Getting Pregnant
Sexual intercourse can lead to pregnancy, even if you are using contraception. So if you are worried about being pregnant talk to someone you trust or telephone a helpline.

Conception During sexual intercourse the sperm is ejaculated into the female vagina. Hundreds of millions of sperm are ejaculated but it just takes a single sperm to fertilise the woman's egg. There is one ovary at the end of each fallopian tube. The ovaries produce and store the eggs. Each egg has the potential to be fertilised by a sperm. Ovulation is when the egg is released from the ovary. This is the time you are most likely to get pregnant. It usually happens around 12 to 16 days into your cycle. However every woman differs, so do not take this for granted. If the egg is fertilised (when the male sperm meets the female ovum), it travels up the fallopian tube to the uterus where it embeds in the lining. If the egg is not fertilised within 24 hours after its release from the ovary, the woman will not be pregnant and will have a period.

A NUMBER OF PREGNANCY SERVICES ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE SEXUAL HEALTH CENTRE

PREGNANCY TESTING

• If you have had sex and have missed a period, your breasts are more swollen or tingly than usual, your vaginal discharge has changed, or you need to pee more often, you may be pregnant.
  

• If you think you may be pregnant you can avail of a free pregnancy test here at the SHC.
  

• This testing has an immediate result.
  

• If you feel you need extra support you can bring your partner, friend, or parent with you when you come for the test.
  

• You will need to make an appointment.
  

• There is no charge for this services.

NON DIRECTIVE 3 OPTION PREGNANCY COUNSELLING

• If your pregnancy is unplanned it may be a crisis pregnancy and you will need to consider your options.

• You may decide to continue with your pregnancy and keep the baby.

• You may decide that Adoption is the best option for you. It is a legal agreement and is organised by your health board or adoption agency.

• If you are considering an Abortion this means that you would be stopping the pregnancy. Abortion is not legal in Ireland but you can recieve information on how to contact a clinic to arrange one. Abortion is a very emotional subject and it is very important that you get support and help if you have decided to have one.

• The SHC provides counselling services for women with crisis pregnancy. You can look at all the options with a trained counsellor. This counselling is completely non-directive and confidential. There is no charge for this service.

• You will need to make an appointment.

POST ABORTION COUNSELLING

• This service offers women who have had an abortion the chance to talk to a trained counsellor.

• You will need to make an appointment.

• There is no charge for this service.

POST ABORTION MEDICAL CHECK UPS

• It is very important to have a medical check two weeks after your operation. The SHC is now providing Post Abortion Medical Check Ups.

• You will need to phone for an appointment a couple of days before you wish to attend.

• Any issues you may have in relation to Women's Health Care or Contraception can be discussed with the Doctor.