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Answered Questions

In the years since SmartSexResource launched, we have developed a library of questions asked by you, and answered by our expert sexual health nurses.

Our answered questions library cover a broad range of sexual health topics and common questions we hear at our clinics.

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Contraception and Pregnancy (59)

I’m inquiring about birth control, I’m 16. I’m in a long distance relationship and have been for over a year, we’re both very happy together. We visit each other every few months, and as you could guess we do have sex when the time comes and always use protection. We’re both paranoid because we’re so far away from each other. So for next time we will be spending a few weeks together and I wanted to inquire about having extra protection. The issue is my mom doesn’t feel great about me taking it and I get nervous to talk to her. I’ve tried before but she always tells me about why I shouldn’t take it. Do I need parent permission to take birth control and if not would it cost me a lot? And what would be the best option for me? Thank you.

Hi there, thank you for your question

It’s great that you’re thinking about birth control as an added layer of protection for when you are together with your boyfriend. Even if you do decide to move ahead with some form of hormonal birth control, I encourage you to consider continuing to use condoms as an extra measure against sexually transmitted infections.

You do not need permission from your parents to access birth control in British Columbia. There are several different methods of birth control out there. Have a look at Options for Sexual Health as they have great fact pages on each different type.

One of the most accessible and most common types is the birth control pill. Typically it is easily accessible, safe, discreet, effective and affordable.

If you live in the Lower Mainland, you can access free or low-cost birth control options up to the age of 19. The nurses and doctors at the Youth Clinics will offer pre-counselling to go over all the options and help you decide which will be best for you. Here are the links to the Vancouver Youth Clinics, to the Fraser Youth Clinics and to the Vancouver Island Youth Clinics. 

If there is no Youth Clinic in your area, then Options for Sexual Health will be your best bet for accessing low-cost birth control.

Let us know if this does not answer your question or if you have any more questions or concerns.
Health Nurse

This answer was posted on January 27, 2020.

This answer was updated on February 7, 2022.

I’m 35 years old and have been trying to conceive for about 6 months. I don’t have a GP and would like to have a pap and pelvic exam done to confirm that I’m healthy, it’s been over 5 years since my last. Is it appropriate to go to the local options for sexual health clinic in Kitimat for this? Can they refer me to a doctor here if I need one? Or is there a better option for finding a local doctor for fertility concerns? Thank you for your help.

Hi, and thank you for your question

Yes, the local Options for Sexual Health Clinic in Kitimat can absolutely see you for a PAP screen and pelvic exam. I’ve linked the contact information page for the Kitimat Clinic here. I don’t have any specific information about connecting with a family doctor or fertility specialist in your area, however the nurses and physicians at the Opt clinic should definitely be able to help you get started and may be able to refer you to a local GP for follow up

Let us know if this does not answer your question or if you have any more questions or concerns.
Health Nurse

This answer was posted on December 2, 2019.

This answer was updated on February 7, 2022.

Can I get pregnant through a guy wearing shorts but me wearing nothing?

Hi, and thanks for your question

No, we really wouldn’t see someone getting pregnant this way. Pregnacy happens when there is direct contact of the genitals like penetrative intercourse of penis in vagina, or direct contact with ejaculate (semen) and the vulva or vaginal opening.

Even if there is contact between genitals but one partner is wearing clothing, pregnancy is not a risk.

We really like the Scarleteen website as they’ve got some great answers to scenarios like the one you’ve presented. Have a look at their site in general, and specifically on their Pregnancy Panic page.

Let us know if this does not answer your question or if you have any more questions or concerns.
Health Nurse

This answer was posted on August 19, 2019.

This answer was updated on February 7, 2022.

My boyfriend and I had sex with a condom a few weeks ago. The condom didn’t break and he withdrew before ejaculating. I was suppose to get my period a week ago, but it never came. What is the likelihood of me getting pregnant?

Based on what you have described, if your boyfriend had a condom on and he did not ejaculate inside your vagina, the chances of getting pregnant from that encounter are unlikely. 

The only way to determine whether or not you are pregnant is to take a pregnancy test. Most home (or clinic) pregnancy tests will be accurate after you have missed your period. To learn more about pregnancy testing, click here.

Besides being pregnant, several things can cause you to miss your period. Some of these include:

  • Birth control may cause a changes in periods including, not having one
  • Certain medications can cause changes to your periods
  • Some illnesses can change or delay your period
  • Malnutrition and low body weight can cause problems with your periods
  • Excessive exercise can disrupt your hormones and cause your period to stop

If you have concerns about your changes in your period, see your health care provider.

Besides using condoms consistently, there are several ways you can prevent pregnancy. To learn more, see our ‘Birth Control’ page.

Resources

This answer was posted on July 9, 2019.

This answer was updated on August 16, 2022.

My depo expires July 3rd and I’m having unprotected sex will I get pregnant ?

Hi

Depo Provera is a form of injectable birth control where people are seen every 10 to 13 weeks for a repeat injection.

You have stated that your Depo expires on July 3rd, I am unsure how many weeks this is from your last injection as many clinics will book your appointment at 10 weeks so that you have a few weeks of extra time in case anything comes up. You have 13 weeks of protection from when you get your injection.

