Is there a safe time of the month to have sex and not get pregnant or a sexually transmitted infection (STI)?
No, it is possible to get pregnant at anytime of a women’s monthly menstrual cycle.
There are certain times during the month that you are more likely to get pregnant but, it is possible to get pregnant at any time. It’s even possible during your period. It is also possible to get an STD/ STI (make link) all month long.
The only way to absolutely prevent pregnancy is to abstain from (avoid) vaginal sex (placing the man’s penis in the woman’s vagina) or allow ejaculate (cum) near the outside of the vagina. You can reduce the risk of pregnancy by using birth control and condoms.
Can I go to the gynecologist without my parents or caregiver knowing?
Yes, in Wisconsin minors (people under the age of 18) are able to see a sexual health doctor without parents or caregivers finding out.
Doctors and health care providers in Wisconsin are required to provide confidential visits about sexual health. Being confidential mean that you can talk to a doctor and they will not share that information with anyone else. If you are still worried about someone else finding out, you can ask the clinic questions like: Will you call me at home ever? Will you send me a bill through the mail ever? Will you ever send other mail to my home?
Can HIV and other sexually transmitted infections pass through condoms?
No
When used correctly every time, latex condoms protect again STIs such as Chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomonas and bacterial vaginosis. Condoms don’t always protect against genital herpes, warts (or HPV), or pubic lice because these STIs can be spread through skin contact that isn’t covered by a condom or dental dam, not by passing through it. Lambskin condoms do not protect against HIV and other STIs.
Where do I get condoms or birth control?
You can buy condoms from most drug stores, supermarkets and corner stores. You can also get free condoms in Milwaukee.
There are many choices of birth control to choose from. To get birth control you must get a prescription from a health care provider. Many clinics offer free or reduced prices on birth control. Visit a clinic to learn more.
What is emergency contraception? Where can I get it?
Emergency contraception (EC) is a way to prevent pregnancy after no birth control was used during sex or if a birth control method failed such as a broken condom. EC is not an “abortion pill”. It will not affect a well established pregnancy. EC is sometimes called “The Morning After Pill” or by the brand name Plan B.
EC helps prevent pregnancy. Pregnancy begins when a fertilized egg (joined egg and sperm) implants itself in the lining of the uterus. EC prevents can prevent the release of an egg from the ovary, and fertilization (egg joining with the sperm). EC is 75% effective in preventing pregnancy. Other birth control methods like condoms (85-98% effective) and birth control pills (92-99% effective) have better odds in preventing pregnancy when used correctly. So, EC should not be used instead of methods such as condoms or birth control pills.
EC can prevent pregnancy if started within 3 days (72 Hours) of unprotected sex. It is more effective the sooner it is taken after sex. Because it’s hard to predict when unprotected sex or a broken condom might happen, you need to have EC in the house before it happens. You can buy Plan B (a brand of EC) at your local pharmacy if you are over 18 years old. If you are under 18, you can get EC with a prescription through the Family Planning Only Services. Family Planning Only Services offers free STI testing, PAP smears and discounted or free birth control including EC.
Learn about Family Planing Only Services
Learn about EC First
How do I know if I have a sexually transmitted infection (STI)? When should I get tested for an STI?
Many people who have STIs do not have symptoms. Oral, anal, and vaginal sex all put you at risk for STIs. If you do have symptoms you might notice any of the following:
o sores, bumps, or blisters near your mouth, rectum or sex organs
o burning or pain when you urinate (pee)
o discharge (fluid) from your penis or vagina
o itching around your sex organs
o flu-like feelings with fever and chills
o women may have bleeding in between her regular period
If you have any of these symptoms stop having sex. Having sex may put your partner at risk of infection.
If you are sexually active, you should be tested at least once a year. You should also be tested each time you switch partners. An STI will not go away without treatment. Getting tested allows you to know your status and treat any infections you do have. It will keep you and your partner healthy.
Go to an STI clinic or your health care provider to be tested. Find a clinic to get tested.
How do I avoid getting a sexually transmitted infection (STI)?
The best way to avoid an STI is to abstain from sex (not have sex). This includes oral, anal, and vaginal sex. If you are sexually active using a condom will reduce your risk or STIs that spread through penetrative sex (penis-vagina, penis-anus, penis-mouth). Using a dental dam for oral sex (mouth-vagina, mouth-anus) reduces the risk of STIs that spread from skin to skin contact.
