FAQs
Here are some commonly asked questions about contraception and sexual health. For information about FPWA Sexual Health Services see the About Us page. The answers to the health questions below are not intended to be used a substitute for medical advice. Please see the disclaimer below.
Other Sexual Health FAQs
If you don't find the answers that you are looking for here, check out Sexual Health Information, contact us, or come in to our Northbridge or Fremantle offices.
Contraception FAQs
I had sex with a guy but didn’t use a condom. Where can I get emergency contraception (the morning after pill)?
Emergency contraception (EC) is available over the counter at pharmacies, so you don’t need to see a doctor to get a prescription. Some pharmacists don’t carry EC, but don’t give up if you find it difficult to locate a pharmacist who stocks it – simply try somewhere else or contact FPWA. EC is most effective at preventing pregnancy if taken within 24 hours of unprotected sex, but there is some effectiveness for up to 5 days afterwards. As a pregnancy test doesn’t detect a pregnancy for at least two weeks, if you’ve had sex without a condom and aren’t using any other form of contraception, it is important that you use EC as soon as possible. You may also have been exposed to a sexually transmissible infection – see a doctor to get tested. More information about emergency contraception
I want to go on the Pill as I want to start having sex with my boyfriend. I’m not 16 yet - do I need my parent’s permission to make an appointment to see a doctor at FPWA? Will they be able to find out that I’ve been?
You don’t need your parent’s permission, and you will be assured of complete confidentiality. You can make an appointment with a doctor or nurse at FPWA to talk about your contraception options as well as ways to reduce the risk of contracting HIV and other sexually transmissible infections.
I often skip my period by missing the inactive tablets in my Pill packet. Is it safe to continue doing this or should I let my body have a period every once in a while to give it a “break”?
Research done in the early ‘90s confirmed that it is safe for women to take the hormone pills in their pill packet continuously and miss the non-active sugar pills altogether if they want to skip a period. It is recommended however, that women have a period every three to four months, as no-one knows if it is safe to go for years without a break, since it hasn’t been studied.
Some women like having a monthly bleed to reassure them that they are not pregnant, but many women prefer not to have one at all. It is quite safe to manipulate pill cycles - after all, the periods women have on the Pill are completely artificial and the body doesn’t really care if it has a fake period every 4 weeks, or every 12 weeks. Some women start to feel a bit bloated after a few weeks, or will start to spot bleed, so if this happens they will be more comfortable having a break. The only thing that women need to be cautious of is if they are taking a triphasic pill, where there are three different strengths of hormone pills in the one packet. It is more difficult to miss periods on these pills, and it is best that women talk to a doctor about how to do this. Monophasic pills, which are the same strength on each day, are much easier to skip periods with – women just keep on taking them until they decide they want a break, at which time they stop.
I am interested in getting the contraceptive implant Implanon as I hear it lasts for 3 years and I won’t have to take a pill. Where do I get one?
You can make an appointment at FPWA to see if you are suitable for Implanon. You will have the opportunity to discuss the benefits and risks associated with Implanon, then if you decide to go ahead, you’ll need to make a booking for insertion. Implanon can be inserted at any time during a woman’s menstrual cycle, though day 1 to day 5 is often recommended to ensure the woman is not already pregnant. If this is not possible, another method of contraception (eg the Pill - not condoms, which can fail) should be used until the day of insertion. It is very important that you’re not pregnant when Implanon is inserted - as Implanon changes or stops periods, a pregnancy may go unrecognised (there is no evidence that Implanon will damage a developing baby). The doctor may choose not to insert Implanon if there is a possibility you may be pregnant. More information about Implanon
When my boyfriend and I have sex he always ‘pulls out’ before he comes (ejaculates). Can I still get pregnant?
If a guy withdraws or ‘pulls out’ his penis before ejaculating, it is still possible for the girl to get pregnant as sperm can ‘leak’ from the penis before ejaculation. For this reason ‘pulling out’ is not a safe form of contraception. Unsafe sex also puts you at risk of getting a sexually transmissible infection. Always use condoms to protect yourself and your partner, and talk to a doctor about reliable contraceptive choices.
My girlfriend and I had sex last night with a condom, but it broke. Could she be pregnant?
It is possible she may be pregnant if there was a chance of any semen leakage. Emergency contraception is available over the counter at pharmacies, so your girlfriend doesn’t need to see doctor to get a prescription. Although it can be taken up to 5 days after sex to reduce the risk of pregnancy, the sooner a woman takes it the more effective it is at preventing pregnancy.
