So you think you might be pregnant. The only way to know for sure is to take a pregnancy test.
How Do Pregnancy Tests Work?
Pregnancy doesn't start the day you have intercourse — it can take up to six days after intercourse for the sperm and egg to join and form a fertilized egg. Then, it can take six to 10 days for the fertilized egg to completely implant itself in the lining of the uterus. Pregnancy begins during implantation when a hormone called human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) begins to be released. HCG is the hormone that supports pregnancy.
Pregnancy tests work by testing for HCG. A pregnancy test can detect pregnancy after a missed period — some can even detect it a few days before a missed period.
Home Pregnancy Tests
If you use a home test kit, be sure to follow the manufacturer's directions very carefully, so you can be sure to get accurate results. After doing a home pregnancy test, you may want to schedule a pregnancy test at a health center to confirm the results, discuss your options, and get follow-up care. Contact your local Planned Parenthood health center to schedule an appointment at a Planned Parenthood health center near you.
If It's Positive
If you have your positive test results confirmed at a health center, you'll have the chance to talk with a professional who can give you information about all of your options — raising a child, placing a child for adoption, or having an abortion — and the services available in your area. This gives you an opportunity to get supportive and professional care so that you can figure out which option is best for you.
If It's Negative
If your pregnancy test results are negative, the next step is to schedule an appointment at the health center to discuss birth control options and sexually transmitted infection screening and testing.
Remember: Don't put off getting a pregnancy test — the longer you wait, the harder it can be to deal with a positive result.
