Sexual Health FAQs 9

Sexual FAQs



Q. How soon can I use home pregnancy tests?

A. Home pregnancy tests are most accurate about 27 days after conception. This is when a menstrual period is 10 to 12 days late, although some tests do say they can be used as early as 2 days after a missed period. * Update: Some of the new pregnancy tests say you can use them one day after a missed period. If your cycle is not regular, wait another day to use it. (Or you might be wasting your money). *Some claim they are accurate 5 days before you have missed your period. I would go with the older tests, since there is some data on how accurate those are.

Collect a good urine specimen. If the directions call for the use of a container, use a new or clean one. A washed-out bottle may interfere with the results. Most tests today provide a small disposable cup for you to use, or you urinate directly onto them. Perform the test in the morning when urine is the most concentrated. But you can use them at any time of the day. (Refrain from the use of aspirin or marijuana the day before and the day of the test).

Results can be one of two things:

Positive: almost always means pregnant. False positives (which indicate you are pregnant when you are not) are very rare. Substances that cause a false positive include marijuana, aspirin, hormones, birth control pills, methadone, tranquilizers and soap or protein in urine.

Negative: usually means not pregnant. False negatives (which indicate you are not pregnant when you are) are fairly common. This happens if it is too early in the pregnancy to make the results of the home test accurate.

If you suspect you are pregnant even though a home pregnancy test is negative, you should have a pelvic exam by a Gyn health-care provider and a blood test, or repeat the urine test in a couple of days.

For more on home pregnancy tests, see our article.

Q. What is a dental dam [vaginal dam] and how is it used? I don't mean when the dentist uses it.

A. Dental or vaginal dams are rectangular pieces of latex that are used for protection when performing oral sex on a female. (Many are flavored). Since STDs can be transmitted from either partner to the other during oral sex, it is important to use a dental dam. They should also be used for oral-to-anal contact, for the same reason. Yes, it sounds as if dental dams take the fun out of oral sex-- but so do genital herpes or oral herpes, and more so!

Dental dams should be placed on the area that is being pleasured. Make sure not to flip over the dental dam during use, to prevent the transmission of STDs between partners. An alternative to using a dental dam is regular plastic wrap, which should be used in the same way as the dental dam. Some people cut a condom in half and use that on their tongue. The dental dam is probably better protection, IMHO. You can buy dental dams at most stores that sell condoms. (Remember, in the U.S.A. and Canada, you can buy condoms or any birth control at any age. Many universities give them out for free at their health centers.)

Q. What is oral sex?

A. Oral sex can take place in various ways when it involves a man and woman (or a woman and a woman, or a man and a man).
Heterosexual oral: The woman can stimulate the man's genitals with her mouth and tongue (it's called fellatio, or a “blow job”). The man can stimulate the woman's vulva, clitoris and vagina with his tongue (cunnilingus). Either partner can stimulate the area round the other partner's anus (“rimming”) with his or her tongue. Always use a dental dam, condom or plastic wrap when doing this. If you are married and in a monogamous relationship, it's up to you to decide if you need the STD protection. For more, see the above question.