On or off hormonal methods, periods or withdrawal bleeds don't always arrive when expected (nor at the same time each cycle), and sometimes people even skip a cycle now and then. But too, please understand that no method is 100% effective, so with any, there is always a risk of pregnancy. If people want more protection than any one method can give, they can add a second method -- like a condom, for instance. Dual contraception -- using two methods consistently (always) and correctly -- is what has been found to be most effective at preventing pregnancy.
In terms of your pregnancy concerns, however, please understand that
we will not answer ANY questions about pregnancy fear or anxiety in our direct services from users who are not pregnant or who are not or have not otherwise been directly involved with an actual pregnancy. Please do not post this kind of question.
However, we CAN and WILL talk about things like:
• choosing and using a method or methods of contraception for any future sexual activity
• creating your own sexual limits and boundaries based on your needs and/or presenting them to any partners
• making sexual choices that suit your own needs, abilities and limitations, including your own readiness for certain possible risks
• help locating or using emergency contraception if and when you have had a pregnancy risk
• discussing options with a real, existing pregnancy, and help finding and accessing those options, such as abortion services and pre-natal care, or discussing feelings or concerns about a past pregnancy
• help with anxiety like locating mental health services, sound self-help or asking for support from friends or family
For help dealing with a scare (including what poses a risk and your next steps based on your unique situation), you may use our tool on site built for this purpose:
The Pregnancy Panic Companion.
For help with anxiety,
click here.
For related help and information at Scarleteen,
click here.
If you would like more information about this policy,
click here.