FAQ (Frequently asked questions)

Check out the subjects discussed below to see if any of the questions answer your concern. If you do not find answers to your questions, do not hesitate to call us at 819 822-1181.

You can also ask us your questions directly by using the form below or through our chat service.

The organization

What services do you offer?

Telephone helpline, email and chat services, pregnancy test, support in making a choice, accompaniment, counseling, referrals and information. All our services are free, confidential, bilingual and pro-choice. We also offer awareness-raising and prevention activities. Click here to find out more.

How do you make an appointment?

To make an appointment for a pregnancy test, for support in making a choice, or for counseling, call us or write to us, and it will be our pleasure to find a suitable time to meet with you. Click here to contact us.

Where are your offices located?

To ensure the confidentiality of our services, our address is not disclosed. Contact us for more information.

Are there costs associated with your services?

No. All our services are free and we do not ask for your health insurance card since we do not offer healthcare services. At SOS Grossesse Estrie, we are interveners and not healthcare professionals.

Do you ask for parental consent if a young person under the age of 14 comes to meet you?

No. For confidentiality reasons, we do not ask for the age or name of the person contacting us. In addition, we do not offer healthcare services. At SOS Grossesse Estrie, we are interveners and not healthcare professionals.

In which languages are your services offered?

Our services are offered primarily in French. However, we can also offer English services. If the person contacting us speaks neither French or English, we could call upon the services of an interpreter.

Who is responsible for the protection of personal information?

The organization’s executive director is responsible for ensuring the protection of personal information. For any questions, comments, or complaints related to our processing of personal information, you can contact her by telephone at 819 822-1147 or by mail at SOS Grossesse Estrie, C.P. 224, Sherbrooke (Québec) J1H 5H8.

Risky sexual relations

Are there risks of pregnancy if the partners have a sexual relation while wearing their clothing?

Spermatozoa (sperm) cannot go through clothing. If there has been no direct contact or rubbing between their genitals (penis-vagina rubbing), there are no risks of pregnancy.

Is it possible to become pregnant if I have unprotected sexual relations?

Yes. If no contraceptive method was used, the risk of pregnancy is high. It is possible to obtain the emergency pill up to 5 days maximum after a risky sexual relation to prevent pregnancy. This pill is not 100% guaranteed, but the sooner it is taken after the relation, the more effective it is. It is also possible to obtain the emergency IUD up to 7 days after a risky sexual relation. Click here to find out what to do.

Is it possible to become pregnant during a sexual relation without penetration?

Yes. It is possible to become pregnant during sexual relations without penetration or when practicing coitus interruptus (withdrawal). Rubbing between the penis and the entrance to the vagina can suffice because pre-ejaculatory fluid can contain spermatozoid (sperm) which do not need to be deposited deep into the vagina to cause pregnancy. Finally, it is important to put on a condom BEFORE having genital contact in order to be protected from pregnancies and STBBIs.

Is it possible to become pregnant if I have sexual intercourse during my period?

Yes. It is possible to become pregnant at any time during the menstrual cycle. The menstrual cycle can change when you are under stress or experiencing great change in your life. It is possible for ovulation to be delayed or to experience a spontaneous ovulation at any time. It is therefore important to always use a contraceptive method to prevent an unplanned pregnancy.

It is also important to know that when you use the contraceptive pill or another hormonal method adequately, sexual relations are protected during menstruation, and even during your break week.

Is it possible to become pregnant if I have sexual intercourse in a shower, a pool, or a bathtub?

Yes. Having sexual intercourse in water does not protect against pregnancy. If no contraception is used, there can be risks of STBBIs and pregnancy.

Is it possible to become pregnant if my partner withdraws before ejaculating?

Yes. Coitus interruptus (withdrawal) is not an effective contraceptive method. It’s a high-risk behavior since ejaculation can be difficult to control. In addition, when the penis is excited, it secretes pre-ejaculatory fluid that can contain spermatozoa (sperm) and it only takes one to cause pregnancy.

Is it possible de become pregnant if I have not had my first period?

