Pregnance

[waz409]

My boyfriend and I had sex and used the pulling out method and even ejaculated outside. This happened about a week after my period and my next one is on the 9th of February, 2010. But I have this unusual feeling and am scared that I could be pregnant. I dont want to go for a test because everyone will know about it(I live a small town) and I would'nt want that to happen because of what I do in my community. Is there any medicine I can take at this stage to save me from the embarrassement and loss of livelihood.

[allmymarbles]

Pay attention to that "unusual feeling." Every time I have gotten pregnant I have known by the end of ten days because of that "unusual feeling."

[Sandra Y, RPh]

It sounds like you are past the window to take anything to prevent pregnancy. The only available medication that can be used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse is Plan B (Levonorgestrel). This is available over-the-counter but must be purchased at a pharmacy (it is kept behind the counter due to Federal Law) and is available for patients aged 17 and over. However, this medication is only effective if taken up to 72 hours after unprotected intercourse to prevent pregnancy and is not used to terminate an existing pregnancy. The only other medication available is Mifeprex (Mifepristone or RU-486), also known as the abortion pill, and is used to terminate a pregnancy up to 49 days after and is only available from a physician.

The withdrawal method is not an effective way to prevent pregnancy as pre-ejaculatory fluid could also contain sperm. It also does not protect you from sexually transmitted diseases. If you suspect pregnancy, take a home pregnancy test. You can order one online to protect your anonymity.

[Tyler15951]

According to the information that you provided it seems that it has been more then 2 weeks since this act of intercourse. There are presently no forms of emergency contraception that are effective if more than 7 days has elapsed. THE PILL can be used for up to 5 days after, but is most effective if taken within 72 hours. Copper IUDs (intra-uterine devices) can be inserted up to 7 days following unprotected sex. You previously indicated that your partner is using the "pulling out method", I would caution against this in the future. This form of contraception is less than ideal, requiring a large amount of self control from the partner. There are much more effective methods of contraception, like birth-control pills, male condoms, female condoms, spermacides, diaphragms & cervical caps. None of these can provide 100% protection against pregnancy, but the likelihood of becoming pregnant is MUCH LESS if they are used properly!  If you do not want to go see your doctor immediately, you could try waiting until your period to see if you are pregnant. If an ovum has become fertilized & has implanted in the uterine wall, the body will not allow the shedding of the endometrium & its associated bleeding (the period). That is, you will miss your period. That being said, if you are a woman with irregular periods I would not necessarily count down to the exact day you expect your period to occur. Another alternative you could try is a home pregnancy test. Home pregnancy tests, like ClearBlue & First Response, are the most effective at detecting pregnancy hormones; however, the hormone levels take about a month after fertilization to get up to where the test can measure them. This means that you could check a week or two following your missed period to confirm pregnancy. Remember, if you use these tests it is important to follow the directions--to avoid false negatives or positives. Finally, if nothing else you could go talk to your local doctor or pharmacist. You seem quite concerned about the implications of a pregnancy, and it may help to seek professional advice within your community. These people are health care providers & are professionally obligated (if not morally) to keep information about your health confidential. If you cannot find satisfactory advice in this forum, these are the people who you should be speaking with.

Hope this helps,

Tyler