Sexual Health FAQs
(Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Will the pill make me fat?
A: While some women are definitely affected by the hormonal changes induced by the pill, weight gain is not a "side effect" of taking the pill. Weight gain is due to an increase in appetite and easier fat deposition as a result of the increase in hormones. As well, high doses of estrogen do cause water retention, which can contribute to weight gain. How much a woman will gain tends to vary, some women may gain more while others may not gain any weight at all.
Q: Can I get a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) through oral or anal sex ?
A: STIs can be passed on through oral or anal sex. Some examples of STIs are: Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Herpes, Syphilis, HPV (Human Papilloma virus), HIV (Human Immunodeficiency virus), LGV (lymphogranuloma venereum) and Hepatitis B. There are a few STIs that can be passed on through touching and kissing such as syphilis, herpes and HPV. Pubic Lice and Scabies can be passed on through any form of sexual or non sexual contact. During all forms of intercourse (vagianl, oral or anal) you should protect yourself with physical barriers, such as condoms or dental dams (used for oral sex).
Q: How long should I wait to have sex after starting the birth control pill?
A: If you have taken the pill as instructed, it should be effective within one month after starting it. A condom should always be worn as a back-up if pills are missed and for protection against Sexually Transmitted Infections.
Q: What form of birth control do I have to choose from? I am currently on the pill and I am having a hard time remembering to take them.
A: There are many forms of birth control on the market at this time, as you mentioned there is the birth control pill which is an oral contraceptive. There is also a patch which is applied once a week to the skin. This form of birth control releases hormones slowly through the week. Another form of birth control is the vaginal contraceptive ring. This ring is inserted in the vagina near the cervix, and it stays in place for three weeks and is removed for the week of your cycle. The ring works much like the pill and patch by slowly releasing estrogen and progesterone over the three week period. You also may have heard of the Depo-Provera injection, this form is given by needle every 10-13 weeks. There is also the IUS (intrauterine system), which is inserted into the uterus by a doctor and can be left in place for up to five years. There are also condoms and spermicides.
Q: What is the legal age to consent to sex in Canada?
A: The legal age to consent to sex in Canada is 16.
Q: Should I continue to have a PAP test even though I have had a hysterectomy?
A: If your cervix was removed during your hysterectomy you no longer require regular Pap tests unless your uterus/cervix was removed due to cancer. If you are unsure if you still have your cervix you may book an appointment with your health care provider or the health unit to determine if you require regular Pap tests.
Q: I am a 25 year old female, I am sexually active, however, I have been with the same partner for the past year. Should I continue to go for regular Pap tests?
A: Yes, even if you are now in a monogamous relationship, you should still continue to have regular Pap tests to check for cervical cancer as you may have been exposed to the HPV virus (which is linked to cervical cancer) in the past.
Q: When should I start getting Pap tests?
A: The Ontario Cervical Screening Program recommends that a female start getting regular Pap tests within three years of becoming sexually active. Women should continue getting their Pap tests done regularly until the age of 70, if there have been three normal Pap test results in the previous ten years.
Q: My daughter is 15 and she is not sexually active, should she still get the HPV vaccine?
A: The HPV vaccination can be given to females aged 9-26 years old and protects against 4 types of HPV. HPV is one cause of cervical as well as some vaginal cancers. Some types also cause genital warts. Condoms do not offer 100% protection form this virus. Ideally, the vaccine should be given before a female becomes sexually active.
Q: I think I might be pregnant but I am still getting my period?
A: It is rare for women to continue to have their cycle throughout their pregnancies, however, when women do continue to have their cycle while pregnant their flow is usually much lighter and much shorter. Medical attention should be sought if the bleeding becomes heavier and is accompanied by cramping.
Q: Can I get pregnant even though I used a condom?
A: You can get pregnant while using a condom if it is not used properly. You must ensure that the condom is not expired and that the packaging is intact. A condom could break or slip off if it is not used properly or if it is damaged. Be careful with teeth, nails and jewelry. You may also get pregnant if you accidently put the condom on upside down and then reverse it as there may be sperm on the outside of the condom. Remember, it only takes one sperm and pre-ejaculate contains sperm.
Q: How soon can I tell if I am pregnant?
A: For many women, the first sign can be missing a menstrual period. Your period may be lighter or shorter than usual. A woman might also think she is pregnant if she has tender breasts, is nauseous or vomiting, is a lot more tired than usual or is bloated. Pregnancy tests available at the drug store or at the Health Unit are very sensitive and will detect a pregnancy by the time a woman has missed her period.
Last reviewed: July 9, 2009