied with your current
pills. As far as symptoms produced by the pill, some women may notice
minor changes when starting the pill. These changes are usually
greatly improved or go away completely after the first 2 to 3 months.
Possible changes may include:
Breast
tenderness or fullness
Nausea
Spotting
(breakthrough bleeding)
Variation
in your periods (may be lighter/heavier or shorter/longer
Weight
gain/fluid retention
Acne
Mood
changes
Additionally, if the lower abdominal cramping and discharge are
not normal for you, it is recommended that you seek medical attention.
These symptoms may indicate an infection or other medical problems.
After an abortion it's possible that a woman will have some normal
feelings of grief, guilt, sadness, crying and loss. If the feelings
become severe, interfere with your daily activities, or persist
for a long period of time it is recommended that you seek help.
If you are a UIC student, you may access the Counseling
Center, free of charge. To request a consultation, call the
Counseling Service at (312) 996-3490.
QUESTION: I just finished my period and
slept with my boyfriend the next day without a condom and then the
next night with someone different also without a condom i know this
was very stupid as I think your quite fertile at the end of your
period if I was to become pregnant who would most like be the father?
(March 9, 2004)
ANSWER: For pregnancy related questions, please see our link
to Pregnancy (http://www.wellctr.uic.edu/pregnancy.html).
There you will find answers to common questions about pregnancy
(here you will find when your most fertile time of the month is).
As far as who the father of your baby might be, it is difficult
to tell. Should you become pregnant, it would be best to consult
your clinician on this matter, as s/he would be able to perform
a paternity test to identify who the father of the baby is.
Additionally, having unprotected sex greatly increases your risk
for pregnancy and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs); having
unprotected sex with multiple partners further increases this risk.
To reduce your risk of pregnancy and infection it is recommended
that you use a barrier method, such as a condom, each and every
time you engage in sexual activities. A second form of birth control-
(i.e. birth control pills), in addition to a barrier method, can
further reduce your risk of becoming pregnant, although it may not
reduce your risk of catching or spreading an STI.
It is recommended that sexually active individuals be tested for
STIs periodically. There are several Chicagoland clinics that perform
STI and pregnancy testing. For a complete list click on the following
link:
http://www.uic.edu/depts/wellctr/stihivandpregnancy.html
QUESTION: I HAD SEX DURING
MY OVULATION BUT ME PERIOD STILL CAME COULD I BE STILL PREG? SOME
GIRLS THAT I TALK TO TELL ME THAT YOU COULD GET PREG? AND STILL
HAVE YOUR PERIOD? (March 1, 2004)
ANSWER: If you had sex during the time at which you were
ovulating, your chances of becoming pregnant are definitely higher
than at any other time during your menstrual cycle.
Although usually a woman will stop having menstrual periods if she
is pregnant, bleeding during pregnancy is not uncommon. Because
pregnancy is such a common cause of abnormal bleeding, it is recommended
that you see your clinician if there is a possibility that you might
be pregnant.
QUESTION: I had an IUD in Place for 28m, and
taken out a little irritation bleeding on the 19th of Jan. than
my first cycle in 3 yrs went for Jan 22-26 2004, had sex with my
husband that first week of Feb. but I still don't have my period
and I took a test so did the Dr. office on the 26th of Feb. should
I retest or wait? (March 1, 2004)
ANSWER: Your clinician would be the best person to contact
about this situation. S/he would know if you took the pregnancy
test at an appropriate time, and would also be able to tell you
if you should take another test in the future.
QUESTION: can ovulation still
occur if your fallopian tubes are blocked? if so how is this possible
as the egg has to travel through the tubes to be fertilized and
if the tubes are blocked isn't it impossible for the egg to travel
through the blocked tubes (March 1, 2004)
ANSWER: If your fallopian tubes are completely blocked through
permanent sterilization procedures then an egg is unable to travel
through the tubes to become fertilized. But, after this procedure,
hormones will continue to be produced, ovaries will continue to
release an egg every month (ovulation), and your menstrual cycle
will most likely follow their regular pattern.
QUESTION: i have been trying to
get pregnant for nearly a year now but nothing is happening. before
we have sex i don't get 'wet' could this mean there is a problem
or can this play a role in me not getting pregnant. does this 'getting
wet before sex' play an important role in achieving pregnancy? (February
26, 2004)
ANSWER: If you are not getting `wet' before having intercourse,
is it possible that you are using some other form of lubrication?
Some lubricants (for example, K-Y Jelly) are toxic to sperm and
interfere with the normal interaction of ejaculated sperm and cervical
mucus. The presence of a lubricating jelly prevents the sperm's
rapid invasion of the cervical mucus, so they die in the acid environment
of the vagina before getting inside the uterus.
