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Can she be pregnant?

  • 15-12-2009 6:26pm
    #1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 166,026 ✭✭✭✭LegacyUser


    Sorry if this is in wrong forum, feel free to move mods


    My girlfriend and I are both 17 and have been goin out for 2 years. We had sex 5 or 6 times with no condom but I pulled out nice and early every time and she was on the pill (Roactaine). She came off the pill about 6 weeks ago and I'm 99% certain we stopped everything but may have done it once or twice (I have an awful memory) I would have pulled out though. But since then she has missed 2 periods (most recent due last Sunday) She has taken two pregnancy tests and they were both negative. She is very stressed and convinced that she is pregnant. She's so worried but surely there's no way she could be?

    Is there any chance she could b pregnant?


Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,739 ✭✭✭✭minidazzler


    Technically, if ye did have sex, yes she could.

    Get her to go to the doctor about it, they will tell for sure!


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 8,073 ✭✭✭sam34


    she was on the pill (Roactaine)

    em, roactaine is NOT a contraceptive pill.

    maybe she's on roactaine and also a contraceptive pill?

    she needs to see her doctor really.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 859 ✭✭✭BobbyOLeary


    Sorry if this is in wrong forum, feel free to move mods


    My girlfriend and I are both 17 and have been goin out for 2 years. We had sex 5 or 6 times with no condom but I pulled out nice and early every time and she was on the pill (Roactaine). She came off the pill about 6 weeks ago and I'm 99% certain we stopped everything but may have done it once or twice (I have an awful memory) I would have pulled out though. But since then she has missed 2 periods (most recent due last Sunday) She has taken two pregnancy tests and they were both negative. She is very stressed and convinced that she is pregnant. She's so worried but surely there's no way she could be?

    Is there any chance she could b pregnant?

    Let me get this straight. She was taking a pill (the one you mentioned is for acne btw, not contraception) which she then stopped. You then had unprotected sex with her twice which you can't fully remember? And you think that she COULDN'T be pregnant? From that limited info I'd put money on her being pregnant. I hope she isn't, it doesn't sound like you're particularly ready to be a father, nor she a mother.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 176 ✭✭Queencake


    Like the others have said Roactaine is for acne not for contraceptive use.

    Saying that, I was on Roactaine and I had to sign a form when I started stating I would take a reliable form of contraception whilst completing my treatment as the medicine has awful side affects on the development of the foetus. Basically what I'm saying is her doctor may have prescribed her a contraceptive pill at the same time as the Roactaine (and her bf may just not have understood). It's common practice.

    As to your question - yes she could be pregnant. It's unlikely because of the negative home tests but all she needs to do is pop to the doctor. No lame excuses. Just go and make sure you go with her. You're both in this.

    As for your withdrawal method... Dude, I know you're 17 but you do know that pre-cum can impregnant your gf right? You don't even need to cum inside her. Or even cum close.

    There's lots of different types of reliable contraceptive methods out there. Like the implant or the injections - both of which would be good for your gf as she doesn't need to remember to take something everyday and even if she's been on antibiotics they will work.

    edited: clarified some stuff.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 166,026 ✭✭✭✭LegacyUser


    I really think the 'shes definatley pregnant' comments are a bit much.

    Coming off the pill can mess with your periods, personally I didnt get a period for 7weeks when i came off the pill.

    Also the withdrawl method greatly reduces the risk of pregnancy (although obvioulsy not enough for two seventeen yearolds, you should really have used something more reliable).

    Basically what I'm saying is that I think it's unlikley your gf is pregnant, but I can understand yours and hers worry and she should really go to her dr and get a blood pregnancy test asap.


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  • Yes, there is a chance. I hate to be preachy, but you need to be a LOT more responsible. You say you don't really remember if she was on the Pill or not? You HAVE to take this stuff seriously. If she isn't protected (missed a pill in the last 7 days before sex), you need to use a condom. If you can't manage to do this, you should probably rethink being sexually active at all. Withdrawal is not a reliable method of contraception.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 17,485 ✭✭✭✭Ickle Magoo


    From wiki:

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coitus_interruptus
    Effectiveness

    Like many methods of birth control, reliable effectiveness is achieved only by correct and consistent use. Observed failure rates of withdrawal vary depending on the population being studied: studies have found actual failure rates of 15-28% per year.[6] In comparison, the pill has an actual use failure rate of 2-8%,[7] while the intrauterine device (IUD) has an actual use failure rate of 0.8%.[8] The condom has an actual use failure rate of 10-18%.[6] However some authors suggest that actual effectiveness of withdrawal could be similar to effectiveness of condoms, and this area needs further research.[9] (see Comparison of birth control methods)

    For couples that use coitus interruptus correctly at every act of intercourse, the failure rate is 4% per year. In comparison the pill has a perfect-use failure rate of 0.3%, and the IUD has a perfect-use failure rate of 0.6%. The condom has a perfect-use failure rate of 2%.[8]

