Could I Be Pregnant?

What kind of sex can cause pregnancy?

Some sex activities can make you pregnant and others cannot.

You cannot get pregnant from:

• Kissing
• Mutual masturbation
• Dry humping (with clothes on)
• Oral sex
• Anal sex
• Ejaculate released in a pool or hot tub that you are swimming in.

You can get pregnant from:

• Vaginal sex with a penis*.
• Any activity where semen is ejaculated in or near the vagina*.

Can I get pregnant if I’m using birth control?

• Yes, because no method of birth control is 100% effective. Pregnancy can happen when a birth control method fails (like if a condom breaks) or when a birth control method is used the wrong way (like if you miss taking a birth control pill).

Can I get pregnant during my period?

• Yes. Sperm can live for up to five days inside your body, so it is possible for sperm that have entered your body during your period to still be alive when your body releases an egg during ovulation.

Can I get pregnant if it’s my first time having vaginal sex?

• Yes, there is nothing about the first time that will keep you from potentially getting pregnant. There is a chance of pregnancy each and every time you have vaginal sex.

How can I tell if I’m pregnant?

Some symptoms of pregnancy are:

• Tiredness (fatigue)
• Feeling dizzy or faint
• Swollen or tender breasts
• Constipation or gas
• Feeling sick to your stomach (morning sickness)
• Having to go pee a lot (frequent urination)
• Headache
• Cramps in the lower belly
• Backache
• Mood swings
• Missed period

My period is late. Am I pregnant?

• Possibly. There are many reasons your period could be late—even if your cycle is usually regular. Changes in diet, exercise or stress can cause your period to be late. Many symptoms of pregnancy are also signs that your period is about to come, or that you are experiencing another health issue. Taking a pregnancy test is the only way to know for sure.

I had sex two nights ago, and now I’m worried about getting pregnant. Is there anything I can do about it now?

• If your partner ejaculated in or near your vagina and you weren’t using birth control (or if your birth control method) you may want to use an emergency contraceptive pill (ECP).
• ECPs like Plan B work for up to five days after sex activity, and the sooner you take them, the more effective they are.
• For more information on the ECP, check out Emergency Contraception.

How can I tell if I’m pregnant?

• The only way to know for sure is to take a pregnancy test.
• A pregnancy test is a small plastic wand that you pee on. It detects your hormone levels and can tell you if you are pregnant.
• Pregnancy tests are very accurate if they are used as instructed.

Where can I get a pregnancy test?

• Pregnancy test kits can be purchased at a drug store or are available for free at your family doctor’s office or at clinics like Planned Parenthood Toronto’s Health Services.
• If you go to a clinic, you will meet with a staff person for the test. They will have you pee in a cup or provide a blood sample.

I just took a pregnancy test, and it’s positive. What do I do now?

• First of all, try not to panic. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed or not to know what to do.
• You are the only one who can make decisions about your pregnancy but there are people and organizations that can help you.
• If you want to talk to someone or if you want more information about community resources contact Teen Health Source at 416-961-3200.

For more information about options when you are pregnant, check out: I’m Pregnant: What are My Choices?

If you have questions about this topic, feel free to contact one of our peer educators. [Link]

*We know that these aren’t the words everyone uses for their bodies (eg. trans folks), and support you using the language that feels best for you.

Last Edited: May 2020