I work full-time and can’t come and pick up my prescription during the week. Can I get a friend to pick it up or could you send it to me?
Unfortunately we are unable to give friends your pills or post them to you as, by law, we are not allowed to do so. You can always ask for a doctor’s prescription when you visit our clinic and then fill it at your local pharmacy. We offer clinics Monday to Saturday as well as after hours clinics. You can also drop in and see a nurse between 8.30am-4.30pm Monday-Friday if the pill was prescribed by a doctor at FPWA.
I recently stopped taking the Pill as I would like to get pregnant, but my periods haven’t started again. How long will it take before I can get pregnant?
It can take a few months for your periods to return after stopping the Pill and it can take several months for a healthy woman to fall 
pregnant. Your hormones will be getting back to normal after being regulated for so long. At FPWA we recommend having one normal cycle off the Pill before trying to get pregnant, but if you do conceive before then it won't have any adverse effects on the foetus. This is to enable your doctor to calculate an expected delivery date. If you haven’t already started taking folate then it is a good idea to do so - folate can be bought from a pharmacy or health food store and is recommended before and during the first few months of pregnancy. If you are concerned however you can make an appointment with a doctor at FPWA to perform a blood test to assess your hormone levels. Most doctors would recommend a check-up if you haven’t had a period within 3 months of stopping the Pill.
I had sex without a condom a couple of weeks ago and I’m not on the Pill. I took emergency contraception (the morning after pill) and now my period is late. Could I be pregnant?
Emergency contraception can disrupt your cycle and may be the cause of your delayed period. A pregnancy test will be accurate if it is more than two weeks since you had unprotected sex. You should also have an STI test, as unprotected sex puts you at risk of getting an infection – see FPWA or a doctor for more information.
I am currently on the Pill and I’m going on holidays soon but am due for my period while I’m away! Is there any way I can postpone or have my period earlier?
With some pills it is possible to safely skip your period. Ring the FPWA Sexual Health Helpline on 9227 6178 or 1800 198 205 (country callers) to find out more.
I am travelling to Australia in a couple of months and would like to see if the pill I am currently on is available there. Where will I find out?
There are lots of different types of pills available in Australia. Email FPWA and we will be able to tell you if your pill is available here.
I've heard about a new method of vaginal contraception - how does it work?
NuvaRing is a new once-a-month contraceptive ring that is inserted inside the vagina by the woman. The ring costs around $25-$28 per cycle, and is available on prescription from a doctor. NuvaRing works in a similar way to the combined oral contraceptive pill, but contains a lower dose of hormones. It is very effective at preventing against pregnancy, and may appeal to women who are uncomfortable using more invasive methods of contraception such as implants or intrauterine devices, or who have difficulty remembering 
to take a pill every day. More information about NuvaRing.
Other Sexual Health FAQ’s
What does an STI test involve?
The type of test or tests you have will depend on if you have symptoms at the time and the type of sexual activity you have been involved in. For women, a sexually transmissible infection (STI) test usually includes samples of vaginal secretions, taken with what looks like a long cotton bud. This can be done at the same time as a Pap smear. In some situations a urine test may be needed for women.
Men who have no STI symptoms will have a urine test. Where a man has symptoms such as discharge from the penis or pain or swelling in the testicles, swabs are taken from the opening at the end of the penis. If you have had anal or oral sex, your doctor may also recommend testing these areas. If you have an ulcer in the mouth or genital area which could be caused by an STI, samples might be taken directly from the ulcer itself. Test results usually take about a week to come back. If results show you have an infection, sexual partners also need to be tested and treated, otherwise reinfection can occur. More information on STI testing
How can I tell if I have chlamydia?
While some people with chlamydia have symptoms, many don’t. Possible symptoms of a chlamydia infection include unusual discharge from the penis or vagina, or pain when peeing. Chlamydia is the most common STI among people aged under 25 in Australia, with many people unaware they have it. Testing is quick and treatment usually involves a course of antibiotics prescribed by your doctor. If left untreated chlamydia can cause infertility in both men and women. More information on chlamydia
How can I tell if my partner has an STI?
As many people with STIs have no symptoms, the only way to tell if you or your partner has one is to get tested at FPWA or by a doctor. In most cases testing is quick and usually painless.
How can I get my partner to use a condom?
