What is Birth Control? Deciding on a Method Emergency Contraception Where/How to Get Birth Control Confidentiality Using Birth Control Types of Methods & How They Work Common Myths
How It Happens Signs and Symptoms Can I Get Pregnant If… ? Emergency Contraception Testing and Options I’m Pregnant/She’s Pregnant…Parenting? Adoption? Abortion? What to Expect During Pregnancy
Ask the Experts Frequently Asked Questions
Pregnancy...Am I/Is She?
I think I might be pregnant. How can I find out for sure?
You need to take a pregnancy test. You can go to a clinic or get a home test, available at most drug stores.
These tests look for a hormone your body makes when you�re pregnant. It�s called HCG (human chorionic gonaditrophin).
Home test kits have a urine test, which can detect HCG 10 to 14 days after conception. Blood tests, done at clinics, can give you reliable results just 7 to 10 days after you have unprotected sex.
There are a lot of benefits to skipping the home test and heading straight for the clinic. Not only do you get the results quicker, you have people right there to help you, no matter what the result. If you are pregnant, they can discuss your options with you. If it was a false alarm, they can provide birth control.
If you decide to do a home pregnancy test first, and it turns out positive, go immediately to a clinic. They can confirm the results of the home test and provide other help.
If it�s negative, take the test again a week later if you still haven�t gotten your period. Sometimes, girls take the tests too soon or make mistakes. If it�s still negative, then it is definitely time to go to a clinic to get birth control.
To find a clinic or doctor�s office, look in your phone book under �family planning� or call 1-800-230-PLAN (7525) to find a Planned Parenthood clinic near you.
