Pregnancy Tests
A common question we get at SHOP is, “I did [insert sexual activity]. Could I be pregnant?” Let’s first discuss what might cause pregnancy, then talk about where to get a pregnancy test and how they work.
How does pregnancy work?
Not all of us had comprehensive sexual and reproductive health education in school or at home, so some things might still be a bit fuzzy—and that’s okay! We’re here to catch you up.
The menstrual cycle happens every 28 days or so, but it can range anywhere from 21 to 35 days. A number of factors can impact how long the cycle lasts, including stress (like if you are worried you might be pregnant!).
There are four phases to the cycle:
- Menstrual Phase (days 1–5): The uterus sheds its lining, resulting in a period.
- Follicular Phase (days 6–14): The ovaries prepare an egg to be released into the fallopian tubes.
- Ovulation (day 14): The egg is released.
- Luteal Phase (days 15–28): The body prepares for implantation of the egg, should it be fertilized.
You are most likely to get pregnant during days 12–14 of your cycle, counting from the first day of your period. You can calculate your most fertile days by tracking your periods. Check out Planned Parenthood for more information on how to track your menstrual cycle. Please note that sperm can survive in the vaginal tract for up to five days, so unprotected sex up to five days before your fertility window can result in pregnancy.
Pregnancy can occur if you had unprotected sex, meaning there was ejaculation inside the vagina and no barrier (i.e., condom). Birth control generally protects against pregnancy, but it is not 100% effective. This is partly why it’s recommended to use both a contraceptive method and a barrier method. Barrier methods protect against STIs, while hormonal birth control only protects against pregnancy.
How to use a pregnancy test
Pregnancy tests can be very accurate if used correctly. You will get the most accurate results if you wait until you have missed your period and then test. If you do so before, you might get incorrect results. The tests detect the presence of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), a hormone that is produced when a person gets pregnant.
Pregnancy tests are very easy to use. They test the urine for HCG and will show lines based on whether or not it is present. Be sure to read the directions on the box because each test is a little different, and double-check the expiration date.
Where to get a pregnancy test
If you are on campus, you can get pregnancy tests at Student Health Services in the pharmacy or from one of the health kiosks in front of the Cowell Student Health Center or in the Quarry near the Baytree Bookstore. The Women’s Center at the base of campus also has a supply of pregnancy tests.
If you are off campus, you can find pregnancy tests cheaply at pharmacies, Planned Parenthood, dollar stores, or supermarkets.
What can I do if I don’t want to be pregnant?
Plan B or other morning-after pills can be taken within 72 hours to prevent pregnancy. This is also available through the health kiosks or from the Student Health Services pharmacy without a prescription. If you are off campus, you can access Plan B through any pharmacy, but it will likely be more expensive than getting it through the pharmacy on campus.
If more than 72 hours have elapsed or you know you are already pregnant, you can book an appointment with the Student Health Center’s Gynecology Services to discuss your options if you have UC SHIP. If you have other insurance or no insurance, visit us in SHOP for assistance with finding a clinic that is low-cost and college student-friendly.
Got more questions?
Sign up for a Wellness Coaching session and get all of your burning questions answered! You can also drop in and see if you can catch a staff person (check if we are open here). If you plan to drop in, we recommend you call ahead to make sure that we are open and that a staff person is available when you plan to stop by.