Yes. Ovulation happens BEFORE menstruation, so there is an ovulation before the first menstruation. We never know when menstruation will happen for the first time. For this reason, there are risks of pregnancy if a teenager has unprotected sex. There are also risks of STBBIs.

Is it possible to become pregnant when breasfeeding?

Yes. It’s important to use a method of contraception when breastfeeding (e.g., the condom, the copper IUD, or methods that only contain progesterone) since you could become pregnant even if you have not had the return of your menstruation. Ovulation can occur as soon as three weeks after vaginal or cesarian delivery. The methods mentioned above should not affect the quantity or the composition of the breast milk. However, using the contraceptive patch, the contraceptive ring and the combined contraceptive pills (which contain estrogen and progestin) can slightly reduce the quantity of milk produced. If this is the case, don’t hesitate to communicate with a lactation consultant, a healthcare professional (midwife, doctor, nurse). In addition, they reduce the risk of experiencing an unplanned pregnancy.

Emergency contraception

Do you need a prescription to get the emergency pill?

No. You can get the emergency pill at the pharmacy without a prescription (the price varies according to the drug insurance plan, and it can be free or cost approximately $25). It is available for free at the CLSC, the youth clinic, the Planning Clinic in Sherbrooke (Clinique de Planning), and from a doctor or school nurse.

Can the emergency pill be taken more than once?

The emergency pill is for emergency use only. However, if it was used on several occasions, it might be good to ask yourself if the current contraception is convenient for your needs and lifestyle. You may consider talking to a healthcare professional about it. There are several contraceptive methods; it’s just a matter of finding the one that’s most effective for us.

Will the emergency pill affect my menstruation?

After taking the emergency pill, menstruation should start within 3 weeks. If not, it’s important to take a pregnancy test. While you wait for your menstruation, it’s important to use a contraceptive method since the emergency pill does not protect you for your future sexual relations.

Does the emergency pill induce abortion?

No. The emergency pill mainly delays ovulation. It does not terminate pregnancy if the woman is already pregnant. It is important to distinguish the emergency pill from the abortion pill (medical abortion).

Hormonal contraceptive methods

What to do if you forget to take your birth control pill?

If you forget to take your pill, the procedure to follow differs depending on how long you missed it (e.g. less than 24 hours or more), the number of tablets forgotten and when it happened (1st, 2nd, 3rd week).

Click here to find out what to do.

What to do if you forget to apply your contraceptive patch or if it comes off?

If you forget or it comes off, the procedure to follow differs depending on how long you forgot to apply it or how long it was off (more or less than 24 hours) and when this happened (1st, 2nd, 3rd week)

Click here to find out what to do.

What to do if you forget to insert your contraceptive ring or it is expelled?

If you forget to insert it or if it is expelled, the procedure to follow differs depending on how long you forgot it or how long it was expelled (more or less 3 hours), as well as the moment when this happened (1st, 2nd, 3rd week).

Click here to find out what to do.

What to do if the delay between contraceptive injections goes over the 14-week mark?

You must take a pregnancy test and receive your next injection as soon as possible.

Click here to find out what to do.

If I’ve been using hormonal contraception for a long time, like the pill, should I stop using it or take a break from time to time?

It is not necessary to take a break from birth control method for a healthy person. Taking a break can increase the risk of an unplanned pregnancy. Most of the time, hormonal contraceptives can be taken from puberty until menopause. However, there are some exceptions. If you have any doubts or concerns specific to your situation, do not hesitate to discuss them with a healthcare professional.

Click here to find out what to do.

Is it true that the pill makes you gain weight?

Studies have shown that there is no link between the pill and weight gain. Many start taking the contraceptive pill in adolescence, a period when their body has not reached maturity and weight gain is frequent. However, if the person notices a change in their weight, they could consult a healthcare professional.

Will the side effect of my hormonal contraceptive method disappear over time?

If you experience side effects, it is advisable to wait 3 months before changing the type of pill or the contraceptive method, as these usually diminish or disappear after this period. However, if side effects are severe, it’s important to consult a doctor as soon as possible. Since doses and types of hormones vary from one contraceptive method to another, most women eventually find the one that suits them best.

