How do I find out if I’m pregnant?
Are you panicking because you think you might be pregnant? If you had unprotected sex, taking a pregnancy test is the only way to know for sure. Here are all the details on what risky sexual behaviour is, and what you need to know about pregnancy tests and the morning-after pill.
Have you had unprotected penetrative sex and think you might be pregnant?
If you’ve had risky sex in the past few hours or days and you do not want to be pregnant, contact your pharmacist quickly about the oral emergency contraception pill (ECP). Even though we usually call it the morning-after pill, it can be taken up to five days after risky sex, although the later you take it, the less effective it can be.
Late periods
Missed periods are the most common sign of pregnancy, but late periods can also be linked to other things, like a change in lifestyle or heightened stress. The best thing to do is to take a pregnancy test to be sure.
Urine Pregnancy Test
How does it work?
The instructions are on the package, so read them carefully. Usually, all you have to do is soak a urine strip, then wait for a few minutes to see the result. It’s best to take the test first thing when you wake up (your first urination of the day). That’s when your urine has the highest concentration of pregnancy hormones.
When should I take a test?
You can take a pregnancy test 14 days after having risky sex or when you notice your period is late.
How reliable is it?
When done correctly (follow the instructions on the package), a urine pregnancy test is 99% accurate. However, there is still a risk of a false negative, meaning that it reports that you are not pregnant even though you are, especially if you take it too soon. If you want to be sure, you can always take a second test a few days later.
Where can I get one?
- Pregnancy tests are provided for free by your school nurse, and you can take the test at home.
- At the pharmacy, you can find usually find them near the contraception. They are available at a range of prices, but you should remember that the less expensive tests are still effective.
- Pregnancy tests are provided for free in CLSCs, in medical clinics, and by some organizations such as SOS Grossesse in Québec, SOS Grossesse Estrie in Sherbrooke, and Grossesse Secours in Montreal.
Deciding whether to take a pregnancy test can be an agonizing but remember that it’s the only way to get the facts and possibly put an end to your worries. Don’t be afraid to ask someone you trust to be there for you when you take the test.
Blood Test
This test draws blood, which must be done by a healthcare professional. You will need a referral from a doctor to take a blood test, or you can go to a walk-in clinic. The benefit of this test is that a pregnancy can be detected sooner with a blood test than with a urine test, just 10 days after risky sex.
Source : SOS Grossesse
