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COULD I BE PREGNANT???

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I want to see a gynecologist but don’t want my mom involved. And can I lie if the doctor asks me about my sexual activity?
Why aren’t emotions post-abortion talked about more in counseling when some women have a lot of trouble coping and when stigma make it hard to talk openly?
Does a period after stopping Depo-Provera mean my fertility is back on track?
What does it mean to have a faint positive on my pregnancy test 3 weeks post-abortion?
Are my feelings of weakness and faintness due to my recent abortion?
Can I get pregnant 4 weeks after giving birth? What are the chances?
Could my pills be causing my severe headaches and hair loss?
Can Emma Goldman Clinic make gyn appointments for teens who are not regular clients?
How long should I wait after an abortion to have a healthy pregnancy?
Do I still have chlamydia if I had oral sex while taking the medication?
I have a copper IUD.  Is excessive thick yellow discharge normal?
Can I get pregnant if I had sex the day before IUD removal and I ovulated the day after?
Can I get pregnant if I had sex on my last two sugar pills and started a new pack early?
I think my vagina is very small. Should I be worried that I cannot fit a tampon inside it?
My period is late but the pregnancy test reads negative- what's going on?
How risky is it for my boyfriend to ejaculate inside of me if I'm on birth control?
I have symptoms after oral sex. I don't know what to do and can't turn to anyone. Please help.
Is it ok, to have an annual pap smear, like a day or so after your menstrual period?
Emma Goldman once refused an operation for a condition related to her fertility. What was it?
Can I get a pap smear at school?
Can I get pregnant after having an abortion?
 

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Remember, if you have a question that needs immediate attention, contact your health care provider.

”I would like to see a gynecologist before starting college but I don't know how to ask my mom without her assuming I'm having sex. Also, if the doctor asks me about having sex, even though I do, is it okay to lie and say I don't? I just don't feel comfortable telling anyone something so private. No matter how comfortable I am with the doctor.”
     -Anonymous

Although we would always encourage open communication, if you don't feel comfortable talking with your mom about making a gynecology appointment it's certainly something you can arrange on your own.  Ask friends, relatives, or your school nurse about clinics where you might feel comfortable.  Or, if you already have a primary practitioner you feel comfortable with, he/she may be able to do an exam for you. 
If you don't want your parents knowing about your exam you can ask the clinic and your insurance company (if you'll be using insurance) not to send anything to your house. 
When you do meet with a practitioner it's important to be honest about what sexual activities you engage in, even if it feels uncomfortable.  This information will help you and your health care practitioner decide things such as what laboratory tests are appropriate to run and what contraceptive method would be effective (if you are hoping to prevent pregnancy).
     -Emma


”Why isn't it mentioned in the counseling session that some women have a lot of trouble coping with their emotions after their abortion?  I have talked to countless friends who also feel messed up about this, but cannot talk openly because of the stigma (like then you are not pro-choice enough).  It hurts women!”
-Grace, Iowa City, Iowa

Hi Grace. I hear what you are saying and you deserve the right to be able to talk openly about your experiences without judgment and without shame for however you may feel.

As a clinic we recognize that every woman reacts to having an abortion differently.  Many women feel they have made a responsible decision about their pregnancy and feel relief after the procedure.  Other women may feel sadness, grief, or guilt.  If a woman indicates that she is concerned about how she may feel emotionally afterwards we try to address the issue as best we can before the procedure. 

All women who come to the Emma Goldman Clinic are instructed to call if they feel they are experiencing negative emotions afterwards that they are not able to work through on their own.  We have resources such as reading materials about other women's experiences after an abortion, booklets about coping with emotions, and info about a national post abortion support hotline number (1-866-4 EXHALE or 1-866-439–4253, www.4exhale.org) that we make available to any of our clients who express an interest.  If you feel you need more emotional support than you've been given do not hesitate to call the clinic where you were seen to request these types of resources or to obtain a referral for more in depth counseling.

It may even be helpful to think about what you are feeling hurt by – whether it’s internal issues about the abortion (ie how you felt about your decision and how it fit in your life) or external issues (ie how society may view abortion, abortion in the media, judgments from friends/partners/family/religion/etc). We cannot say what factors are the most important for your decision- however, it can help a woman better process and then respond to her feelings when she knows where they are coming from specifically.

