Being in a situation where your birth control has failed can be stressful and leave you feeling anxious about a potential pregnancy. While it’s a scenario many don’t anticipate, knowing the right steps to take can provide clarity and reassurance.
We’ll go through some simple steps you can take if you’re worried your birth control didn’t work.
Take a Pregnancy Test
Pregnancy tests work by detecting human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone that increases rapidly during pregnancy. At-home pregnancy tests are widely available, but their accuracy depends on when and how they’re used.
Most at-home tests claim to detect pregnancy from the first day of a missed period, with some even advertising early results. However, testing after your period is late provides more reliable outcomes.
For the most accurate results, avoid testing too early in your cycle. Be sure to follow the test instructions carefully and wait the recommended time to check results.
Testing first thing in the morning, when hCG levels are most concentrated, can also improve accuracy. Keep in mind that false positives or negatives can occur, which is why confirming your results is essential. At PRC Medical, we can help to ensure you get accurate answers.
Confirm Your Pregnancy With an Ultrasound
If your test is positive, the next step is to confirm your pregnancy with an ultrasound. An ultrasound provides vital information, including whether the pregnancy is viable (developing), how far along you are, and where the pregnancy is located. This is critical for ruling out conditions like ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage that may require medical attention.
Ultrasounds also give you the details you need to explore your options with confidence and informed care.
Get the Answers You Need
You don’t have to navigate this by yourself. At PRC Medical, we offer no-cost pregnancy diagnosis and decision support to help you get the answers you need in a safe and confidential environment.
Our compassionate team is here to help you discover your next steps and discuss your options.