If you’re sexually active and your birth control failed, your mind is likely racing with questions.
Could I be pregnant?
What should I do next?
How soon can I find out?
First, it’s important to take a deep breath. While no form of birth control other than abstinence is 100% effective, a birth control failure doesn’t automatically mean you’re pregnant.
The best thing you can do right now is take one step at a time and gather the information you need. Read on to learn steps you can take if your birth control has failed, or contact Pathway to Hope to find a safe space to talk and get answers.
Take a Pregnancy Test at the Right Time
The first step is to determine whether you’re pregnant by taking a pregnancy test at the right time.
Pregnancy tests work by detecting human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone your body begins producing after a fertilized egg implants in the uterus. Because it takes time for hCG levels to rise, testing too early may result in a false-negative.
For the most accurate results, it’s generally best to wait until after you’ve missed your period before taking a pregnancy test. If your test is negative but your period still doesn’t begin after a few days, consider taking another test or speaking with a healthcare provider.
Taking a pregnancy test may feel intimidating, but it’s the first step toward getting clear answers and knowing what to do next.
If Your Test Is Positive, Schedule an Ultrasound
A positive pregnancy test confirms that pregnancy hormones are present, but it doesn’t tell you everything you need to know about your pregnancy.
A limited ultrasound is an important next step because it can determine:
- Whether the pregnancy is located inside the uterus
- Whether the pregnancy is viable
- Approximately how far along you are
This information is critical for protecting your health and understanding your pregnancy. For example, an ectopic pregnancy, which occurs when the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, is a medical emergency that requires immediate medical treatment and can only be diagnosed through ultrasound.
Find a Safe Place to Ask Questions
Learning that you might be pregnant can leave you with more questions than answers. You may be wondering how you’ll tell your partner, what your family will think, or what your future will look like.
But you don’t have to sort through those questions by yourself.
Before making any pregnancy decision, give yourself the opportunity to talk with someone who will listen without pressure. A trusted friend, family member, mentor, or pregnancy center advocate can provide support, answer your questions, and help you understand all of your options.
The most important thing is that you have a place where you can slow down, gather accurate information, and make a decision that’s truly your own.
We’re Here to Help
If your birth control failed and you’re wondering whether you might be pregnant, Pathway to Hope is here for you.
We offer free, confidential pregnancy testing and, if your test is positive, free follow-up limited ultrasounds for qualifying patients. Our caring team provides a safe space where you can ask questions, learn about your pregnancy, and explore all of your options with confidence.
You don’t have to face this situation alone. Contact Pathway to Hope today to schedule your confidential appointment. You’re not alone in this. We’re here for you.