If you want to avoid using a lubricant, don't rush while making
love – take your time working up to intercourse. Ask your partner
to do more touching, hugging, and kissing. Many women say they need
15 to 20 minutes of this to get in the mood. If you still have minimal
mucus despite all attempts at foreplay, try using warm water (which
is nontoxic to sperm) as a lubricant.
It is estimated that only 75-85% of couples conceive within the
first year of trying to get pregnant. If you are concerned about
the amount of time it is taking you to conceive, it is recommended
that you see your clinician to discuss your concerns with him or
her.
QUESTION: my husband and i have been
trying for a baby for nine months without luck. we use petroleum
jelly (vaseline) as a lubricant. can this affect us having a baby
as i have heard that some lubricants kill the sperm. Does petroleum
jelly kill sperm? (February 26, 2004)
ANSWER: It is not recommended that you use lubricants when
trying to conceive (especially petroleum jelly, which is harmful
to your vaginal membranes). Petroleum jelly does not wash away easily
once it has come into contact with the skin; that's why it increases
the chances of getting a vaginal or anal infection when used during
vaginal and anal sex, since bacteria don't easily wash away. Some
believe that water-soluble lubricants are okay, but even these can
be hostile towards sperm. If you are having trouble producing enough
arousal fluid, try to spend more time working up to intercourse,
since intercourse can be painful without it. Natural lubrication
may increase when you and your partner take the time to kiss and
caress for at least a half hour prior to intercourse.
If you have additional concerns about not being able to conceive,
it is recommended that you see your clinician.
QUESTION: I took two pregnancies
test on two different days and they both came out positive but now
my period is on. (February 19, 2004)
ANSWER: When using home pregnancy tests it is important to follow
the directions exactly as they appear on the insert. If the directions
are not followed the results may be altered.
Some women experience "spotting" while they are pregnant.
It is not unusual to have some bleeding during the first trimester
of a pregnancy. Occasionally, some women "spot" throughout
a pregnancy; if you truly are pregnant, this may be what you are
experiencing.
Talking with a clinician and getting a pregnancy test from him/her
may help clear up any questions you may be having at this point
about a possible pregnancy.
If you are a student at UIC you can receive a pregnancy test for
free at the UIC Family Medicine Center on the west side of campus.
To schedule an appointment you can call 996.2901. Other locations
to get a pregnancy test in Chicagoland can include Planned Parenthood
locations. To find the nearest Planned Parenthood location please
visit www.plannedparenthood.org
and type in your zip code to find a health center near you.
QUESTION: i had unprotected sex a few weeks
ago, and took the morning after pill. about a week later i got my
period on time. now, I'm having very very slight cramps in my abdominal
area, even with or slightly below my belly button. i was wondering
if i could possibly be pregnant or have an ectopic pregnancy even
though my period was normal. (February 5, 2004)
ANSWER: The likelihood of pregnancy is slim, but you can take
a pregnancy test to confirm or disprove this. If you are a UIC student
you can schedule an appointment with the UIC Family Medicine Clinic
to have a pregnancy test done for free. To schedule an appointment
please call 996.2901.
QUESTION: I AM CURRENTLY ON
BIRTH CONTROL BUT I MISS ABOUT 4 PILL SO I DISCONTINUE THE PACK
OF PILLS. NOW I HAD SOME BLEEDING ABOUT A WEEK AFTER I MESSED UP.
I HAVE NOT GOTTEN MY PERIOD AND I HAVE HAD SEX WITH MY BOYFRIEND
UNPROTECTED CAN I BE PREGNANT (January 27, 2004)
ANSWER: There is a possibility of pregnancy if you are having
unprotected vaginal sex with your partner. If you wish to get a
pregnancy test and are a student at UIC you can contact the UIC
Family Medicine Clinic at 996.2901. If you do not wish to go to
UIC Family Medicine or are not a UIC student you can check out our
list of pregnancy testing sites on our web site at:
http://www.uic.edu/depts/wellctr/stihivandpregnancy.html
QUESTION: this may sound stupid..my
boyfriend and i have been having unprotected sex up until two months
ago. for the past 4 months, i have had the feeling that i was pregnant.