When things start to hot up with a partner, particularly a new partner, it can be hard to talk about safe sex. You may find they are struggling to bring up the topic too. Even if you feel embarrassed, it saves you worrying later about whether you could have caught an STI or could be pregnant. Be clear about what you want to happen and stick to it. It’s easier to talk about safe sex early on, before you get naked. Don’t have sex with a partner who refuses to wear a condom – having unprotected sex even once puts you at risk of getting an STI. If you’re planning a big night out, make sure you have some condoms handy. More information on negotiating safe sex
I am sexually active but can’t seem to have an orgasm. Is something wrong with my partner or I?
This is a common problem for many men and women and there are a lot of factors which could be the cause. Many women don’t have much of a sex drive until their mid 20’s and libido can also be affected by different types of contraception. It is unlikely that there is anything wrong with you - lots of communication and practice with a loving and sensitive partner can be the best way to enjoy sex. There are books in the FPWA library on libido and orgasm that may help you, as well as practicing on your own. If this continues to be a problem, speak with your doctor or a sexual health counsellor at FPWA.
Sometimes I bleed after sex. Should I be worried?
Bleeding during or after sex can happen to women sometimes, and usually it is not caused by anything sinister. Sometimes there is a small tear in the vaginal opening, or a prominent blood vessel on the cervix that can get knocked and bleed during sex, but it is important to check for the uncommon but very significant causes, such as an early cancer of the cervix or an infection of the cervix with chlamydia or gonorrhoea. Unexplained bleeding should be discussed with a doctor, who may recommend you be assessed by swabbing for infections, and possibly a colposcopy. Just having a normal Pap smear is not enough - more assessment is needed.
I’ve found lumps on genital area – do I have genital warts or herpes?
The best thing to do if you find unusual lumps is see a doctor or FPWA clinician, as testing and treatment can only be achieved through a consultation. The viruses that cause warts and herpes are very common in the community and many people don’t know they have the viruses as they have few or no symptoms. More information on herpes and more information on warts
Do lesbians need Pap smears?
Yes! Many lesbians have had sex with men at some stage of their lives – or their partner has. This means they may have been exposed to the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) at some stage. This is the virus linked 
to the development of cervical cancer. All sexually active women should have a Pap smear every two years. Smoking may also increase the risk of cervical cancer.
Is it true that genital warts increase the risk of cancer?
In some women with genital warts, HPV may be found on the cervix, meaning there is a greater chance that pre-cancerous cells may develop. It is especially important that all women with genital warts have regular Pap smears. If a Pap smear shows HPV, a repeat smear will be recommended within 6 to 12 months. If these repeat smears also show HPV, your doctor may recommend a colposcopy (where the cervix is examined using a magnifying instrument).
A free cervical cancer vaccine is now available for young women. Talk to a doctor or FPWA clinician for more details.
How can genital warts be treated?
There are many different types of treatment available, including chemical paints and creams, freezing, burning (cautery), or laser. Often the treatment needs to be repeated several times before the lumps disappear. Some types of chemical paints (podophyllin or podophyllotoxin) are not recommended during pregnancy. Unfortunately there is no method of treatment that will completely cure the warts infection. While the majority of people who get the wart virus will get rid of it themselves over time via their immune system, even after having the warts treated there may still be some virus left in the skin and there is a chance that warts may re-occur.
How can herpes be treated?
Once the virus has entered the body it may be there for life, however there are ways to manage outbreaks. Simple painkillers will relieve discomfort and it is important to keep the area clean (salt baths are good). You can use betadine paint on blisters and sores to prevent secondary infection. If it is painful to pass urine, pouring lukewarm water over the infected area while urinating can be helpful. Antiviral drugs are available from your doctor. These drugs act by preventing multiplication of the herpes virus but do not get rid of the virus completely from your body. They have very few side effects. If started early in an attack of herpes, these drugs can abort or shorten an attack, as well as reducing the discomfort.
Can I have sex when I am having a herpes outbreak?
If you do have sex during a herpes outbreak, condoms reduce the risk of passing it on, but only if they cover the herpes sores. The risk of transmission during an outbreak is high.
Disclaimer
The answers to the health questions on this page have been produced by FPWA Sexual Health Services for the purpose of disseminating health information free of charge for the benefit of the public. They are not a substitute for independent professional advice. Nothing contained on this page is intended to be used as medical advice and it is not intended to be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, nor should it be used for therapeutic purposes or as a substitute for your own health professional’s advice. FPWA Sexual Health Services does not accept any liability for any injury, loss or damage incurred by use of or reliance on the information and recommends that the recipient contact FPWA Sexual Health Services or their medical practitioner directly for further, more specific, information.
Page last updated Mon, 10 Nov 2008 15:10