If you’re having sex and it has been more than 13 weeks I would recommend using a backup method of birth control as it would be possible to get pregnant.
For more information on Depo have a look at Options for Sexual Health information page.
https://www.optionsforsexualhealth.org/facts/birth-control/methods/the-birth-control-shot/

If you have had penis-vaginal sex with no birth control (has been after 13 weeks), it’s possible to get Emergency Contraception to reduce the chance of getting pregnant. Have a look at Options for Sexual Health information page for additional information.
https://www.optionsforsexualhealth.org/facts/birth-control/emergency-contraception/

Let us know if this does not answer your question or if you have any further questions or concerns.

Health Nurse

This answer was posted on June 24, 2019.

This answer was updated on February 7, 2022.

Are IUDs covered by pwd

Hi, and thanks for your question.

From what we can see, IUDs are not covered under the Persons With Disabilities assistance or benefits. However, there are times when a case can be made to apply for special authority for drug coverage for medical necessity.

Here are a couple of services that may also be of assistance in answering your question:

Disability Alliance BC
BC Women’s Hospital Access Clinic

Let us know if this does not answer your question or if you have any more questions or concerns.
Health Nurse
 

This answer was posted on March 8, 2019.

This answer was updated on February 7, 2022.

Hello!My boyfriend and I want to start having sex soon, but the time that we want to have sex it would also be around the time I am ovulating. Now I know that increases the chance of getting pregnant (which we dont want) but do you still think it is okay to have sex (with a condom) during this time? Or would it be better after ovulation?Thank you,

Hi,

Thanks for your question.

Condoms are very effective at preventing pregnancy, whether you are ovulating or not.

It’s important to make sure you are using condoms correctly, and to prevent the condom from breaking. See below for more information.

If you do have a condom break, there are options for emergency contraception (such as Plan B aka “the morning after pill,” or emergency IUD insertion which can stop a pregnancy up to 7 days after sex).

  • To use a condom properly: the condom must be put on before any penetration happens. For example: sometimes people engage in a bit of penetrative sex, and then put the condom on before they ejaculate (cum). That penetration can expose their partner to pre-cum, which is a pregnancy risk.
  • To prevent condoms from breaking: use a water-based lubricant on the outside of the condom (and/or on your partners’ genitals). Oils and oil-based lube can break the condom. The most common reason that condoms break is from to friction. Lube reduces the friction (and also increases sensation!). Lots of people feel like they should be “wet enough” without lube, but an individual’s wetness can change from day to day depending on their hydration, medications, stress etc. We recommend lube for all people as it’s safer, and usually feels better!

For more information on using condoms correctly check out our Condoms topic.

Please feel free to leave a comment below or submit another question as needed.

Health Nurse

This answer was posted on July 31, 2018.

Hello, Just a quick question. My girlfriend gave me a hand job and i pre cummed. However, after she did she fingered herself. Knowing this might lead to pregnancy we bought and took a plan b pill the next day (12hrs later). Is there a high possibility she is not pregnant? Also what should we do to further increase the chances. Please help any advice will be greatly appreciated. Also she is experiencing tiny samples of blood in her urine. Is it normal cause of the pill?

Hi,

Thanks for your question.

Sperm can be present in pre-cum, and there is a chance of pregnancy if the sperm get inside the vagina.  Your situation is lower risk for pregnancy than if there was vaginal intercourse, but there’s still a small risk.

Taking Plan B was a good idea. Plan B reduces the chance of pregnancy by 50%. Bleeding after Plan B is normal– she may see blood in her underwear or urine.

Overall, the chance that she is pregnant is low. However, if she does not get her next period you should get a pregnancy test.

Please let us know if you have any further questions.

Health Nurse

This answer was posted on April 3, 2018.

Just a question. If my gf is pregnant and wants to get an abortion. Where can we get the abortion pills without our parents knowing. Also how much would all the fees be. And what should we expect from everything from the process and side effects and is it safe for my Girlfriend?

Hi,

Thanks for writing.

The abortion pill is free in BC if you have MSP  (BC CareCard). You and your girlfriend would need to contact an abortion clinic near you, and then you can ask to book an appointment for an abortion/ say you need to end your pregnancy. She does not need to get her parents permission for this, and her parents will not be contacted by the abortion clinic. Her visit to the clinic would be completed confidential, and not shared with family.

Abortions are safe. The side effects usually include bleeding and cramps.

There are 8 abortion clinics in BC (4 in Vancouver, 1 in Victoria, 1 in Kelowna, and 2 in the Kootenays). Check out this page: “Where Can I get an Abortion in BC?” for a list of these clinics and their contact information.

If you live in area that does not have a designated abortion clinic you can arrange to have an abortion at a hospital. This usually requires a referral to an abortion doctor (from your regular doctor). If you don’t have a regular doctor you can call the Pregnancy Options Line (1-800-875-3163) to obtain a referral. That number is also a great resource if you need more information about this process and they can help you set-up the hospital abortion.

It’s difficult to say what the exact process will be for you, as it can be different at different clinics. Generally, you will need to make an appointment to get the pills, then she can take the pills at home and be comfortable, then she will start to bleed (like a heavy period), and she might bleed for a couple weeks. Afterwards she will need a check-up to make sure it worked.

For more questions about the abortion pill check out this page: “Medical Abortion – Frequently Asked Questions”.

Please let us know if you need any more information.

Health Nurse

This answer was posted on April 3, 2018.

This answer was updated on February 22, 2023.