Our experts get hundreds of e-mails a week from teens asking the same question: "Am I pregnant?" Wondering if you’re pregnant? Here’s what you need to know.
Assess the Situation
Don't panic. Ask yourself if it's actually possible that you could be pregnant. What did you do, sexually speaking?
Pregnancy can happen when ejaculate or pre-ejaculate gets in the vagina or on the vulva. Here are some examples of sex play that does NOT cause pregnancy:
- kissing
- masturbation
- body rubbing
- oral sex
- anal sex
These things won't cause pregnancy — unless ejaculate or pre-ejaculate comes into contact with the vagina or vulva.
Did You Get Your Period?
Missing your period is the biggest sign that you might be pregnant. If you missed your period, and you had unprotected sex, it’s a good idea to take a pregnancy test to see if you are pregnant.
While a missed period is a symptom of pregnancy, there are many other reasons why you might miss your period — such as stress, illness, or a diet that's too low in fat. Of course, if you've been having unprotected vaginal intercourse and you've missed a period, a pregnancy test may be the wisest choice you can make.
Take a Pregnancy Test
If you think you might be pregnant, the first thing you need to do is find out for sure, either by going to a health clinic for testing or by taking a home pregnancy test. You can contact your local Planned Parenthood health center to schedule an appointment for a pregnancy test.
Home pregnancy tests are available at pharmacies, and they usually cost about $8–$15 in the U.S. Pregnancy tests are effective early — as soon as a few days after a missed period. But be sure to follow exactly the directions on the package in order to get an accurate result.
Women who take home pregnancy tests often go to clinics to have the results confirmed by a health care provider. Also, if the test is positive, and you're pregnant, the provider can offer counseling on a woman's pregnancy options.
It's All in the Timing
If you've had unprotected sex within the past five days, there's still hope. Emergency contraception (EC), also known as the “morning after pill,” can reduce the risk of pregnancy if started within 120 hours (five days) of unprotected vaginal intercourse. The sooner it's taken, the better. If started within 72 hours of unprotected sex, EC can reduce the risk of pregnancy by 75 to 89 percent.
Women over 17 can buy EC over the counter without a prescription. Women under 17 need to get a prescription. For more information on emergency contraception, contact your local Planned Parenthood health center.
Be Prepared Next Time
If you're having vaginal intercourse, you need to make choices about birth control. To learn about your options, check out Birth Control.
