Testing

Myths

There are a lot of myths about how to avoid pregnancy. These are the facts, a woman can still get pregnant:

• If it is the first time she has sex,

• If she does not have an orgasm,

• If a man pulls out of her vagina before he ejaculates,

• If she has sex while on her period,

• No matter what position she has sex in,

• If the man does not penetrate –- semen can still reach the vagina through/via hands and “toys” such as a vibrator.

Symptoms

Few heterosexually active women have never worried that they were pregnant. Breast tenderness and nausea may occur before you actually miss your period. Other signs are vomiting, often early in the morning, tiredness, and frequent urination. If you have missed a period and think there is a chance that you might be pregnant, get tested.

Testing

Pregnancy can be confirmed from the day your period is due with a simple urine test. The Family Planning Clinic and some GPs offer on–the–spot testing, whilst some others will want to send a sample away. Alternatively, pick up a do–it–yourself test from the JCR Welfare Officers (collectable from the post-room).

Tests should be taken in the morning when the hormones indicating pregnancy are most concentrated. Tests are around 99% reliable, so if you get a negative result and your period still does not arrive you might want to see a doctor to make sure.

Last updated: October 2024