These are Frequently Asked Questions that Nurse Kathy answers.
The following questions are about contraception, pregnancy and STD's. Please scroll down to view all the questions. If you do not see your question or if you need further information, please ask Nurse Kathy by e-mail. She will respond as soon as possible.
CONTRACEPTION
Can I get the pill with out my parents knowing?
How long does it take for the pill or Depo-Provera (the shot) to work?
If I become pregnant while on the pill or on Depo-Provera will it harm my baby?
Is it true that you can use the pill to skip your period?
Is the withdrawal method an effective form of birth control?
Do antibiotics affect the pill?
I am a male interested in the effects of sterelization (vasectomy). Can you tell me the costs, and how effective this is?
I am a female interested in the effects of sterilization (tubal occlusion). Can you tell me the costs, and how effective this is?
I am trying to learn more about my body's cycles so I can seek/avoid pregnancy. Are there natural methods that I can use?
If I stop taking the pill how long should I wait until I can conceive?
If I stop taking Depo-Provera, how long should I wait until I can conceive?
What is SelectPlan for Women?
SelectPlan for Women is a program that is available to women who are Pennsylvania residents and who meet certain eligibility requirements. It covers family planning services and supplies, so most of the services you normally receive at our family planning clinics will be free-of-charge! Click here for more information.
PREGNANCY
I had sex last night in any of the following situations and I am afraid I might get pregnant by accident, what can I do now?
the condom broke
the condom slipped off
I was forced to have sex without birth control
I missed my birth control shot (Depo Provera)
I forgot to take my pill
the diaphragm was dislodged
I forgot to put on my patch
my patch fell off
Is it possible to get pregnant during my period?
How long after sex must I wait to take a pregnancy test so that I get accurate results?
Is it possible to get pregnant without even having sex? Can sperm live outside the male body?
Know The Facts
I am having sex for the first time and want to know what are the best methods for protection from both pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.
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If I become pregnant on the pill or on Depo-Provera will it harm my baby?
The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology has done studies to prove that the pill does not cause fetal abnormalities if taken during pregnancy. Of course, you should stop taking the pill as soon as possible when you find out you are pregnant.
As for Depo-Provera, some health care providers will give you a pregnancy test before your Depo-Provera shot. If you suspect you have become pregnant while on Depo-Provera, you should go back to your clinician for a pregnancy test as soon as possible.
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Is it possible to get pregnant without even having sex? Can sperm live outside the male body?
The life expectancy of sperm is short if exposed to air because air kills sperm. Once sperm has entered a woman's body, it can live up to one week. Sperm can be deposited on the skin surfaces near a woman's vagina and can enter the vagina with the help of a woman's bodily fluids. Becoming pregnant this way is not common, however, women have gotten pregnant without having the penis penetrate or inserted in their vagina.If there is a chance there is sperm on your hands, make sure to wash with soap and water before coming into any contact with the vagina.
If you are worried about pregnancy you may want to consider contacting a Philadelphia Area Family Planning Clinic for Emergency Contraception (EC).
Click here for locations outside of the Philadelphia area where emergency contraception is available.
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Is it possible to get pregnant during my period?
Yes, it is possible to become pregnant while you have your period. The chances of getting pregnant during your period are low but not impossible. If you have sexual intercourse during the end of your period the chances are higher because sperm can live in the female reproductive tract for up to one week.
If you would like to visit a family planning clinic for a pregnancy test please contact a Philadelphia Area Family Planning Clinic.
Click here for Planned Parenthood locations outside of the Philadelphia area.
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How long after sex must I wait to take a pregnancy test so that I get accurate results?
Every woman is different as to when a pregnancy test will come up positive. It is best to wait until you have missed a period by 10 to 14 days or two weeks to give your body time to build up the hormone HCG, which is only present when you are pregnant. A very early test (during the week your period is due) might not pick up a pregnancy because the level of HCG might not yet be detectable.
If you would like to visit a family planning clinic for a pregnancy test please contact a Philadelphia Area Family Planning Clinic.
Click here for Planned Parenthood locations outside of the Philadelphia area.
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Is it true that you can use the pill to skip your period?
