STIs are bad enough, but becoming a parent before you’re ready is something completely different. One’s uncomfortable for a while, the other changes everything, forever.

Being On Top means getting the information and confidence you need to stay in control of this situation. And if the worst happens, it is about getting the right support to help you handle it in a way that’s right for you.

This section will help you and your partner get your heads around this burning issue. It will also give you the knowledge you need to support friends who might have similar questions.

1I had unprotected sex last night. What should I do?
2We used a condom, but it split! I’m not ready for babies!
3Emergency Contraception sounds scary – what is it?
4I want Emergency Contraception. Where can I get it?
5I think I might be pregnant. What should I do?
6Sex under 16 is illegal – can I still get help?
7If I talk to someone, won’t they end up telling everyone?
8What’s a pregnancy test?
9I think I better take it – where can I get one?
10I’m pregnant! Help!!

1I had unprotected sex last night. What should I do?

If you’ve had unprotected sex within the last 5 days, you can get emergency contraception, which should stop you getting pregnant this time. The sooner you take it the more effective it is, so make sure you act straightaway (see below).

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2We used a condom, but it split! I’m not ready for babies!

You’ve tried your best – condoms are good for helping to protect against STIs, but there are are better methods of contraception out there (like LARC). A split condom still means unprotected sex so you need to respond as though you didn’t used one in the first place.

If it happened within the last 5 days, you can get emergency contraception. If it happened more than 5 days ago, it would be best to speak to someone who can advise you on the options.

There’s loads of support available in Sefton and from some really nice people. They can help you find out whether you’re pregnant or not and, if it’s bad news, they’ll be there to help you sort things out. See ‘I think I might be pregnant’ below for more info.

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3Emergency contraception sounds scary – what is it?

Although you definitely shouldn’t take emergency contraception lightly, or see it as the normal way to handle your birth control, taking it isn’t really that scary.

There’s two main types – you’ve probably heard of one called the ‘morning-after-pill’. This is a tablet that contains hormones to stop the egg being fertilised. You take the tablet – with a large dose of good advice – and you’re done. It’s sometimes known as EHC (Emergency Hormonal Contraception) and includes brands such as Levonelle or EllaOne.

The other type is the coil (IUD), which stands for intrauterine device – something they put inside you. It can be inserted into your uterus (womb) up to five days after unprotected sex and it stops an egg from implanting itself or being fertilised.

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4I want Emergency Contraception! Where can I get it?

Wait a minute… You need to take this seriously. Emergency contraception might get you out of trouble this time, but you can’t see it as an excuse to be careless about your sex life. It can lead to dizziness, sore boobs and irregular periods. And of course, it can’t do anything about the STI you may have caught at the same time, so make sure you have a Chlamydia screen as well.

Ok, preaching over. You can get emergency contraception from any of the ISIS or GUM clinics at Southport Hospital and Royal Liverpool Hospital – click here to find the nearest one. You can also get them from your local chemist or, if it’s closed, from a Walk In Centre at the hospital, normally in the A&E Department. Also, as long as you visit an ISIS clinic, it’s completely free of charge.

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5I think I might be pregnant. What should I do?

1. Don’t panic. You don’t know for sure yet and, whatever happens, there’s plenty of help available to sort it out.
2. Talk to someone. Your doctor, our advisors at the ISIS clinics, the nurse at school, college or work … whoever you are comfortable with – just don’t suffer in silence or bury your head in the sand…and don’t rely on advice from friends – it’s important to get a professional’s opinion as well.
3. Find out for sure. If you’ve already missed a period, take a pregnancy test straight away so you can at least find out one way or the other.

Free pregnancy testing is available at ISIS clinics, NHS walk-in-centres, some local pharmacies and your own GP.

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6Sex under 16 is illegal – can ISIS still help me?

You’re right – underage sex is still against the law, but the services on this website are for anyone, regardless of age, race, gender or sexuality. All local services are confidential and won’t tell anyone about your visit. The only time this isn’t the case, is when someone is worried about your safety – but even then, no one will say anything without you knowing about it.

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7If I talk to someone, won’t they end up telling everyone?

Definitely not! Anything you discuss with an advisor, Doctor or even receptionist will be held in complete confidence. The only time they may have to tell someone else is if they think you are in any danger, and even then, they would talk to you about it first.

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8What’s a pregnancy test?

Well, it’s definitely nothing to worry about. You just wee on a plastic stick and it shows you the results in about a minute or so.

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9I think I better take it – where can I get one?

You can have a pregnancy test free of charge through one of our ISIS clinics. Click here to find your nearest one. Also. you can sometimes get free ones from your local pharmacy or your GP, so keep an eye out.

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10I’m pregnant! Help!!

Ok, firstly don’t panic, as we’ve said, there’s loads of support available from some really nice people who want to help you sort this out.

Secondly, are you sure – have you taken the test? If so, then the most important thing now is that you talk to someone: your doctor, our advisors at the ISIS clinics, the nurse at school, college or work… whoever you are comfortable with – just don’t suffer in silence or bury your head in the sand…and don’t rely on advice just from friends – you need medical advice as well as emotional support.

With this support you can make the right decision about what to do next. Without going into too much detail, you’re probably looking at one of three choices:

• Have a baby and become parent.
• Have an abortion.
• Have a baby and pass him/her over for adoption.

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