I think I might be pregnant…
I am pregnant…
I am not pregnant…
I had unprotected sex last night…

I think I might be pregnant...

If you have had sexual intercourse and you’ve missed your period, especially if your breasts are tender or swollen or you feel tired or sick to your stomach, you may be pregnant.  If you think you might be pregnant, you need to get a pregnancy test right away to find out for sure.  You can arrange an appointment to see your health care provider, or buy a home pregnancy test at a drugstore, supermarket, or online (they cost anywhere from $10 to $30).   Home pregnancy tests are fairly accurate if you follow instructions carefully, but you should have a test done at a health clinic to confirm your results.  Many Planned Parenthood and health department clinics provide pregnancy testing for free or at reduced cost.

If you experience any of the following, you should call your provider or clinic, or go to a hospital emergency room right away.  These may be signs of a problem such as a tubal (ectopic) pregnancy or miscarriage:
•    Sudden, intense pain, persistent pain or cramping in the lower abdomen, especially if it’s on one side
•    Irregular bleeding or spotting with abdominal pain, especially after a light or late period
•    Fainting or dizziness that lasts more than a few seconds
•    Sudden heavy bleeding with clots or clumps of tissue after a late period
•    Abdominal pain and a fever

I am pregnant …

When you find out you are pregnant, you essentially have three options to consider: to continue the pregnancy and keep the baby, to have the baby and put it up for adoption, or to have an abortion.  This is a big decision; take your time and talk with your partner, your family and other trusted advisers. 

I am NOT pregnant …

Even if you just thought you might be pregnant when you didn’t intend to be and found out you were not, it can be a life-changing experience.  Take time to consider what you can do to avoid this situation in the future.  The most effective method of pregnancy prevention is abstaining from vaginal intercourse. Many people practice abstinence for some period of time, even after they have had sex, and surveys show that most teens in the U.S., including those who have had intercourse, think teens should wait to have sex until they’re older.  But, if you do choose to be sexually active, you need to use contraception each and every time.  Sexually active couples who don’t use contraceptives during intercourse have an 85-90% chance of becoming pregnant over the course of a year.

Protect Yourself.  For those who are sexually active, the only protection against BOTH pregnancy and STDs, including HIV, are condoms.  Not only does the consistent and correct use of condoms offer protection against pregnancy, it can also reduce the risk for many other STDs including HIV.  To be doubly safe, it is recommended to use condoms with another contraceptive method, such as oral contraceptives.

For more about options for preventing pregnancy and STD check out What Works and What Doesn’t.

I had unprotected sex last night…

If a condom breaks or you forgot to take your Pill a few times this month, there is something that you can do to reduce the risk of pregnancy, but you need to act quickly.  Emergency contraceptive pills (sometimes called “morning after pills”) may be taken within 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected sex, but are most effective within the first 24 hours. 

Emergency contraception works by preventing or delaying ovulation, preventing fertilization, or preventing implantation of a fertilized egg.  Emergency contraception does not interrupt or terminate an established pregnancy; rather, it prevents pregnancy from occurring. That means if you are already pregnant, emergency contraception won’t end your pregnancy.   Studies show that emergency contraception reduces your chance of pregnancy by 75 to 89 percent.  It is not an alternative to regular contraception, which is much more effective in preventing pregnancy.
Emergency contraception will not prevent pregnancy if you take it before sex, nor does it protect you from pregnancy during future sex acts.  It is for emergency-use only in situation when regular contraception fails.  It also provides no protection against STDs.

Emergency contraception does not have any known serious side effects, but it can cause nausea or vomiting for a day or so, but you can ask your provider to prescribe an anti-nausea medication.  If you do vomit, it can make the treatment less effective, so let your health care provider know. 

Emergency contraception costs about $45; it may cost less or be free at family planning clinics and health centers.  Women 18 years and older may buy emergency contraception directly from a pharmacy, that is “over the counter” without a prescription.  Younger teens still need a prescription from a health care provider.  To find a provider near you or for more information, call the Emergency Contraception Hotline at 1-888-NOT2LATE or go to www.not-2-late.com.