It’s unfortunate that there’s a stigma around abortion that makes women feel they can’t talk openly about their experiences because of fear of negative judgment. As a clinic, we hear that and are working to change that. A couple ways we are doing that is through a Public Issues and Education committee with our Board of Directors and our involvement with the Abortion Conversation Project (http://www.abortionconversation.com), which is a forum for women to discuss their feelings openly and in a safe environment. We try to hold a few of these Conversations a year in the community. Please contact us for more details. There are also other ways that women like you and your friends can become more active who want to reduce the stigma around talking about abortion. For instance, see the “Links” page on www.emmagoldman.com for resources on political activism.
     -Emma

"I recently stopped using Depo Provera in February and I just received my first period (9 months later). My new husband and I were extremely excited when I found out because I believed that receiving my period would return my fertility and allow me to soon get pregnant. Is my fertility back on track and can I get pregnant now?”
     -Sadie, Lake Charles, LA

Some women's fertility returns the very first month they are off Depo Provera.  For others it may take several months.  The fact that your period has returned is a good sign that your body is getting back on track with its normal cycle; however, pregnancy was a potential outcome as soon as you went off Depo.  If you are wishing to get pregnant you can start trying at any time and if you don't want to conceive be sure to use an effective form of birth control since you are no longer protected by Depo Provera. 
     -Emma

”I had an abortion 3 weeks ago and the day after the 3rd week, I went for my check up and the result was faint positive. What exactly does that mean?”
-Anonymous

It's difficult to say since I don't know whether you had a high or a low sensitivity pregnancy test.  A high sensitivity test may very well still read positive after three weeks because it can detect very small amounts of pregnancy hormones, which may still be in your system.  A low sensitivity test will typically read negative after three weeks since it is a less sensitive test and will only turn positive when larger amounts of hormones are present.  In either case, it's important to contact your health care provider and to fully understand what the results mean and what type of follow-up is recommended. 
     -Emma
 

I recently went through the procedure and I was wondering if about 4 days after I fainted and it this has anything to do with it. I am very weak and I shake.
     -Anonymous

After having an abortion procedure it is very important to follow the recovery instructions given to you by the clinic that performed your abortion.  Similarly, if anything seems out of the ordinary you should call the clinic you went to in order to run your symptoms by a trained health professional.  Fainting or feeling dizzy can be a possibility in the days following an abortion, especially if you have had heavy bleeding.  Heavy bleeding may cause you to be dehydrated if you are not adequately replacing lost fluids.  It may also cause you to become anemic, so increasing your iron intake may help.  Even if you increase your fluids and your iron intake, I would still encourage you to contact your health care provider since they have details about your medical history and the procedure that was performed.
     -Emma
 

“Can I get pregnant 4 weeks after giving birth? What are the chances?”
     -Mandy, Ironton, OH

After giving birth you may ovulate at any time and, therefore, you have the chance of getting pregnant as well.   Your chances of conceiving soon after birth increase if you have not been using a reliable contraceptive.  So, take precautions to prevent pregnancy if you are not ready for another baby, keep an eye on your symptoms, and take a test if you suspect you are pregnant.
     -Emma



”I have been taking Yaz birth control for about four months now and the last 2 months I have been experiencing severe headaches and hair loss. Could this be side effects from the pills?”
     -Ledia Crowely, LA

Although these symptoms are rarely linked to birth control it is certainly possible that they are the cause of your headaches and/or hair loss; examining your prescriptions is a good place to start your investigation.  Talk with the health care provider that has prescribed your birth control pills and the prescribing practitioners of any other medications you are taking, if any.  They will be able to advise you on what to do and possibly schedule you for an appointment to better assess your symptoms as well.
     -Emma

”I just turned 18 and got a postcard from my regular doctor saying I need to get my 18 yr old physical which includes a pelvic exam and pap smear.  I go to a pediatrics doctor and think it would be very embarrassing and uncomfortable with this doctor for one because he is male and I’ve known him almost my whole life.  Do you give appointments for these exams to teens you don’t see regularly and if so how much do they cost. Thanks!”
     -Anonymous, Iowa City

