You probably already know that having sexual intercourse can lead to pregnancy, but do you know that a woman can also become pregnant if any semen gets close to the vagina? It is even possible to become pregnant if you both keep your underwear on or if he withdraws before ejaculation.

Some signs of pregnancy are:

• Usually a missed period is a woman’s first clue that she is pregnant. However, a woman can also skip a period if she is not eating right, if she is under a lot of stress, or if she is worried or afraid of getting pregnant. As a teenager, your cycle is probably not regular just yet.
• Other symptoms of pregnancy may include feeling tired all the time (even after resting), persistent tender and swollen breasts, frequent urination, heavier vaginal discharge, and feeling nauseated.

If you are experiencing many of these symptoms, the easiest way to find out if you’re pregnant is to take a pregnancy test. You can purchase a test in any pharmacy (they cost between $15.00-20.00), or you can come to the Teen Health Centre.

Each brand of pregnancy tests is different and some tests will be accurate sooner than other tests - So remember to read all the instructions and follow them carefully.

If you choose to come to the Teen Health Centre, you can do so 17 days after the last time you had unprotected intercourse (or semen near the vagina), or if you actually miss a period - otherwise the test may not be accurate. We use a urine test so that you find out the results right away, without waiting.