Pregnancy: Could I Be Pregnant? / Question
Published: May 23, 2002
Dear TeenHealthFX,
Just a few days ago I had sex with my girlfriend, it didn't last too long. This time we tried it without a condom. After one insert I pulled out because I was about to get an orgasm. I put it in a second time and I pulled out even faster because this time I got one. Stupidly it was out and sperm was shooting down at her panties. I didn't even know until she felt it on her underwear. I fear that the sperm might of somehow survived and snuck its way into the opening of her vagina or bits and pieces of sperm might of got in her while I pulled out. She bled a few days after during sex and now she feels real weak. Could this be a sign of pregnancy? I am very afraid and hope I could solve it as soon as possible, please help
Signed: Scared Mistake
Dear Scared Mistake,
TeenHealthFX knows how scary this situation must be and is concerned about both you and your girlfriend. Since you are having sex, it is extremely important that you practice safe sex and protect yourselves against both pregnancy and STDs. Trying to time your climax and then pulling out is not an effective means of either preventing pregnancy or safeguarding against STDs.
Since you and your girlfriend are worried, you should see a doctor soon. It is very important to be checked out if you are sexually active and/or have concerns about possible pregnancy. They can give her a pregnancy test, make sure everything is okay medically and provide you with birth control and STD counseling. If you don't feel comfortable consulting your own physician, and you live in Northern New Jersey, you can contact the Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health at (973) 971.6475, or make an appointment at your local teen health center or Planned Parenthood office. These places can provide quality, confidential health care at little to no cost.
Some more information about the pitfalls of unprotected sex...
Until sperm dries out and dies, it can get a woman pregnant. Even if a male allows a small amount of semen to come near the vaginal opening or if he transfers semen to the vagina by hand, then pregnancy can occur. While sperm does not survive for very long on clothing or hands it can live up to five days inside the female's body. Once inside, sperm is programmed to make its way into the fallopian tube and join with an egg. The only way to avoid pregnancy is by abstinence or using an effective form of birth control.
It is critical to remember that any time bodily fluids are exchanged between partners there is also the risk of contracting a sexually transmitted disease (STD) including the HIV virus. TeenHealthFX encourages you to use practice safer sex and to use a latex condom every time have sex.
Good luck.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
The highest Chlamydia rates occurred among women ages 15 to 19 and 20 to 24.