Many women are nervous for their first gynecological exam and it's important to find a clinic where you feel comfortable.  If you feel that it would be awkward to see your primary physician for this exam, try to find a clinic that seems like a better fit.  Since you live locally, you could schedule an exam here at the Emma Goldman Clinic or at another family planning clinic.  To schedule an appointment here just call the clinic and explain what you need.  The receptionist will be more than willing to answer your questions, quote you a price, and find a time that is convenient for you.  And remember, although this will be your first gynecological exam, the staff serving you see clients for these appointments every day and will work hard to make you feel as informed and comfortable as possible.
     -Emma


”After having an abortion, how long should someone wait in order to have a healthy pregnancy?”
     -Rhonda

After having an abortion you should wait at least two to three weeks before having vaginal intercourse since your body is still healing from the procedure.  It is always a good idea to see a health care practitioner at the end of this recovery period as well to make sure your body has healed fully.  If everything checks out at this exam you can try to get conceive as soon as you wish.  Some women ovulate right away after having an abortion, for others it may take a month or two for their fertility to return.  Having an abortion will not affect your ability to have a healthy pregnancy in the future, but it is important to make sure your body has made a full recovery before you try to get pregnant again.
     -Emma

“What if I had chlamydia and while I was taking the medicine to cure it I had oral sex with my boyfriend while we both were on our medication. Do I still have it?”
      -Anonymous, Chicago, IL

Chlamydia can be passed through oral sex, so if the antibiotics you were taking had not yet cured your infection you or your partner could have exchanged the infection through oral to genital contact.  An oral chlamydia infection typically results in a sore throat, so you should see your health care practitioner if you or your partner exhibit any symptoms.  And remember, it's always a good idea to protect yourself and your partner during oral sex by using condoms and dental dams.
      -Emma


”Four months ago I had a copper IUD fitted is it normal that I now have excessive thick yellow discharge its not offensive smelling and I have no itching or other symptoms.”
      -Katy

Having an IUD placed may cause changes in your body's vaginal discharge.  These changes may include color, consistency, and/or the amount of discharge your body produces.  If you begin to notice an odor, itchiness, pain, or burning associated with these changes you should consult your health care practitioner. 
      -Emma


”If I had sex the day before I got my IUD out, and I ovulated the day after, could I get pregnant? Would the sperm still be alive and able to get me pregnant?”
      -Janet, Birmingham, AL

Once an IUD is removed it is safe to assume you are no longer protected against pregnancy.  Although it may take some women several months to return to their natural cycles and to regain their fertility, other women could potentially become pregnant much sooner.  If you had intercourse the day before your IUD was pulled there could have still been live sperm in the vaginal and the potential to become pregnant, although small, does exist.  If you want to take a pregnancy test, it should be accurate approximately ten days from possible conception. 
      -Emma


”Hi Emma I have been on birth control for 7 years now straight. Recently I was on my last 2 sugar pills, and I knew me and my bf were going to end up having sex, so I started a new pack just a few hours before sex.  And I have continued since that day, without missing.  Do you think I am safe since I have been on it for so long, or do you think 6 hours wasn't enough time for it 2 be in my system?.. Could I be pregnant?”
      -Andrea

Women who take birth control pills correctly and consistently are 97-99.9% protected against pregnancy even while they are taking the placebo (sugar) pills at the end of their pack that have no hormones in them, so you didn't need to start a new pack before having sex. 

However, starting a new pack earlier than you were scheduled to probably won't have increased or decreased the effectiveness of the pills.  Even so, birth control pills should always be taken exactly as prescribed unless you have spoken with your prescribing practitioner about alternate regimens. 