Is a hormonal contraceptive method effective from the first use ? (E.g: pill, ring, patch, injection, implant)

It is advisable to combine the new method with the condom for a minimum of 7 days to allow the method to reach its maximum effectiveness. It is also preferable to continue using this double method during the first month to get used to using the hormonal contraceptive properly.

Can taking certain medications decrease the effectiveness of the pill?

Certain medications and natural products can decrease the effectiveness of the pill, the patch, and the contraceptive ring. Make sure you consult a pharmacist to see if there may be a drug interaction that could reduce the effectiveness of your method.

Click here to find out what to do.

If I’m pre-menopausal, should I stop using my birth control?

To avoid an unplanned pregnancy, it is important to continue using a contraceptive method until menstruation has stopped continuously for a period of 12 months and until you have received a formal menopause diagnosis from a doctor.

Can my partner feel the IUD threads during penetration?

The partner should not feel the IUD threads because they are thin and flexible, and above all, they are usually cut so that they are not felt during penetration. However, if the partner feels them, a doctor or nurse can cut them to a more suitable length.

Are there risks of pregnancy during the break week of the pill, the patch or the ring?

When taking a hormonal method such as the pill, the cycle becomes artificial. If no situation has reduced its effectiveness during the last week and the person has taken it correctly, it will be at its maximum effectiveness and she will be protected during her week of stopping. However, no contraceptive method is 100% safe.

Are the patch and the contraceptive ring as effective as the contraceptive pill?

Studies show that their effectiveness is similar to that of the pill. Since it may be more difficult for some women to take the pill at the same time every day, the patch or ring are probably more effective because they don’t require daily dosing.

Can my partner feel the contraceptive ring during penetration?

Yes. It is rather rare, but certain people may be bothered by the presence of the ring during sexual intercourse. In this case, it is possible to remove the ring for a maximum of 3 hours. Afterwards, the woman must rinse it with lukewarm water and reinsert it.

Condom

Are two condoms better than one?

On the contrary, it is very risky to use two condoms because the friction between them increases the risk of them tearing during sexual intercourse. If you want to take extra precautions and are concerned by the possibility of condom breakage, it’s best to use a condom in combination with another contraceptive method (e.g., the pill, the patch, the ring, etc.).

Can people who are allergic to latex use condoms?

There are latex-free condoms that can be used to eliminate this problem. They are available in pharmacies or for free at several organizations, including ours!

Click here to find out where to get free condoms.

Can we use a condom during sexual intercourse in water?

It is better to use a condom than not to use one. If you use a condom in water, it’s important to put it on before entering the water. However, you must consider certain elements:

First, the chemical products (chlorine, additives such as soap, bath oil or bubble bath) in the water may break the condom by affecting the latex.
Then, you have to consider that water reduces lubrication, which can make penetration painful.
In addition, there is an increased risk of urinary tract infection.
The condom could slip off.
Etc.

Pregnancy Symptoms

Is it possible to be pregnant while menstruating?

Early on in the pregnancy, some women continue to have bleeding. However, this bleeding is usually lighter than regular menstruation. These discharges are generally in the form of “spotting” (light pinkish or brownish discharge). If the bleeding has decreased quickly or if it’s different than usual, it would be important to take a pregnancy test.

Pregnancy Test

How can I know the number of weeks of pregnancy?

The number of weeks of pregnancy is calculated from the first day of the last menstruation, and not from the date that you think you became pregnant. If in doubt, a doctor can confirm the number of weeks of pregnancy.

If the test is slightly positive, am I pregnant?

If the line is easily visible and it appears within the time limit of the test, this means you are pregnant.

When should I take a pregnancy test?

It is advisable to take a pregnancy test when your menstruation is late or 2-3 weeks after a risky sexual intercourse.

Click here to find out more.

Choices

Who decides whether to continue the pregnancy or not?

The final choice is up to the pregnant person.