I took three pregnancy tests and they all came out negative..but
i still have that feeling. my breasts were sore and my stomach seemed
to become enlarged and tightened. now i'm starting to feel things
move in my stomach. Is it just my nerves? I haven't missed any periods.
my periods usually last 5 days. my last period last 3 days then
stopped for 1 day and then started the next day for 1 day. Is it
possible that i can be pregnant? (January 22, 2004)
ANSWER: When using home pregnancy tests it is important to follow
the directions to the tee. If the directions are not followed the
results may be altered. Talking with a clinician and getting a pregnancy
test from him/her may help clear up any questions you may be having
at this point about a possible pregnancy. If you are a student at
UIC you can receive a pregnancy test for free at the UIC Family
Medicine Center on the west side of campus. To schedule an appointment
you can call 996.2901. Other locations to get a pregnancy test in
Chicagoland can include Planned Parenthood locations. To find the
nearest Planned Parenthood location please visit www.plannedparenthood.org
and type in your zip code to find a health center near you.
QUESTION: My fiance promised more children
when we met. He has 3, I have 1 and wanted one of our own. He changed
his mind due to our financial situation, I make more money than
he does. My friend said to just accidentally get pregnant. I am
not on the pill and he withdraws every time. Last time during ovulation
day he ejaculated on my stomach, I wiped it off my stomach when
he went to get a towel and put it in and on my vagina. Could this
increase my chances of getting pregnant or is it a waste of time?
Please let me know. I really want one more child. And know he will
accept a pregnancy should one accidentally happen. (December
16, 2003)
ANSWER: Even though you and your partner are using the withdrawal
method, there is still semen in the pre-ejaculate fluid that can
impregnate you. Moving the ejaculate from your stomach to your vagina
can increase your chance of getting pregnant.
Remember that honesty and communication are vital to a healthy relationship.
You may want to try to discuss your desire to have another child
with your finance again, before you attempt to get pregnant. Having
a child can impact your life greatly; even if you want a baby, there
is a lot of work involved and having your partner's support can
make the stress of child rearing less intense.
If the issue of having children is a great source of stress, you
may want to seek counseling to work out the differences you are
having.
QUESTION: my urine is cloudy
does this mean I'm pregnant (December 2, 2003)
ANSWER: Cloudy urine could be the result of many things. In
the absence of other symptoms it may be quite normal. It could signify
something as simple as dehydration (caused by not drinking enough
water), but it could signify something more serious, like an infection.
If cloudy urine is not normal for you, it is important to see your
clinician. If you are having any pain or burning during urination,
it is important to seek medical attention immediately.
As far as if you are pregnant or not, it is difficult to say, based
on the information you have supplied. If you are concerned about
being pregnant, you may want to take a home pregnancy test or see
your clinician to confirm or disprove your suspicions.
QUESTION: I was late taking the pill by
10 minutes and then the following day had intercourse and the condom
broke, what should I do? (October 27, 2003)
ANSWER: It depends on the type of pill prescribed to you - progestin-only,
combination pills, monophasic/biphasic/triphasic, etc. You can contact
your clinician to find out if the effectiveness of the pills you
are on will decrease if you are late in taking it by 10 minutes.
Depending on when you had sex, you could (if it's been less than
about 5 days) get emergency contraception prescribed to you (Planned
Parenthood has a web site, www.ec4u.org,
and a toll-free number on the web site to get a prescription). You
can also take a pregnancy test to find out if you are pregnant.
It would be prudent to continue to use another method of birth control.
QUESTION: I went off birth control
for a while because I was feeling very noxious from the intake.
However, I did not stop having sexual intercourse. We are using
the withdrawal method and he ejaculated inside me during my period.
Moreover, sorry for the details, but one night after intercourse,
I felt something inside me and with ejaculation on my hands, I put
my finger deep inside me. I wasn't the smartest cookie that night
nor am I being too smart anyhow. Does it matter that the ejaculation
looks like blobs of white semen? Is there sperm in blobs of white
semen? Can I be pregnant? High probability? Sorry for the details.
Thank you for your time.
plus- my period is supposed to come soon and I am not feeling any
symptoms of pregnancy, is that good sign? Thanks again. (October
21, 2003)
ANSWER: There could be a probability of pregnancy depending
on your cycle and when you ovulate. By the way you are writing,
you also know there is also a possibility that you can get pregnant
by putting semen-covered fingers into your vagina as well.
Now, if you have been using the withdrawal method before this incident
then pregnancy could occur at any sexual encounter prior to the
one you are asking a question about. Even though you and your partner
are using the withdrawal method, there is still pre-cum that can
impregnate you. Use of condoms and the withdrawal method correctly
and consistently can drastically increase the effectiveness rate
of both methods.
If you are worried about pregnancy, you can take a pregnancy test
to see if you are pregnant. Most over-the-counter test can be taken
within a week of a potential pregnancy. A negative test may not
be an absolute negative, but a positive test is pretty accurate.