In addition, the fact that you have used pills as a birth control method for a number of years does not give you extra protection.  Each time you begin a new cycle and a new pack of pills you have a new opportunity to prevent or create a pregnancy.  You should take a pregnancy test if you begin exhibiting symptoms or miss your next period.
FYI - If you are having sex, there’s always a *chance* of pregnancy – however, if you are on birth control, you increase your protection and pregnancy prevention when you use that method consistently and correctly- and  see more about pills here).
      -Emma



”I am 20 years old and have been trying to use a tampon for awhile now with no success. I took a mirror and saw that my vagina is very small; I could hardly fit anything larger than a Q-tip in there, though the Q-tip slid in just fine. Should I be worried?  I am not sexually active. “
      -Anonymous, IL

Although the vagina may appear quite small from the outside, the tissue surrounding the vaginal opening is very elastic.  Similarly, the vaginal canal can open and stretch and should be able to easily accommodate a tampon with a little more practice. 

If you'd like to use tampons instead of pads during your period, there are several things you could try. 

First, you could try feeling for your vaginal opening and canal with your finger so you know exactly where to insert the tampon and how to angle it.  Most women will need to angle a tampon with the tip pointing toward their back in order to insert it easily.   Thin tampons and tampons with rounded plastic applicators may be easier to insert.  You could also try putting a small amount of lubricant on the outside of the applicator to help it slide in more easily.  Try not to get stressed if you're still having difficulty; the more relaxed you are the more likely you are to be successful.  If you are still unable to insert the tampon after several tries or if it becomes painful for you at any point, consider consulting your health care practitioner.
      -Emma

"I have a period that is late by two weeks but the pregnancy test I took reads negative."
      -Anonymous

There are lots of things that can cause a period to be irregular.  Pregnancy is always a good thing to rule out first and you should consider taking a second pregnancy test if you miss another period.  Other factors that can influence when and if you get a period could be major life changes like getting a new job or moving, stress, nutrition, exercise, changes in birth control, or some sort of underlying health problem.  Although many women have irregular periods or miss one occasionally you should see a practitioner if you miss a second period or start having other symptoms such as abdominal pain or abnormal vaginal discharge.
      -Emma


"Hello Emma. My current circumstance is this: my boyfriend of almost three years and I recently decided to have sex. I am on birth control and he uses a condom. We have been extremely careful and really educated ourselves on practically everything (ranging from what days of my cycle am I most fertile to contraceptives that will work for us to causes and effects to literally everything). I hope just saying that won't contradict what I ask you. Basically my question is if I know exactly when I ovulate and know how to tell when I'm finished ovulating, how risky would it be if he ejaculates inside of me during intercourse (keeping in mind I'd still be on birth control)? Do you still not recommend that kind of sex even though I'm on birth control and not ovulating? We really just want to experience how it feels, but obviously don't want to risk too much. Again, hope I didn't contradict myself, but I can read others' questions and answers online all day, but I won't feel better about it until my own question can be answered. Thanks for any help!"
      -Anonymous

Birth control pills, when taken correctly, are between 98 and 99 percent effective.  "When taken correctly" means that you take your pill every day at as close to the same time of day as possible.  It is also important that you not be taking antibiotics that could interfere with the effectiveness of the pill and that you do not currently have digestive problems (like vomiting or diarrhea) that could hinder absorption.  Although birth control pills can fail occasionally, when taken correctly they are highly effective at preventing pregnancy.  Remember, though, that condoms are the best way to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections.
      -Emma

“I’m 13, I haven't had sex but I have had oral sex, I have noticed little white blisters and when something’s inserted into my vagina it really burns, I really don't know what do to, I can't turn to anyone because I’m scared of what they'll say or think. Please help.”
      -Anonymous, Harthill, Lanarkshire

Since we cannot diagnose anything over the internet, we would encourage you to be seen by a medical professional so you can be properly diagnosed and treated for these symptoms. The symptoms you are experiencing may or may not be sexually transmitted, but it is always important to use protection (ie condoms, dental dams) when you have sexual contact, oral, vaginal, or anal.  Being open with your practitioner about your sexual history will help him/her make an accurate diagnosis.  To find a clinic near you, you could try searching in the phonebook or online for "gynecology" or "family planning."  Clinics in your area should be able to answer any questions you have regarding your symptoms as well confidentiality concerns. 
     -Emma

“Is it ok, to have an annual pap smear, like a day or so after your menstrual period?”
      -Tina, Minneapolis, MN

