These are some of the most common questions we get asked. If you don’t see your question here, you can text us or fill out our Ask a Health Educator form!
Are services at Teen Matters free?
Yes! Anyone age 19 or younger can receive free services at our Teen Clinics. Refer to About Us for more details.
What should I expect when I visit the Teen Clinic? Do I need to bring anything?
Your visit will vary based on the type of service you’re seeking. However, typically when you arrive at the clinic, you can expect a Health Counselor to greet you and ask how they can help you. Then, the Health Counselor will collect some information from you and have you fill out a few forms. They will also answer any questions you may have and go over your options. The Health Counselor will then ask you to provide a urine sample for the nurse to collect, and you’ll wait in the waiting room for the nurse (don’t worry – it won’t take long!). Once the nurse is ready, they’ll bring you back to the exam room and provide you with important information and any services you are there to receive. And that’s it! You’ll leave soon after the nurse has provided you with everything you need and answered your questions.
For most visits you won’t need to bring anything. Just bring your questions and be prepared to fill out a few forms!
Do I need an appointment?
That depends on what type of service you need. For insertion of a Long-Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC) which includes IUDs or Implants, you will need to call us and schedule an appointment.
For STI/STD testing, birth control pills, condoms, pregnancy tests, or anything else, you can walk in anytime we’re open. Check our calendar to see which days we are available for walk-ins and appointments.
Do you have Plan B?
Yes, we have Plan B, AKA the emergency contraceptive pill. You do not need an appointment to get a Plan B, although Plan B is only effective if taken within 72 hours after having sexual intercourse. If you need it, stop by one of our Teen Clinics or health departments ASAP, and speak with a Health Counselor about your birth control options while you’re there!
Could I be pregnant?
The only way to know for sure if you’re pregnant is to take a pregnancy test. A test would be the most accurate when taken at least two weeks after intercourse.
Since each and every body is unique, it is challenging to determine whether or not you would be pregnant based on a description of your cycle and the date of last intercourse, but the following scenarios may help you decide your next steps:
If you have not yet missed your period:
- And you have been using an Implant (Nexplanon) or waited at least 7 days before having intercourse after your Implant insertion, then it is unlikely you are pregnant. If you engaged in intercourse before the 7 days, there is still a possibility and you may need to get a Plan B or take a pregnancy test.
- And you have been using a hormonal IUD or waited at least 7 days before having intercourse after your hormonal IUD insertion, then it is unlikely you are pregnant.
- And you have been using the Copper IUD (Paragard) or recently had the Copper IUD inserted, it is unlikely you are pregnant. Paragard is effective immediately and can act as an emergency contraceptive.
- And you have been using pills, the patch, ring, or depo-provera shot correctly and on time, then it is unlikely you are pregnant. If you did not get your refill in time and had intercourse after your refill was due, there is a possibility you could get pregnant.
- And you are not on any form of birth control but used a condom, the chances of you being pregnant are low, as long as the condom did not break. If you used a condom and it broke, there is a possibility you could get pregnant. Using a water-based lube can prevent condom breakage.
- And you have had intercourse but used the withdrawal method (AKA pulling out), there is a possibility you could get pregnant. While pre-cum typically does not have sperm in it, the person pulling out may not have done so before ejaculating.
- And you have had intercourse without using any form of method, there is a high possibility you may be pregnant.
If you have already missed your period or your period is late,
- And you have just started a new birth control or have been using a form of birth control for any amount of time, your missed period could be from the side effects of the birth control. This is normal. See the FAQ below for more information.
- And you have not had intercourse within the past month but have been experiencing stress and/or anxiety, your period could be late due to stress.
- And you have had intercourse within the past few weeks and are not using any form of birth control or protection, there is a high possibility you may be pregnant.
If you’re concerned you may be pregnant, stop by one our clinics ASAP. We’ll give you a free pregnancy test and go over some birth control options with you. You may also be able to take a Plan B if you come into the clinic within 72 hours after intercourse, but these can be found at most local pharmacies as well. The Copper IUD (AKA Paragard) can also be used as emergency contraception if inserted within 5 days after having intercourse, and then serve as a very effective form of birth control for up to 12 years!
Can I get pregnant if I have sex on my period?
While it could be unlikely, each body is unique and you still have a chance of getting pregnant if you engage in unprotected penis-in-vagina sex while on your period, especially if you have sex towards the end of your period and if you have a shorter cycle. Sperm can stay inside a vagina for up to five days, and in a typical cycle, ovulation usually happens a few days after the end of menstruation. With this in mind, if you’ve had unprotected sex while on your period, you may want to stop by one of our clinics so you can take a Plan B just to be sure.
What types of birth control do you offer?
Click here for pictures and descriptions of the types of birth control we offer.
Is it normal for birth control to affect your periods?
Since bodies are unique, it is challenging to say what is “normal.” However, most people notice a change in their periods once they begin using birth control, and that change varies from person to person. You can check out our birth control options page to learn how different types of birth control most commonly affect the periods of those who use them.
Can I get birth control while I’m on my period?
Yes! Actually, this is preferred. For some birth control methods like IUDs, being on your period makes it easier to insert the birth control and is a surefire way to ensure you aren’t pregnant when starting a new birth control method.
Can I pick up birth control for someone else? Can someone else pick up birth control for me?
No. Each person seeking a service at one of our health departments or Teen clinics must be present for the service themselves. Our services are free and confidential, but you can always give us a call to discuss any concerns you may have about seeking our services.
How long after starting birth control can I become sexually active?
For most birth control options, it is safe to become sexually active after 7 days following the start of your birth control.
How is sex supposed to feel?
Sex feels different for each person. However, sex should not be painful. If you have more concerns about this, text our Health Educator at 706.988.5183 for advice on how to eliminate pain. Don’t worry – it’s completely anonymous and you don’t have to give us your name in order to get your questions answered!
Is it possible to contract STDs/STIs from oral sex?
Unfortunately, yes, it is possible to contract STIs from oral sex. This is why it’s so important to use barrier methods like condoms and dental dams, even during oral sex. Stop by our Teen Clinics to pick up dental dams, condoms, and flavored lube!
What STDs/STIs do you test for?
Typically, we go ahead and test for Chlamydia and Gonorrhea when you come to the clinic for a service. However, we have tests for every type of STI. When you come to the clinic, you’ll need to be specific about which STIs you would like to be tested for or if you’d like to be tested for all of them.
What if I test positive for a STI?
If you test positive, take a deep breath. This can be tough to deal with, but the stigma or perception of the STI is often worse than the STI itself. Some STIs can be cured, and the ones that cannot be cured can be treated in a way that will make it easier for you to live with.
If you took a test at our clinic, a nurse will give you a call ASAP to let you know whether or not you tested positive. They’ll ask you to come in to the clinic for next steps. If you tested positive for Chlamydia or Gonorrhea, the nurse will provide you with pills and instructions to cure the infection once you arrive at the clinic. If you tested positive for another STI, you’ll be given more information and advice about treatment when you come in to the clinic.
For more information about STIs, visit the CDC website.
Updated April 2021
