How Soon Should I Take a Pregnancy Test?

Published: April 11, 2018
Dear TeenHealthFX,
If i had sex within 5 days and used a condom,would I still need to take a pregnancy test to cbeck if I could be pregnant?
Signed: How Soon Should I Take a Pregnancy Test?

Dear How Soon Should I Take a Pregnancy Test?,

To begin, TeenHealthFX would like to state that we recommend all sexually active teenagers use condoms every time they have sexual intercourse. Condoms are the only form of birth control that can protect from sexually transmitted infections, and should be used in addition to another form of birth control for best protection.   

Pregnancy occurs when semen gets in the vagina or on the vulva. Being that you and your partner used a condom, and you did not state that semen entered the vagina or vulva, TeenHealthFX believes it is unlikely that pregnancy will occur.

However, FX is unable to conduct a proper diagnosis online. The most accurate way to determine pregnancy is by conducting a pregnancy test. You can purchase this test from your local drug store, or visit your doctor in order to have a blood test done by a medical professional. If you choose a home drug test, keep in mind that the optimal time to conduct this test is the day after your period is due and during the first morning urine.  

If you don't have a doctor and live in northern New Jersey, you can call the Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health at 973-971-5199 for an appointment with an adolescent medicine specialist or contact your local teen health center or Planned Parenthood. A Planned Parenthood health center is a good option if you have concerns about cost or confidentiality issues. You can also contact your insurance company for a list of in-network providers. 

FX suggests that you check out the links in our Resource of the Month: Planned Parenthood Resources on Safer Sex so that you can learn about sexual readiness, how pregnancy happens, pregnancy tests, emergency contraception, birth control, STDs and more. The more educated you are about these topics, the more likely you will make healthy decisions for yourself when it comes to your sexual health. 

Signed: TeenHealthFX

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