Sex on the couch 2007 Q&A
MTV host Jessi Cruickshank and a panel of female health experts talked about dating, school, sex and health at the 2007 Toronto Women's Health Matters Forum and Expo. If you didn't have your question answered at the "Sex on the Couch" session, chances are you will find it below.
One of the speakers, Dr. Andrighetti, obstetrician/gynecologist, had the following to say about:
Sex
I heard you can get pregnant while having sex on your period; is this true?
Unfortunately, pregnancies can occur from unprotected sex at any point in a woman's cycle. Ovulation may vary each month and with each cycle therefore you can ovulate even on your period if you have a short cycle.
If you have sex without protection but the man pulls out before he ejaculates, can you still get pregnant?
Yes it is possible to get pregnant even when ejaculation doesn't occur in the vagina because sperm may be present in the pre-ejaculation fluid.
Withdrawal also does not protect against sexually transmitted infections or HIV thus using a birth control pill and a condom together are strongly recommended.
Can you get pregnant the first time you have sex?
Yes, you can. And one doesn’t have to engage in full intercourse to get pregnant. Close genital contact without penetration could put you at risk of an unplanned pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections.
Contraception
Can you still get pregnant if you are taking the birth control pill?
The birth control pill is very effective if taken properly, with a typical user failure rate of three percent per year. In order for the Pill to be most effective it should be taken at the same time every day.
It is also important to remember that the birth control pill will only prevent pregnancies and not protect from sexually transmitted infections. A condom and a birth control pill are the most effective means of preventing unwanted pregnancies and harmful sexually transmitted infections.
What is spermicidal foam?
Spermicides contain a chemical called nonoxynol-9. It comes in the form of cream, gel, foam, film, or suppository. By inserting spermicide in the vagina, in front of the cervix, it destroys sperm on contact. By themselves, spermicides are not a very effective method of birth control. For this reason, they should be used with another form of contraception like condoms. Plus, spermicides do not provide any protection against sexually transmitted infections.
Sexually Transmitted Infections
Can you transmit cold sores during oral sex? If so, do they turn into genital herpes?
Cold sores and genital herpes are caused by two strains of the Herpes Simplex virus (type 1 and type 2). Although type 1 most commonly causes cold sores, and type 2 causes genital herpes, either one can infect the mouth or the genital area. One should avoid contact with others if they have a cold sore, particularly kissing and oral sex. If a person with a cold sore performs oral sex on their partner, there is a possibility that their partner could develop genital herpes. Thus it is recommended that a person with a cold sore abstain from performing oral sex on their partner until the sore has healed. If abstaining is not possible, then appropriate precautions, such as the use of an oral dam or latex condom, should be taken.
If you are going to have sex with your partner is there any way of knowing if he has a sexually transmitted infection without asking him?
The problems with sexually transmitted infections are that many people, particularly women, have no symptoms. Some symptoms for men include the need to pee often, burning and pain when you pee, drip or discharge from the penis and/or sores, bumps or blisters near or on the penis, testicles or mouth.
To ensure you are not affected it is important to get checked for sexually transmitted infections if you are sexually active. It is also important to remember that the most effective form of contraception is a birth control pill and condom to avoid unwanted pregnancies and harmful sexually transmitted infections.
Is Chlamydia curable?
Chlamydia can be cured with antibiotics, usually with a single dose. Follow your healthcare professional’s instructions, and, as with any medication, take as directed and complete the entire duration of the prescription, even if your symptoms disappear.
General Women’s Health
What is a normal amount of discharge?
A certain amount of vaginal discharge is normal. It is a result of the hormones that are produced by your body. Normal vaginal discharge does not have a strong odor and is usually clear, white, or slightly yellow. It may change in amount throughout your menstrual cycle. If you find discharge that has an odor, different color, or is itchy or irritating to your skin, see a healthcare provider.
Why are my periods irregular and can they affect my chance of getting pregnant?
Don't worry if you have one or two irregular cycles because occasionally all women have variations in their periods. True irregularity persists over several months. So if you do notice wide fluctuations in your cycle, speak to your doctor about it.
Irregular periods can be troublesome when trying to get pregnant. Irregular or abnormal ovulation and menstruation accounts for 30% to 40% of all cases of infertility. Depending on the cause of your irregular period, getting pregnant sometimes needs the assistance of your doctor. If you have periods that are unpredictable, irregular, or more than three months apart, see your health care provider for help.
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