Counseling on sexuality, pregnancy and sexual health in general

A space where support is offered and questions related to intimacy, sexuality and affectivity are answered, from adolescence onward. A context for talking about oneself is available: discovery of one's sexuality and identity, first sexual relationships, sexual difficulties are just some of the counseling that the EOC can offer.

For couple difficulties or sexological disorders, initial counseling is offered, considering referral to appropriate services or professionals.

The Service answers questions such as:

• I have recently had sex with my partner. Is it normal to never have an orgasm?
• He would like to do it, for me it is the first time. I don't know if I feel ready, how can I tell?
• My daughter said she is bisexual: is it just a phase?
• Sexual intercourse is short-lived and I fear I suffer from premature ejaculation, what should I do?

How to choose the most suitable contraceptive method? The Service offers information and answers to questions, accompanying young people, women or couples. Through collaboration with the gynecology-obstetrics department, it is possible to obtain a prescription for the chosen contraceptive method. For people with penises, we offer specific advice on condom choice.

The Service answers questions such as:

• I would like to take the pill but I heard that hormones on the long term are bad for me, is this true?
• In a few months I will be leaving for a year-long trip and I would like effective, safe and long-lasting contraception ... what to choose?
• This is already the third consecutive time that when I have sex with my girlfriend the condom breaks: is it possible that they are all defective or am I doing something wrong?
• I was on the pill for many years before I had children and now I would like a method that I don't have to think about every day, what are the chances?

Has there been unprotected sex or doubt that there is a risk of pregnancy? Together we assess the need for a morning-after pill (emergency contraception) and, if appropriate, which one to use. There are tablets that can be taken by mouth, or a copper intrauterine device ("copper IUD") can be inserted. These are the only methods that after risky sexual intercourse can prevent the onset of pregnancy. The earlier action is taken, the greater the effectiveness.
Be careful, if a pregnancy is already underway, the morning-after pill does not terminate it.

The Service answers questions such as:

• The condom broke but according to the App I use to note my period I was not in my fertile period. Should I still take the morning-after pill?
• How many morning-after pills can you take without it being harmful to your health?
• Do you get many side effects if you take the morning-after pill? I've been told it's a hormone bomb....
• I don't have money to buy the morning-after pill at the pharmacy--how do I do it?

The Service offers pregnancy counseling and provides important information about the beginning of pregnancy, available support measures, as well as supportive talks (including in communicating the situation to the partner or family).
In the postpartum period, specific counseling on different aspects related to this period can be requested. In case of doubt, a free pregnancy test is available.

The Service answers questions such as:

• I lost my job shortly before I became pregnant. I am struggling to find a job during my pregnancy, is it possible to get help when our child is born? Who should I turn to?
• My partner is pregnant. Besides raw meat and fish, are there any other foods she should avoid?
• What happens at the first pregnancy checkups?
• My ex broke up with me when he found out about the pregnancy. I am worried about my future and the future of the baby, who can I talk to about it?

Do we want to become parents right now or in life? Are we looking for a pregnancy but it's not coming? These are questions and reflections that, at times, a couple may ask themselves. The Service offers informative counseling on fertility and desire for pregnancy. If needed, the Service provides Contacts of specialized centers for diagnosis and treatment of couple infertility.

The Service answers questions such as:

• We've been trying for 5 months to get pregnant, but it's not coming and it's starting to be emotionally difficult. How do I know if I am fertile?
• What is the period of the cycle where the chance of pregnancy is greatest?

When a pregnancy is unplanned, the decision to make may need time to reflect. The Service offers a space for listening and support in an impartial setting that respects the situation and personal choices. In addition, it is important to ascertain the pregnancy with a dating ultrasound, either at the counseling center or at the gynecologist's office.

The Service offers support in situations such as:

• I was very happy when I found out I was pregnant but my partner did not take it well, he asked me to have an abortion. Now I am very much in crisis and I really don't know what to do....
• My partner and I have only been engaged for a few months. This pregnancy was the result of carelessness, but now we don't know whether to become parents or terminate the pregnancy.
• With my former partner we used no contraception and I never got pregnant-I thought I was infertile. I was sure I would never have children, but after a one-night stand I found out I was pregnant. I don't know how to deal with this situation alone.

Do you wish to terminate a pregnancy? The Service offers one or more interviews (depending on the person's needs) and accompaniment throughout the procedure. There is no limit on the number of meetings (during and after the termination of pregnancy); the Service also welcomes partners in individual interviews.

The Service answers questions such as:

• How long is it possible to terminate the pregnancy with medication?
• Will I have difficulty conceiving in the future if I terminate the pregnancy now?
• My girlfriend wants to have an abortion, I don't know who to talk to about it....
• I had relations with a friend of mine...I got pregnant, I really didn't think it would be so easy, we even paid attention. I want to have an abortion but I'm scared and I don't know how to talk to my mother about it.

Pregnant knowing already that you can't keep the baby after delivery? A difficult situation where you do not want to let people know about the pregnancy? CoSS can be asked for general information about the possibilities of giving up the unborn child(ren) for adoption, or with respect to confidential delivery and its implications.

For more information: Confidential birth, adoption | Swiss Sexual Health

The Service answers questions such as:

• I am beyond term to terminate the pregnancy and in any case I would not feel up to it. However, I cannot keep the baby, what can I do?
• Can I give birth anonymously?

Unprotected sexual intercourse? Symptoms of concern? The Service offers specific counseling on sexually transmitted infections (risk practices, prevention, symptoms, screening, etc.). Available, various informational materials on the topic.

The Service answers questions such as:

• My girlfriend has the papilloma virus. Can we have sexual intercourse?
• I often have candida but have also been bleeding for a few days-what should I do?
• My ex told me he has chlamydia and to go to the gynecologist. I have no symptoms, does it make sense to go for a checkup?
• How do I know if I have an infection?
• My boyfriend doesn't want to use a condom but I'm worried about infection, I don't know how to talk to him about it....

Counseling on risks related to sexually transmitted infections can be requested at all Sexual Health Counseling Centers. During the same, the need to proceed with HIV, syphilis, chlamydia and gonorrhea testing can be assessed.

Anonymous HIV testing can be conducted at a cost of 30 francs. After counseling, a blood sample is taken at the laboratory. The waiting time for delivery of results is about 3 working days.

Rapid testing for HIV (50 francs), syphilis (50 francs) and combined HIV/syphilis (60 francs) can be requested. After counseling, a capillary (pic) blood sample is taken from the finger. The result is obtained after 20 minutes.

A urine test for chlamydia and gonorrhea can be performed at the same sites, at a cost of 100 francs. The waiting time for results is about 3 working days. Rapid tests are free for people under 25 years of age.



Consultants answer questions such as:

• I had unprotected casual intercourse 3 weeks ago. When can I take the self-test?
• What is the difference between the self-test and the HIV test that is done at the hospital?
• Is it true that there is no risk of transmission with oral intercourse?
• What test should I take if I no longer want to use a condom?

The Service provides explanations regarding preventive gynecological examinations, and a visit can be conducted if necessary.

The Service answers questions such as:

• I am one week late for my menstrual period, I usually have regular periods, and I have not had sexual intercourse--is this normal?
• I have always had protected sex with a condom. I am 17 years old, is it mandatory to go to the gynecologist?
• I have very painful and irregular menstruation. I don't need contraception because I only have sex with women--is there anything I can do?