It is best to have a pap smear at a point in your cycle when you are not bleeding.  In a pap smear, sample blood cells can obscure cervical cells and make the test difficult for the lab technician to read. 
       -Emma
 

“I had unprotected sex on Friday but my boyfriend didn’t cum in me. I have been taking amoxicillin with my birth control pills. Since then I had unprotected sex on Sunday and this time he came in me, I got the emergency pill on Monday. What are the chances of me being pregnant?”
      -Samantha

From what you’ve told me, I’m not sure if I’m clear on what you mean by "unprotected sex" - whether you mean sex without a condom while you were on the pill or sex with absolutely no protection (no condom AND no birth control pills, which is how I use the term).
If you are having sex without condoms while taking pills, you are 97-99% protected against pregnancy, whether or not a guy cums in you, so you would be having relatively protected sex if you are on pills. We do always recommend condoms to protect against sexually transmitted infections (plus, they add another method of protection against pregnancy). 

There are things that can decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills, and antibiotics are included in that list. Amoxicillin is an antibiotic and antibiotics can indeed decrease the effectiveness of your pills – we tell clients here that if they are taking antibiotics, to use a backup method like condoms for the duration of the antibiotics and a full 7 days afterwards. Just to be safe.  The reason for this is because the antibiotics can cause the pills to be less effective, which means that you could ovulate, and thus you can become pregnant if you have unprotected sex. It is OK to have sex while on antibiotics as long as you use condoms and use them correctly.

If you had sex when you weren’t on the pill, emergency contraception (EC) is your second chance at birth control when used asap and within 5 days of unprotected sex. We can’t tell you the chances of being pregnant – only that it’s lower the sooner you take EC after unprotected sex.  A pregnancy test should be accurate within about 10 days of a sexual encounter.
     -Emma

“RE: Emma Goldman
I am reading her (Emma Goldman's) autobiography as part of my graduate study. She reports excruciating pain in her spine, legs, abdomen and head during menses. She also reports that she was examined by a medical doctor who informed her that she could not conceive unless she had an operation. Emma refused the operation. What was Emma's condition? 
Dysmenorrhea... but what about the infertility?  I appreciate anything you can tell me.  Thanks.”
      -Diane, PA 

Without other information, it would not be prudent to guess a diagnosis.  I would suggest you ask this question of the Emma Goldman Papers, an archive of her life and writings housed at the University of California at Berkley.  They can be reached at:  http://sunsite.berkeley.edu/Goldman/ or emma(AT)berkeley.edu  (510) 642-4708
These folks are the premiere authority on Emma Goldman.
      -Emma
 

“Are school nurses able to give Pap smears?”
          -Kaye, OK

It's great that you're thinking about this important test. Pap smears involve collecting a small sample of cells from your cervix.  This preparation is then sent to a laboratory and examined for cancerous or pre-cancerous cells.  

Student health clinics at universities and colleges sometimes offer pap smears.  Most high school/junior high/elementary school nurses in the US do not provide reproductive health care.  You can certainly ask the nurse at your school whether that service is provided.  If not, s/he should be able to give you a list of health clinics in your area where you can get a Pap smear. 
          -Emma

“Can I be pregnant if I had sex three days after having an abortion?  Can I still use emergency contraception?”
          -Dee, South Africa

First things first.  It is important not to place anything inside your vagina for at least two weeks after an abortion.  Doing so may put you at risk for a uterine infection, as your body has not yet had a chance to completely heal from the procedure.  If you have any questions about your aftercare and how to prevent complications like infection, do contact the provider who performed your abortion.

Secondly, while it is not likely that your body has regained its ability to conceive, there is a small chance that you may have ovulated.  If you ovulated, then yes, you can get pregnant if you had unprotected sex. 

Lastly- emergency contraception pills are a second chance at birth control if you had unprotected sex and you can read more about it here.  Since you are not in the U.S., I don’t know what emergency contraception methods are available to you and I would recommend you speak to the provider that performed your abortion for advice.  In general, emergency contraception pills can help prevent a pregnancy if a woman is not already pregnant and takes the pills within 5 days of unprotected sex.  EC is not as effective as choosing a birth control method that you can use accurately and consistently.
          -Emma