QUESTION: My boyfriend and
I were having sex and he pulled out after he ejaculated while inside
me. He was wearing a condom, however when he pulled out- it got
stuck inside of me. I was able to remove it, but does this mean
I can get pregnant? (October 2, 2003)
ANSWER: Yes, there is a potential you could get pregnant as
the semen-filled condom was stuck inside of you. But, it does still
depend on when you ovulate. If you are worried about the possibility
of being pregnant, you can take the emergency contraceptive pill
within 72 hours of having sex (sometimes it can work up to 5 days,
but the earlier it is taken the more effective it is). If you are
past the 72 hours, you can take a pregnancy test or see your clinician.
You can get a prescription for emergency contraceptive pills (ECP's)
through Planned Parenthoods website (http://ec4u.org),
by phone (1-866-222-EC4U (3248)), or going to their offices (http://www.uic.edu/depts/wellctr/stihivandpregnancy.html).
If you are a UIC student you are able to visit the Family Medicine
Center for ECP at 1801 W. Taylor Street, Suite 4E or making an appointment
at 312/996.2901.
QUESTION: Can the possibility of ovarian
cysts and abnormal pregnancies(tubal) affect pregnancy test results?
(September 23, 2003)
ANSWER: Some types of cysts have the potential to effect pregnancy
test results, but it is recommended you see a clinician if you think
you may have an ovarian cyst or think you may be pregnant. Tubal
pregnancies should not have any effect on pregnancy test results.
QUESTION: the nurse said
i was pregnant but I'm still on the shot , and she's afraid ill
lose the baby. What are the chances? and if i don't lose the baby
could being on the shot effect the baby? Some one please help me??
(July 30, 2003)
ANSWER: One of the contraindications for using Depo is "known
or possible pregnancy". When you receive any prescription drug,
you should have the opportunity (or given a copy) to read the product
information sheet/patient information sheet printed by the drug
company (it's the thin sheet of paper in the box/bag that is usually
all folded up with very small print on it). This information has
just about everything the patient should know about the drug they
are taking/being administered. This information for Depo (and most
other drugs) is also available on their website, www.depoprovera.com
(very top right corner there's a link that says "Important
Product Information").
The links to look at are the "physician prescribing information"
(http://www.depo-provera.com/depo_professional_pi.pdf
)
and/or the "patient product information"
(http://www.depo-provera.com/depprocirev2001.pdf).
The area you'll want to look at in particular is in the physician
section under #6 "unexpected pregnancies"
One thing the physician section states is that "neonates from
unexpected pregnancies that occur 1 to 2 months after injections
of DEPO-PROVERA Contraceptive Injection may be at an increased risk
of low birth weight, which, in turn, is associated with an increased
risk of neonatal death. The attributable risk is low because such
pregnancies are uncommon." There are many more indications
for use during pregnancy, but, again it may be best if you check
out the site yourself or ask your clinician about the chances and
effects.
QUESTION: will i be more or less
wet during early pregnancy? and will my cum feel any different?
(July 24, 2003)
ANSWER: Some women do notice an increase in vaginal discharge
during pregnancy, some say it's more like what you would expect
prior to a period. This is quite normal and is thought to be caused
by increased blood flow to the vaginal area and an increase hormone
influence on the vagina and cervix during pregnancy. The discharge
is called leukorrhea, is usually clear or whitish in color, and
may be slightly thicker in the beginning of pregnancy and more watery
towards delivery time.
QUESTION: Can I give my wife oral
sex if she is pregnant? (July 16, 2003)
ANSWER: Go for it! Oral sex, if she consents to it, is perfectly
fine to perform when a woman is pregnant. Just remember, feelings
and desires surrounding sex can change when a woman is pregnant
due to hormonal changes among other factors. Taking these factors
into consideration is recommended.
Also, for prevention of transmitting infections to the mother and/or
fetus it is recommended an individual refrains from oral sex if
they have any cuts, sores, and/or lesions in or around the mouth
or genital area (if receiving oral sex). This is likewise for the
female and abrasions on the genital area (or mouth area if giving
oral sex).
QUESTION: What kind/brand of
lubrication is safe for use during pregnancy?
ANSWER: During pregnancy you can use really any lubricant.
If you are using any type of latex barrier (condoms, diaphragm,
cervical cap, etc.) you will want to use a water-based lubricant
(Slippery Stuff, KY Jelly, AstroGlide, etc.). It is difficult to
clean oil-based lubricants out of the vagina or anus, therefore
you may want to stay away from using lotions, petroleum jelly, oil,
etc.
If you or your partner is prone to yeast infections it may be a
good option to use "Slippery Stuff", which is the only
glycerin-free lubricant on the market right now. Glycerin is a sugar
derivative and can foster yeast infections. The UIC Wellness Center
offers "Slippery Stuff" in our office located in B19 of
the Student Center East (formerly CCC).
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