Yes, it is possible to skip your period by using the pill. You should discuss this with your health care provider in order to understand what this might mean for your body. Also there are certain birth control pills that are better to use in order to skip a period.
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Can I get the pill without my parents knowing?
Teenagers in the United States who are served at Federally funded family planning clinics, do not need their parent's permission to get birth control and related reproductive health care services. Family planning services, including birth control, are also available at Federally funded family planning clinics for free or at a low cost to teenagers.
It is a good idea, however, for teenagers to talk with their parents or other trusted adults about their thoughts and feelings about birth control. Talking with a trusted adult can help a teenager carefully consider his or her decision about becoming sexually active and the need to use birth control to prevent pregnancy and disease.
Click here for more information about birth control methods and prevention of sexually transmitted diseases.
Philadelphia Area Family Planning Clinics
Click here for Planned Parenthood clinics outside of the Philadelphia area, where services for teens are also free or low cost and confidential.
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How long does it take for the pill or Depo-Provera to work?
The pill is effective two weeks after you start using it. It basically shuts off your ovaries. As long as you remember to take it at the same time each day you will be protected from pregnancy. The Depo-Provera shot is effective about 24 hours after it is given (within the first five days of your menses), even if it is the first time getting the shot.
For more information about the birth control pill click here, for more information about Depo-Provera click here.
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Do antibiotics affect the pill?
Certain antibiotics can have an effect on the pill and reduce its ability to prevent pregnancy. If you are given a prescription for an antibiotic be sure to tell the clinician that you are on the pill. During the time you are taking the antibiotic, use a back up method of birth control like male or female condoms, or abstain from vaginal sex. You should also use the back up method of birth control or abstain from sex for one week after taking your last dose of antibiotic.
If you are worried about getting pregnant, you may want to consider using Emergency Contraception (EC).
For information on where to get emergency contraception, click here for a list of family planning clinics in the Philadelphia area where emergency contraception is available.
Click here for locations outside of the Philadelphia area where emergency contraception is available.
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Is the withdrawal method an effective form of birth control?
The withdrawal method, also referred to as pulling out, occurs when the man pulls his penis out of the woman's vagina before he ejaculates. If there is any pre-ejaculatory fluid (pre-cum) on the penis, then there is a chance that a pregnancy may occur. Many women get pregnant by accident by using the withdrawal method. The statistics are high, 20 women will get pregnant out of every 100 women who use withdrawal. It is not a reliable way to prevent pregnancy. This method also does not prevent the spread of Sexually Transmitted Diseases, including HIV.
There are other, more effective methods of birth control. If you are interested in finding out more about these methods, click here. If you are interested in more information about Sexually Transmitted Diseases and/or HIV, click here.
If you are worried about pregnancy you may want to consider contacting a Philadelphia Area Family Planning Clinic for Emergency Contraception (EC).
Click here for locations outside of the Philadelphia area where emergency contraception is available.
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If I stop taking the pill, how long should I wait until I can conceive?
You should first complete the cycle of pills that you are currently using. It can take from one to three months for your body's own hormonal cycle to resume menstruating and ovulating. Some couples choose to use a non-hormonal method during this time, to give the body a chance to resume hormonal functioning. Exposure to pill hormones during pregnancy has been studied by the Food and Drug Administration. The pill does not cause fetal anomalies, but some people would rather not risk hormonal exposure. Non-hormonal methods include male and female condoms, the diaphragm, spermacides and the sponge.
You may wish to check in with your clinician for a pre-pregnancy check up that includes genetic counseling and a request for prenatal vitamins.
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If I stop taking Depo-Provera, how long should I wait until I can conceive?
Depo-Provera can stay in the system of a woman for six to eighteen months after the last shot. This is because Depo-Provera is stored in the body's fat cells; it can take a while for the medication to completely leave the system. This does not mean, however, that the Depo-Provera shot will completely protect a woman from pregnancy after she discontinues getting the shot. It means that she may not be ovulating or menstruating on a regular basis after discontinuing Depo-Provera. Women who will be seeking pregnancy in the next year or two are advised to use a shorter acting method of birth control. Shorter acting methods of birth control include: oral contraceptives (the pill), the diaphragm, male and female condoms, or spermacides.
