In rare cases, yes. We might use ultrasound technology to look for ovarian cysts, ovarian abcesses from Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), or a missing IUD. However, because Teen Clinic is focused mostly on birth control and STI-related services, ultrasounds usually aren’t necessary. Our adult clinic, Women’s Health, offers hours for more complicated gynecological procedures. We do not typically use ultrasound technology after discovering a patient is pregnant.
If you have further questions about ultrasounds, give us a call to speak to a nurse.
I would like to know if pre-cum contains sperm that can lead to pregnancy, and what are the chances she could become pregnant? I have heard pre-cum contains no sperm. If it does, how could me and her go about preventing a pregnancy?
The chances of your girlfriend becoming pregnant is low, but there is a risk. Studies have shown that pre-ejaculate (pre-cum) often contains sperm, though at much lower levels than ejaculatory fluid. If you are still within five days of the intercourse, have your girlfriend come to Teen Clinic for emergency contraception. This hormonal pill may help reduce the risk of pregnancy by preventing ovulation and thickening the cervical mucus.
Some research, including the reproductive health manual Contraceptive Technology, suggests that pre-ejaculatory fluid itself does not contain sperm; rather, it picks up leftover sperm from a previous ejaculation, which is hidden within the folds of the urethral lining. The studies suggest that this leftover sperm can be cleared from the urethra by urinating after sex.
However, there’s still much research to be done! And there’s also no way of knowing whether sperm is still present in the urethra. At Teen Clinic, we recommend you reduce the risk of pregnancy by using a condom during intercourse every time, beginning to end. And remember that we have condoms and other birth control methods available to both of you at no cost, available on a walk-in basis.
You can always walk in to Teen Clinic whenever we are open for a pregnancy test. It doesn’t matter where you are in your cycle, we want are here for you! However, we generally recommend waiting two weeks after a missed period to take a pregnancy test to ensure accuracy and avoid anxiety. If you have further questions about your specific situation, call and talk to our friendly and helpful staff: 303.442.5160. Remember – everything is confidential.
The female body usually begins to show signs of pregnancy 10-14 days after fertilization. Some women experience cramping or a slight bleeding, known as implantation bleeding, when the fertilized egg attaches to the lining of the uterus. Others may experience deep fatigue, tender or swollen breasts, or nausea caused by soaring levels of estrogen and progesterone in the third week. Hormonal changes can also increase blood circulation, resulting in frequent, mild headaches. Mood swings and constipation are common in the first month as well.
However, the best way to know if you’re pregnant is to take a pregnancy test! Pregnancy tests become accurate about 10 days from possible conception. You can purchase one at your local pharmacy or visit a health center. Teen Clinic offers free and confidential testing on a walk-in basis. Keep in mind that every woman’s body is different, and that these symptoms often indicate other conditions. It’s important to take a pregnancy test instead of worrying!
If you had unprotected sex, there is a risk for pregnancy. While pregnancy tests are very accurate, it can be difficult to follow the exact directions if you take it at home. It’s possible to take a test too soon after unprotected sex that a pregnancy would not be detected. If you walk in to either Teen Clinic during our open hours, you can get a free pregnancy test without an appointment. A healthcare professional can also talk with you about your specific concerns. You may just have a virus or type of cold, but taking another pregnancy test at a clinic is a good idea to make sure it’s negative.
Nope! Using hormonal birth control methods at any point in your life will not affect your chances of becoming pregnant later in life. A woman’s body will settle back into its natural ovulation pattern after going off hormonal methods. It may take a cycle or two to reset, depending on your body and chosen method. If you have specific, person questions or concerns about using hormonal birth control consult your doctor or make an appointment to visit with a health care professional at Teen Clinic.
No. All services are free and confidential at Teen Clinic. Under Colorado state statute, we cannot release the health information of a minor to her/his parents. The only time we must break confidentiality is if a patient reports abuse, then we must tell the authorities. So even if a minor has a positive pregnancy test we cannot and will not tell their parents/guardians.
We do strongly encourage all youth to talk openly and honestly with their parents/guardians about sexuality and sexual health. If you are concerned about pregnancy, it’s especially important to talk with an adult you trust – whether that is your parent/guardian or a health care professional at Teen Clinic.
…and they are all negative, but I haven’t had my period in two months?
Home pregnancy tests can be very accurate if you use them correctly. It might help to get a pregnancy test at Teen Clinic to ensure the test is conducted properly. If anything, it will give you a chance to speak with a medical provider about any concerns you have around your sexual health, including birth control and prevention methods.
There are many reasons you can miss a period besides pregnancy. Some women do not ovulate (release an egg) at all. Other women don’t ovulate once a month so occasionally they will experience a light or no period. Recent changes in weight, exercise, diet and increased stress can cause a missed or irregular period. Many women experience irregular or missed periods during adolescence when your body is still trying to “figure it out.” Keep in mind that our bodies change greatly during adolescence. Many of us learn that our bodies change and grow during puberty and this can continue throughout our teens and twenties. If you’re feeling different about your body and have concerns, it’s best to speak with a medical professional or a counselor. Teen Clinic practitioners can help too – call 303.442.5160 for an appointment.
If you are having unprotected sex, even if you are on your period, there is a risk for pregnancy. The length of time between the beginning of menstruation and ovulation can vary from month to month based upon a woman’s hormonal balance. In some women, ovulation can occur before menstrual bleeding has stopped, allowing a woman to be fertile during her period. Additionally, sperm can survive inside a woman’s body for 2-3 days under normal conditions. If a woman ovulates several days after bleeding has stopped, she may become pregnant from sperm deposited during the menstrual intercourse. Many women may also experience bleeding during ovulation, which can be mistaken for menstruation. The best way to avoid pregnancy is to use forms of birth control consistently and correctly. For birth control options, check out our pages on Prevention Methods or call Teen Clinic at 303.442.5160 for a personalized consult..
Pregnancy is a risk if sperm gets in or around the vaginal opening. Sperm must swim through the vaginal canal, the cervix and into the uterus in order to have a chance at fertilizing an egg. Most of the time this can only happen when a penis ejaculates into a vagina; however, there is a slight risk of pregnancy is sperm is ejaculated near the vagina. There is also something called “pre-ejaculatory fluid” or “pre-cum” that comes out of the penis right before ejaculation. This fluid can contain sperm, so even if ejaculation didn’t happen, some sperm could have been released with the person even knowing. It’s pretty unlikely, but if you don’t get your period on time, you might want to take a pregnancy test. Condoms and birth control can effectively prevent pregnancy and STIs – make an appointment at Teen Clinic if you are sexually active and want to stay STI and pregnancy-free.
