Ask an Expert
Got questions about sex, pregnancy, contraception and STDs? We’ve got answers.
The PATHS Coalition believes parents and trusted adults should be your first stop for questions about sex. But if you’re not comfortable talking with them or if you have a question they can’t answer, we can help!
Click here to send us an email with your question. We’ll keep your name and any other identifying information confidential, but we may publish your question and our answer on this website to help educate other people as well. Because chances are, if you’re wondering about it, a lot of other teens are too!
Question:
(Savannah, GA) How do I say no if I am not ready to have sex yet?
Answer: Saying no can be an extremely difficult thing to do, especially if you are in a relationship. Just know that regardless of whether you have ever had sex before or if your partner says you have to have sex to prove your love, you are in control of your own decisions and you can ALWAYS say no. You don’t have to prove anything to anyone!
Often, simply saying, “I am not ready” will be enough. You might even find that your partner will admit he/she is not ready either!
When you say “No” you will also need to follow-up by changing your actions. If you and your partner are kissing or “making out” when the subject comes up make sure you stop what you are doing and change the mood. Make sure your actions give off the same signal as your words! If your partner continues to pressure you to have sex you may need to leave, especially if you feel like you might give in to the pressure. The most important part is to always remember that saying “NO,” regardless of the circumstances, is your right!!
Question:
(Pooler, GA) Can a girl get pregnant if she has sex during her period?
Answer: Yes. A lot of people think that if a girl has sex during her period, she can’t get pregnant. But it is possible for a girl to get pregnant while she is bleeding. This can happen for a couple of reasons:
Not all vaginal bleeding is the result of a menstrual period. Sometimes a girl will have a small amount of vaginal bleeding at the time of ovulation - the time when she is most likely to get pregnant. During ovulation, an egg is released from one of the ovaries and travels down a fallopian tube to the uterus. It’s common for girls who are ovulating to have some vaginal bleeding that can be mistaken for a period.
Sometimes ovulation can occur before the bleeding from a girl’s period has stopped, or it may occur within a few days after her period is over. Sperm can fertilize an egg for several days after ejaculation. So in both cases, having sex before the period is finished can result in pregnancy.
Having unprotected sex at any time is very risky. Along with the chance of becoming pregnant, there is also the risk of getting a sexually transmitted disease (STD), such as chlamydia, genital warts, or HIV. The only surefire way to prevent pregnancy and STDs is abstinence. If you do have sex, use a condom every time to protect against STDs. And talk to your healthcare provider (such as your doctor or the health department) about additional forms of contraception.