There are always people to talk to - if you need help it's a good idea to ask for it. Most schools have a counsellor. Telephone numbers for local health and help services are in the front of your phone book under " Personal Help Services". Most Rape Crisis centres are listed under "Rape Crisis" but some are listed under "Sexual Abuse".
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TOP 10 QUESTIONS
1. I had unprotected sex. Could I be pregnant?
The only way to determine if you are pregnant is to have a test. You can make an appointment at FPA, with your local Sexual Health Service or with your own doctor. You can also purchase Home Pregnancy tests from any pharmacy 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, formally the morning after pill) might be suitable. Remember that you need to start taking it within 72 hours of having unprotected sex.
You may also be at risk of catching an STI, so you might want to consider a Sexual Health check-up as well. These are free at all Sexual Health clinics (see your hospital listing at the start of the White Pages). STI check-ups are also available at FPA clinics, any Youth Health service or your own doctor.
2. My period is late, I have tender breasts and have been feeling sick. Am I pregnant?
Pregnancy signs and symptoms affect people differently. Some women might have some or all of these symptoms and not be pregnant. Or, they could have no symptoms and be pregnant. Some of these symptoms could actually be something else entirely so you may need to go to your doctor regardless.
The only way to determine if you are pregnant is to have a test. You can make an appointment at FPA, with your local Sexual Health Service or with your own doctor. You can also purchase home pregnancy tests from any pharmacy or most supermarkets. Tests are usually accurate from two weeks after sex.
3. We had sex but he didn't cum. Could I be pregnant?
It is possible to get pregnant even when he doesn't ejaculate (cum) inside you. The withdrawal method is the least effective form of contraception and still leaves you at risk of STI's.
When a male is sexually aroused, he can have a small amount of pre-cum leaking out of his penis (although this may not always be visible). Pre-cum is a clear fluid that makes up most of the fluid in ejaculation. The pre-cum can contain live sperm. Although there may only be a few sperm in pre-cum, it only ever takes one sperm to get pregnant.
The only way to determine if you are pregnant is to have a test. You can make an appointment at FPA, with your local Sexual Health Service or with your own doctor. You can also purchase home pregnancy tests from any pharmacy or most supermarkets. Tests are usually accurate from two weeks after sex.
4. We had outer-course/frottage/rubbed our genitals together. Could I be pregnant?
Sperm only need to reach the vulva (outer area of your vagina) in order to enter your body and cause pregnancy. Although there is only a small chance of this causing pregnancy, there is still a chance. It only takes one sperm to get pregnant.
The only way to determine if you are pregnant is to have a test. You can make an appointment at FPA, with your local Sexual Health Service or with your own doctor. You can also purchase home pregnancy tests from any pharmacy or most supermarkets. Tests are usually accurate from two weeks after sex.
5. I have just started taking the Oral Contraceptive Pill and I am experiencing breakthrough bleeding. Why is this?
A lot of women experience changes to their cycle when they first start a new pill. Breakthrough bleeding or spotting is quite common. It should settle down with 1-2 months and you are still protected from pregnancy. Once it does settle down, you should experience regular periods that may be lighter than before. If it doesn't, then you may need to return to the doctor to discuss your concerns and perhaps obtain an alternative pill.
6. I recently had the injection (Depo Provera) and my period is light/heavy/ongoing/breakthrough bleeding. Why is this?
A lot of women experience change to their cycle when they first get the injection. Your period should stop altogether when you get your second injection 12 weeks later. If it doesn't then you will need to return to the doctor to discuss your concerns. Regardless of your period, you are protected from pregnancy for the 12 weeks that Depo Provera lasts.
7. I have noticed some white spots on the base of my penis and/or testicles. They don't hurt, smell or leak. What are they?
Something harmless called Pearly Penile Papules. If they are not causing you any discomfort then you don't need to do anything about them.
8. My friends have all gone through some puberty changes (e.g. grown body or facial hair). I haven't. Why not?
Everybody goes through puberty in their own way, at their own pace. There is no correct order or timing for when changes happen, so there is not any right or wrong way. Puberty is a process that can start as young as 8 and still be occurring (e.g. growth spurts) into your early twenties.
Most females should get their first period by the time they are 16. If you haven't then there could be a reason for the delay that only a doctor can diagnose.
Puberty can be a confusing time. If you ever have any questions or issues to discuss, there are plenty of people out there who are trained to provide you with the accurate information. You could visit an FPA clinic, Youth Health Centre, your own doctor or Public Health nurse (who might be at your school). You could also talk to your school counsellor, nurse or health teacher.
9. My partner wants to have sex with me but I don't think that I am ready. How do I tell him/her?
All you need to say is "No, I'm not ready". Most people will accept this. Having sex should only happen when two people both feel ready. Respect for your partners' wishes is a very important part of a relationship. If your partner cannot accept your decision to not have sex, then you might want to think carefully about continuing the relationship.
10. I am attracted to somebody the same sex as myself. We fooled around/had sex/kissed/had a threesome. I fantasise about him/her. Am I gay?
What you are feeling is totally normal and lots of people question their sexual orientation at different times. Relax and go with what you are feeling. Spend some quality time with people you really like.
Just because you are attracted to someone doesn't mean you are ready for a sexual relationship. You are trying to get your head around your sexual identity. In any relationship touching often comes after you really feel comfortable with someone. If you are attracted to someone, spend some time getting to know them and see what happens.
If you are really worried about this you could contact Rainbow Youth (09 3764155). They are really cool and they can give you heaps of information. If you're not sure about your sexual orientation (if you're gay or not) they can talk to you about that.
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TOPICS COVERED IN THE WORD 'QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS':
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