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I had sex last night in any of the following situations and I am afraid I might get pregnant by accident, what can I do now?
the condom broke
condom slipped off
I was forced to have sex without birth control
I missed my Depo shot
I forgot my pill(s)
the diaphragm was dislodged
If you had unprotected sex in the last 72 hours or three days and want to avoid an unplanned pregnancy, you may want Emergency Contraceptive Pills or ECP. ECP used to be called "the morning after pill". It is now called ECP because it can be used up to three days after unprotected sex, although it is most effective if taken within 12 hours after unprotected sex. ECP is a series of specific types of birth control pills that if taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex can prevent an unplanned pregnancy by up to 75%. The following ECP resources are available:
ECP providers: 1-888-NOT-2-LATE
Planned Parenthood: 1-800-230-PLAN
Emergency Contraception providers in the USA or Canada
Philadelphia Area Family Planning Clinics
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I am trying to learn more about my body's cycles so I can seek/avoid pregnancy. Are there natural methods that I can use?
Yes. Natural Family Planning or NFP is a method in which a woman and clinician study her patterns of menstruation and ovulation to determine the best times to conceive or avoid pregnancy. NFP is best learned by utilizing the sympto-thermal method. This means that a woman must be comfortable in monitoring her body's signs that signal fertility. Checking the position of the cervix daily as well as vaginal mucus is a part of NFP. Checking Basal Body Temperature (BBT) daily before getting up out of bed is also a part of NFP. This method is easy to learn but is best reviewed with a clinician to help determine fertility patterns. Resources for this method can be found at Planned Parenthood centers in the United States by calling 1-800-230-PLAN. The following links provide additional information:
Philadelphia Area Family Planning Clinics
Parents Place
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I am a female interested in the effects of sterilization (tubal occlusion). Can you tell me the costs, and how effective this is?
A-Female sterilization is performed in a hospital operating room after counseling about the method has been done. Most surgeons prefer a woman candidate for sterilization to have had all of the children desired before the procedure because it is considered permanent. Sterilization does not provide any protection from sexually transmitted diseases, so using a condom is still important. Sterilization costs can vary greatly. Some hospitals and clinics have funding available to assist low-income clients in obtaining this procedure. Sterilization involves cutting, clipping or cauterizing the fallopian tubes, which are attached to the uterus. This means that the egg (ova) cannot enter the tube to meet with the sperm. Sterilization does increase the risk of ectopic or tubal pregnancy after the procedure. Sterilization does not inhibit or stop a woman's menstrual cycle, so periods should be expected. Sterilization is 99% effective as a method of birth control.
For more information on female sterilization, or to locate a Planned Parenthood clinic in your area, please visit Planned Parenthood online.
Philadelphia Area Family Planning Clinics.
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I am a male interested in the effects of sterilization (vasectomy). Can you tell me the costs, and how effective this is?
A vasectomy is considered a permanent method of male birth control. It is 99% effective as a method of birth control and is much less complicated than female sterilization as it is performed on an out patient basis. Getting a vasectomy means that the vas deferens (which carries the sperm) is disabled. There is a newer technique called no-scalpel vasectomy which many men prefer.
The costs of sterilization vary greatly from provider to provider. Insurance plans also vary as to coverage. Some hospitals and clinics have funding available to assist low-income clients in obtaining this procedure. For more information regarding male vasectomy please check out the following links:
If you would like more information on male vasectomy, contact us or a Planned Parenthood clinic in your area.
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I am having sex for the first time and want to know what are the best methods for protection from both pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.
It is an excellent idea for both partners to be screened for HIV and other infections that can be present without signs or symptoms. Having sex for the first time requires a lot of negotiation with your partner about which birth control method(s) will be good for both of you. Male and female condoms are good protection from both pregnancy and infections. Using a spermacide with the condom reduces the chances an unplanned pregnancy. Having Emergency Contraception Pills (ECP) on hand as a back up method is also good planning.
More Information
Philadelphia Area Family Planning Clinics
Click here if you are outside of the Philadelphia area, and are in need of a clinic for an exam.
If you are a woman and would like to know what to expect when you visit a family planning clinic click here, if you are man, click here.
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