At times, the couple does not consider the same choices regarding the pregnancy, thus creating a feeling of helplessness in the partner. However, the partner can express his wishes concerning the pregnancy and express their commitment or not without putting pressure on them. It is important for the partner to reflect on the choice to be made.

Click here to find out more.

What are my options in the event of an unplanned pregnancy?

In the event of an unplanned pregnancy, you have 3 choices: continue the pregnancy, adoption, or abortion.Click here to find out more about the different choices.

Abortion

Is abortion legal?

Since 1988, abortion (termination of pregnancy) is legal in Canada.

What is the delay to have access to abortion?

In Quebec, the law does not set a maximum time limit for access to abortion. It is therefore possible to have an abortion throughout the pregnancy (1st, 2nd and 3rd trimester). The maximum time limit varies from region to region, and depending on clinic capacity, it is possible to be referred to a clinic in another region depending on the number of weeks of pregnancy. The abortion pill is available up to a maximum of 9 weeks of pregnancy, depending on the region. To reach a clinic, contact us and we’ll refer you.

How do I get an appointment for an abortion?

Once your choice is clear, you have to make an appointment to an abortion center in your region (you can go to another region if necessary). Before calling, you must make sure you have done a positive pregnancy test even if you are certain that you are pregnant. To find out where other abortion services are offered, do not hesitate to contact us.

Click here to find out where to take a free pregnancy test.

Do I need a doctor’s referral for an abortion?

No. A doctor’s referral is not necessary. You can call directly to make an appointment at a clinic or a hospital where abortions are performed.

To find out where other abortion services are offered, do not hesitate to contact us.

Is parental consent necessary?

Parental consent (one parent or legal guardian) is required for young people under 14 years of age. From the age of 14, if the person does not wish to discuss it with their parents, they will be able to sign the consent to the procedure themselves. However, they must be accompanied by the person of their choice for the procedure appointment.

What happens during an abortion?

The number of appointments can vary depending on the number of weeks of pregnancy and the region where the person lives. In Sherbrooke, there are usually two appointments. Do not hesitate to contact us; we can accompany you to one or more appointments in Sherbrooke, based on our availability.

Click here to find out more.

Does an abortion hurt?

Pain varies from person to person, but it can resemble strong menstrual cramps. It’s a small intervention that lasts 10–15 minutes. Abortions are done under local anaesthesia, and it is possible to take a painkiller or a sedative. Do not hesitate to contact us; we can accompany you to the appointment(s) in Sherbrooke, based on our availability.

Can abortion be done by medication?

Yes. The abortion pill is a combination of two medications that are taken 24 hours apart and are reimbursed by the Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec.

In the Eastern Townships, a medical abortion can be performed up to a maximum of nine weeks of pregnancy at the Clinique de Planning de Sherbrooke. With a medical abortion, there are often more appointments.

Can abortion cause infertility?

Getting an abortion does not compromise a future pregnancy. In Quebec, abortion is performed safely by specially-trained doctors. The risks of infertility are very low.

How much does an abortion cost?

Abortion is free with a health insurance card (carte d’assurance maladie du Québec), but arrangements can be made for persons without one.

What can I do if I opt for abortion and I do not have a health insurance card?

EXPIRED HEALTH INSURANCE CARD:
If your health insurance card was not renewed, it is possible to request a temporary document from the Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ). This document is valid for only 10 days and can only be used once, but it allows free access to healthcare services.

PERMANENT RESIDENT STATUS:
If you have a permanent resident status, you can inquire about getting the Quebec health insurance card (carte d’assurance maladie du Québec) by calling the Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ). If the request is accepted, the RAMQ will be able to send a temporary 10-day paper allowing you to have an abortion for free.

TEMPORARY RESIDENT STATUS:
If you are a temporary resident (tourist, student, temporary worker, awaiting final sponsorship) or a person without a regularized status, abortion is not covered. Sometimes, it is possible to negotiate payment arrangements with clinics; the costs of an abortion vary from place to place.

REFUGEE STATUS:

PRIVATE INSURANCE:
If you have private insurance, you can find out if it partially or fully covers the costs of an abortion.

To find out more, do not hesitate to contact us.