    The primary cause of failure of the withdrawal method is the lack of self-control of those using it. Poor timing of the withdrawal can result in semen on the vulva, which can easily migrate into the female reproductive tract. Some medical professionals view withdrawal as an ineffective method of birth control.[2] In contrast, a recent study in Iran found that provinces with higher rates of withdrawal use do not have higher fertility rates, and that the contribution of withdrawal use to unintended pregnancies is not markedly different from that of other commonly used methods such as the pill or condom.[10]

    It has been suggested that the pre-ejaculate ("Cowper's fluid") emitted by the penis prior to ejaculation normally contains spermatozoa (sperm cells), which would compromise the effectiveness of the method.[11][12] However, several small studies[13][14][15][16] have failed to find any viable sperm in the fluid. While no large conclusive studies have been done, it is now believed the primary cause of method (correct-use) failure is the pre-ejaculate fluid picking up sperm from a previous ejaculation.[17] For this reason, it is recommended that users of withdrawal have the male partner urinate between ejaculations, to clear the urethra of sperm, and wash any ejaculate from objects that might come near the woman's vulva (e.g. hands and penis).[18]

    15-28% failure is enough to be worried about, she should get to the Dr & have him do a pregnancy test. Best of luck.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 166,026 ✭✭✭✭LegacyUser


    Thanks for all the helpful replies, we have both promised we will be much more careful in the future, we prob won't go near each other til we're thirty!

    Anyway, does anyone know if walk in clinics can do blood tests like these? Like there's one above my chemist. We can't go to her GP as he's a family friend


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,687 ✭✭✭deisemum


    When I came off the pill I didn't get a period for 16 weeks.

    The stress of worrying over it can delay things anyway. Better for her to go to her gp and get it confirmed one way or the other.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 5,673 ✭✭✭Miss Fluff


    Yes, there is a possibility that should be pregnant but hopefully not. Your GP can do a urine test to ascertain if your GF is nor not.

    While you are vowing to be more careful in future, neither of you sound like you have the maturity/know how to take proper INFORMED contraceptive decisions.

    Are you in Dublin? Why don't you both go to the www.ifpa.ie or if you can't afford it and are on GMS, go to your local doctor to discuss what your options are. That way, you can both take responsibility and enjoy sex without all the worrying/wondering about getting pregnant.

    The anti-acne drug you mentioned and the withdrawal method (pulling out before you cum) are not forms of contraception.

    I'm pro-choice but am anti carelessness.....especially when it's time after time OP! Wise up, if you're both old enough to be doing it, you are both old enough to take some responsibility for your actions.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,035 ✭✭✭Sir Ophiuchus


    If your GF was on Roaccutane and may have gotten pregnant while on it, you *have* to go see a doctor to get a confirmation of pregnancy one way or another. Roaccutane causes birth defects, that's why women on it have to keep taking pregnancy tests and use contraception and so forth. So if she is pregnant there could be serious issues involved.

    I'm not saying she definitely is, I'm saying you have to (have to!) see a doctor to be sure. If you can't see your local GP, call another one, explain the cirumstances, and make an appointment - or go to a clinic. Find one in your local area here: http://www.goldenpages.ie/search/doctors.html

    Also, not only does coitus interruptus not work, the pill provides no protection from STIs - that's what condoms are for.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 22 iheartny


    Some tests wont detect a pregnancy in the first few weeks so I wouldnt write it off as a bad experience yet. I think you both should keep a proper check on what methods of contraception your using, otherwise you're just leaving fate to it and i'm sure you're not ready for the pitter patter of tiny feet yet!! I know everyone makes mistakes, you wont be the first or the last.

    A visit to her GP will give her sound piece of mind. And as other members have said, stressing about it can really delay things so try and get her not to worry!!


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,540 ✭✭✭dublingal80


    if you are that worried about it, go to a maternity hospital such as the rotunda if you are in dublin and just go to their emergency area. You can explain your situation there and the doctors will do a urine test and a scan, which your GP cant do, and when you leave you will know 100% if she is pregnant or not

    I know it can be scary since you are both so young but its best to find out sooner than later


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 22,559 ✭✭✭✭AnonoBoy


    Two things.

    1) Go to a different doctor if her regular GP is a family friend.
    2) Use condoms from now on. No excuses. Use them.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 211 ✭✭martdalto


    Just a note on the GP...

    If she's not going to him because she's embarrassed to speak to him about it, maybe it's time to change GP.. there will be many many times over her adult life where she may have to discuss "embarrassing" female issues, so now might be the time to switch.

    If she's not going to him because she's afraid he'll tell her parents, then that's not going to happen. GPs have a patient confidentiality clause, this means they cannot not and will not discuss any patient information with anyone, without the patients consent. So if she's comfortable with him and likes him, then there's no reason for her not to speak to him.

    You 2 are both very young and obviously very unsure of contraception.. which is bad if you are sexually active.

    If she doesn't want to speak to her own GP - it's time for you both to find another GP, or well woman clinic, or family planning centre.. etc.. who you will BOTH go to and sit down and learn all you possibly can.