Do I need a condom if I’m on the pill or Depo shot?
Yes.
The birth control pill and the Depo shot can prevent pregnancy but they do not protect you against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Use a “barrier method” such as a latex condom, insertable condom, or dental dam (used for oral sex) will help prevent an STI.
Can I get pregnant if he pulls out?
Yes, you can still get pregnant. Before a man ejaculates (cums) there is a certain amount of pre-ejaculate (pre-cum) that comes out of his penis when he is sexually excited. Some research has shown that pre-ejaculate contains a certain amount of sperm in it, which may cause pregnancy. Pulling out can also be risky because requires that a lot of self control, experience and trust. For these reasons the pull out method is not recommended for teens or for those just beginning to have sex.
What is abstinence?
To abstain means to “choose not to do”. In terms of sex, abstinence means to choose not to have sex.
Sexual abstinence can mean different things to different people. To many people it means to not have penile-vaginal (penis into vagina) intercourse, which could result in pregnancy. For others, sexual abstinence means avoiding all types of sexual activities such as oral and anal sex. Abstaining from oral, anal, and vaginal sex is the only 100% way to avoid pregnancy and STIs.
What do I do if the condom broke?
If the condom broke during sex emergency contraception (EC) may be an option. Even if he didn’t ejaculate (cum) before it broke it is still possible to become pregnant. EC is a pill taken after unprotected sex that greatly reduces the chance or pregnancy. EC is more effective the sooner it is used after sex (preferably within 12 hours) but can be used up to 5 days after sex. Since you can’t predict when this might happen it is important to have EC on hand. Call 1-866-ECFIRST or go to a healthcare provider. If you are 18 and older you can purchase EC without a prescription at your local pharmacy.
Learn more about EC
Can I get pregnant from anal intercourse? What are the risks?
It is not possible to become pregnant from anal sex (inserting the penis into the anus). However, pregnancy can happen when ejaculate or pre-ejaculate (cum or pre-cum) gets in or near the vagina.
unprotected anal intercourse places one at risk of STIs infection. Use a condom with water-based lubricants, like K-Y Jelly, to avoid ripping of the condom. It is important that partners talk before anal sex. Use lots of water based lubricant and go slow. There are also natural bacteria that live in the rectum that can be dangerous if placed into the mouth or vagina. Your condom needs to be changed or penis washed between anal and oral or vaginal intercourse.
Is it possible to have a sexually transmitted infection (STI) and not have any visible symptoms? If so, how can I know if my partner is infected?
Yes, in fact many peoplewith a sexually transmitted infection do not have symptoms. Since you can not tell by looking at a person if they are infected or not, condom use is very important. The only way to know for sure is to be tested. It is a good idea to get tested along with your partner. It is a sign of a close relationship to be able to get tested together. You should also get tested If you or your partner start having symptoms of an STI.
What is a urinary tract infection (UTI) and how is it different from a sexually transmitted infection (STI)?
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection of the organs involved in making and holding urine (pee). A sexually transmitted infection (STI) affects the reproductive organs like the penis, vagina cervix, uterus, penis, or urethra (inside of penis). Most types of bacteria that cause UTIs are different from the ones that cause STIs. Unfortunately the symptoms of UTIs can be similar to symptoms of STIs. Symptoms can include: lower belly or lower back pain, pain or burning with peeing, fever, nausea and frequently needing to pee. If you are having any of the above symptoms it is important that you see a doctor or healthcare provider.
My boyfriend is older than me. Can we get in trouble?
It is illegal for someone older than 18 to have sex with someone younger than 18. If your parents, teachers or police find out and press charges, your partner can get in trouble for “statutory rape”. The penalties get much more serious as the age gap widens.
Young women go with older guys for a variety of reasons including thinking it is cool, wanting to be popular, looking for love, or looking for protection. Older guys may be more mature, more experienced, and able to drive, but they also have more expectations. That means more pressure about a lot of things, including sex. In fact, girls who date older guys are much more likely to have unintended pregnancies than those who date guys their own age. Even if someone tries to put the pressure on, you should only do what you're comfortable with. Whether they are the same age or older than you, no means no.