A lot of people think that if a girl has sex during her period, she can't get pregnant. But it is possible for a girl to get pregnant while she is bleeding.
Having unprotected sex at any time is very risky. Along with the chance of becoming pregnant, there is also the risk of getting a sexually transmitted infection (STI), such as Chlamydia, genital warts, or HIV.
I think I need a pregnancy test. I don’t want to go to the family doctor – where can I go instead?
Having a pregnancy test or sorting out emergency contraception is taking responsibility for yourself. Don’t just think the problem will go away – the earlier you get checked out to see if you are pregnant the more time you’ll have to find out what options are best for you.
You don’t need to go to your doctor for a pregnancy test, try a family planning clinic, local teen clinic or young people’s sexual health drop-in. They offer free walk in pregnancy testing and want to help you not judge you.
In Hull you could go to 1st floor Conifer House, 32-36 Prospect Street or The Warren on Queen’s Dock Chambers or Purple House on Preston Road. The Warren offers a counselling service providing free, confidential support and advice. They also offer free condoms, pregnancy testing and Chlamydia screening. The Warren is based at 49 Queens Dock Avenue, in Hull, find us on this map (link opens in new window) and drop in to say hi!
What happens when you get a pregnancy test?
At a drop-in you’ll meet a sexual health worker. They’ll want to ask you some personal questions so that they can give you the best advice. Don’t stress, everything will be kept confidential; no-one will be told except if there is evidence of harm to you or others.
Even if it is a negative result (the test shows you are not pregnant) you may be asked to come back for another test, the worker will explain the reason.
If the result is positive (and shows you are pregnant) you’ll be put you in touch with family planning and/or teenage pregnancy support. If you want, the sexual health worker can go with you.
Whatever the result you will have someone to talk to about any worries you may have.
What happens if a condom splits?
Using condoms is the best way to protect yourself from having to deal with an unwanted pregnancy or getting an STI (Sexually Transmitted Infection). Any sexual health worker or family planning nurse can show you how to use and protect your condoms safely. Practice putting them on before you have sex.
A split condom does mean that you are at risk of getting an STI or having to deal with an unplanned pregnancy.
If you live in Hull and are worried about pregnancy you could go to 1st floor Conifer House, 32-36 Prospect Street or The Warren on Queen’s Dock Chambers or Purple House on Preston Road. You could go to a family planning clinic, a chemist or some school nurses and drop-ins can give out emergency contraception or can tell you where to go.
What about STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infection)?
A Sexually Transmitted Infection is an infection that you catch whilst you have sexual intercourse or close intimate contact.
Often when you go for a pregnancy test you are also offered a Chlamydia screening as well. Chlamydia can be easily treated with a simple course of antibiotics but if left untreated it can make you unable to have children in later life. Chlamydia does not always show symptoms.
If you are worried that you may have an STI please phone Conifer House on (01482) 336336 if you would like a full screen. Or visit a sexual health young people’s drop-in. You could go to the 1st floor Conifer House at 32-36 Prospect Street in Hull for a Chlamydia screen.
What is HIV/AIDS, do I need to worry about it?
HIV is a blood borne virus which can be transmitted sexually. If you practice safer sex by using condoms then you are protecting yourself.
Most STI’s can be treated or managed effectively but HIV has no cure and the treatments usually have nasty side effects.
If you are worried about HIV or know someone affected by HIV please pop into any young person’s sexual health clinic to talk about what’s stressing you out. Or you could call Conifer House on (01482) 336336 or visit the 1st floor (link opens in new window) Conifer House (map opens in new window) at 32-36 Prospect Street in Hull.
Remember take your time and don’t feel you have to rush into having sex until you feel ready and happy. If you feel stressed talk to someone. It can be best to wait until you’re in a supportive relationship.