    Yes, you will be embarrassed to sit and discuss your sex life with someone (but they will have heard it all, and more, before you!!) but the embarrassment is a very very small price to pay if you consider the alternative.

    It's not definite that your gf is pregnant, but if you had unprotected sex, then, to answer your question... Yes, your gf could be pregnant.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 166,026 ✭✭✭✭LegacyUser


    OP here again, I realise how stupid, immature and careless we've been and I know I'm gonna have to get my act together in future, I've convinced her to go to her GP after telling her about the confidentiality clause so thanks mart. She doesn't want me to go because she's afraid of being seen... I think I'll take her to the ifpa sometime soon just for some info.
    Do you get the results straight away or will he have to send them off?

    I hope to God she's not pregnant. It would ruin both our lives.....


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 166,026 ✭✭✭✭LegacyUser


    OP again, how much do blood tests cost? €52+?


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,540 ✭✭✭dublingal80


    go to the rotunda. seriously you will find out that day if she is not pregnant. they will do a scan to see if there is a fetus, and she will be told straight away. its better than arranging an appointment with her gp, waiting for results if needed. i had a pregnancy scare myself and when i saw my gp they just refered me to the rotunda emergency area. i got there first thing in the morning, about 8am and was seen to straight away. was such a relief to get it over and done with


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 23,862 ✭✭✭✭January


    go to the rotunda. seriously you will find out that day if she is not pregnant. they will do a scan to see if there is a fetus, and she will be told straight away. its better than arranging an appointment with her gp, waiting for results if needed. i had a pregnancy scare myself and when i saw my gp they just refered me to the rotunda emergency area. i got there first thing in the morning, about 8am and was seen to straight away. was such a relief to get it over and done with

    Jesus... your GP is very irresponsible sending you into the hospital because you thought you were pregnant....

    OP don't send your girlfriend to the Rotunda, they are over stretched and over worked without having random people turning up because they think they are pregnant. Your GP will be able to tell you if your girlfriend is pregnant or not through blood tests/palpating stomach to see the shape of the uterus.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 211 ✭✭martdalto


    I hope to God she's not pregnant. It would ruin both our lives.....

    It would change the plans you have for your lives, it doesn't nessarily mean it would ruin them!!

    Look, no point worrying about something that may not be real. Get her to go to the GP, he will tell her. Is her period over due? (Sorry, I can't remember back to your first post!) If it is then home pregnancy kits are very reliable too. They may not be too reliable if her period isn't due yet, but once she's due/over due they tend to be accurate.

    Read the instructions carefully, and read the information leaflet.

    If she is not pregnant, then obviously it's a good thing. But it's also a good thing because it has now made you face a situation and a conversation that you may never have had.. until it was too late.

    If she's not pregnany, learn from this and educate yourselves as much as you can..

    And don't go too hard on yourselves about being stupid, immature etc.. You're young, you're not supposed to know it all!! But you're supposed to learn as much as you can when you need to!


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,540 ✭✭✭dublingal80


    Jesus... your GP is very irresponsible sending you into the hospital because you thought you were pregnant....

    OP don't send your girlfriend to the Rotunda, they are over stretched and over worked without having random people turning up because they think they are pregnant. Your GP will be able to tell you if your girlfriend is pregnant or not through blood tests/palpating stomach to see the shape of the uterus.

    not so much because it turned out i was pregnant and i was miscarrying


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 211 ✭✭martdalto


    not so much because it turned out i was pregnant and i was miscarrying


    Well then that's why he sent you to the rotunda emergency department.. not because you had a pregnancy scare.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,540 ✭✭✭dublingal80


    im not going into the ins and outs of my personal issues. its a very long story and there is already a thread on it
    I was suggesting to go to a maternity hospital when the OP thought this girl was late and wouldnt go to her family gp.

    Any update yet op?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,915 ✭✭✭Siogfinsceal


    OP if your girlfriend was biug anough and bold enough yto have umprotected sex than being 'afraid of being seen' at a clinic or doctors is a bit of a daft after thought. Get her to a doctor asap and find out whats going on. If she is pregnant then you can sit down and discuss options. If she is not then sit down and decide what contraception you will use in future - you might also want to work on your memory as not knowing whether or not you have had unprotected sex is just dangerous


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,035 ✭✭✭Sir Ophiuchus


    martdalto wrote: »
    Well then that's why he sent you to the rotunda emergency department.. not because you had a pregnancy scare.

    ...seriously, can we not second-guess doctors on this forum?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 166,026 ✭✭✭✭LegacyUser


    Heading to the ifpa tomorrow to get a test done, thanks miss fluff. Praying for the right result


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 166,026 ✭✭✭✭LegacyUser


    How did it go?


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 57 ✭✭Noodles23


    God I was the same when i was ur age, nothing worse :( how did ya's get on?


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,540 ✭✭✭dublingal80


    any update op?
    hope everything went well for you both


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