Frequently asked questions for Sexual Health Counselors.

Counseling is free of charge. Some medical services and laboratory tests are chargeable, reimbursed by the health insurance company.

Minors can also come to the counseling center on their own. Counseling is subject to confidentiality (even for minors under 16).

Certainly. CoSS provides a discreet space where people can talk and get information about relationships and sexuality (first relationships, respect for self and other, contraception, etc.).

No, as a rule, it is not necessary to make the first gynecological examination to initiate contraception.

Yes. A gynecological examination allows you to take care of your health and body, regardless of sexual orientation.

Weight gain is a concern often present in girls interested in the pill, which acts on the hormonal system. Not all people react the same way; as a rule, the pill is well tolerated. Slight weight gain may be experienced in the first few months of taking it, which then stabilizes.

In case of risky sexual intercourse - such as "be careful" (coitus interruptus), calculation of fertile days using phone apps, condom broken, slipped off or not used for the entire duration of intercourse, and in case of problems with hormonal contraception. The earlier one takes the "morning-after pill," the greater the effectiveness.
It can be requested up to 5 days after risky sexual intercourse.

Emergency contraception-often called the "morning-after pill"-can be obtained without a prescription from pharmacies, sexual health counseling, hospitals and doctors. It is important to take it as soon as possible.

No, emergency contraception affects the current cycle, not future fertility.

The first thing to do is to take it. If more than 12 hours have passed since the scheduled time, contraceptive safety is no longer guaranteed. It may be necessary to use a condom for the next 7 days, depending on when the forgetfulness occurred, and if there has been intercourse the previous days, contact a counseling center to assess whether it is indicated to take emergency contraception ("morning-after pill").

If there has been sexual intercourse, it is important to check whether a pregnancy is in progress. At CoSS it is also possible to conduct pregnancy tests and get counseling on the matter.

In Switzerland, the law stipulates that women can decide to terminate a pregnancy within 12 weeks of their last menstruation. Counseling centers offer accompaniment and support in a neutral and discreet setting both in the decision-making process and during the termination procedure.

The main rule is to always use condoms for intercourse with penetration. It is possible to get vaccinated against some infections, and it is important to do screening tests regularly, involving partners in any treatment.
A personal safer sex check is available for more information.

• Safer personal sex check

In case of complaints - such as burning, itching, blistering, pain during intercourse, bleeding or malodorous discharge, etc. - it is recommended to consult a specialist (general practitioner, gynecologist, urologist, andrologist or dermatologist) or EOC Consultants in order to rule out a sexually transmitted infection.

The only way to find out is to take an HIV test, which is strongly recommended if flu symptoms occur after a risk situation.
An infection can be ruled out with certainty only after 6 weeks after the risk has been taken.

One can contact the CoSS in Bellinzona, Locarno and Mendrisio (anonymous HIV test at a cost of 30.-), the infectious diseases service of the Ospedale Civico in Lugano, one's family doctor or gynecologist.

Since June 2018, the HIV self-test, a test that anyone can perform independently at home, can be sold in Switzerland. To recognize an HIV infection, at least 3 months must have passed since the risk situation. Pharmacy purchase is recommended, and in case of a reactive test, further testing is required.

• Infectious disease service Ospedale Civico Lugano
• health-sexual.ch