My Birth Control Failed: What Do I Do?
An unplanned pregnancy can feel like a major curveball, especially when you thought you were protected. If you’re worried about a possible pregnancy, you’re not alone.
Maybe you missed a period, had unprotected sex, or are noticing symptoms like nausea or fatigue. Taking a pregnancy test can be nerve-wracking, but it’s the first step toward getting the clarity you need.
Keep reading to learn more about how pregnancy tests work and what to do next if you get a positive result.
Can I Trust an At-Home Pregnancy Test?
Over-the-counter pregnancy tests can be up to 99% accurate when used after the first day of a missed period. These tests detect hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin)—a hormone your body produces after a fertilized egg implants in the uterus.
To improve accuracy, consider the following:
- Use the test first thing in the morning when hCG is most concentrated
- Double-check to make sure it’s not expired
- Avoid drinking too much water before testing
- Follow all instructions closely, as test methods can vary
Although rare, false positives can happen. That’s why following up with a lab-quality pregnancy test is essential to confirm your results.
Why Is an Ultrasound Important?
If your lab-quality pregnancy test is positive, a limited obstetric ultrasound can give you crucial information about your pregnancy, including:
- Viability: Is there a heartbeat? If not, it could indicate a miscarriage and may require further medical follow-up.
- Gestational age: How far along are you? The abortion pill is FDA-approved only up to 10 weeks, so knowing the age of the pregnancy matters for your options.
- Location: Is the pregnancy in the uterus? A pregnancy growing outside the uterus, such as in a fallopian tube, is called an ectopic pregnancy and is a medical emergency. Ectopic pregnancies cannot be treated with the abortion pill or any abortion procedure.
Get No-Cost Pregnancy Services
If you’ve had a birth control failure and think you might be pregnant, Nova Women’s Health offers no-cost lab-quality pregnancy testing, limited obstetric ultrasounds, and STI testing & treatment in a caring, confidential environment.
Contact us to schedule your appointment today and get the support you need to make an informed decision.
Pregnancy Testing
Think you're pregnant? Did you miss your period? Maybe your mind is racing a million miles a minute. We understand how surreal this time can feel, but you are stronger than you know. Visit Nova for no-cost, lab-quality pregnancy testing.
Limited Ultrasound
Wondering if you need an ultrasound or what an ultrasound appointment is like? An ultrasound is the second step to clarity after getting positive pregnancy testing results. This step is essential for learning more about your pregnancy options.
STI Testing & Treatment
If you’re sexually active, get tested for STDs today to get the clarity you need. Many STDs do not have immediate symptoms. Our medical team is here to walk with you and help you understand your test results. We offer no-cost limited STD treatments as well.
Pregnancy Testing
Think you're pregnant? Did you miss your period? Maybe your mind is racing a million miles a minute. We understand how surreal this time can feel, but you are stronger than you know. Visit Nova for no-cost, lab-quality pregnancy testing.
Limited Ultrasound
Wondering if you need an ultrasound or what an ultrasound appointment is like? An ultrasound is the second step to clarity after getting positive pregnancy testing results. This step is essential for learning more about your pregnancy options.
STI Testing & Treatment
If you’re sexually active, get tested for STDs today to get the clarity you need. Many STDs do not have immediate symptoms. Our medical team is here to walk with you and help you understand your test results. We offer no-cost limited STD treatments as well.
