Pregnancy tests: advice for young people

Where you can buy a pregnancy test or get one for free, and how to use it.

When to do a pregnancy test

Doing a pregnancy test if you're on the Pill

What's a pregnancy test like ?

Negative pregnancy test results

Positive pregnancy test results



A pregnancy test is the only way to know for sure whether you're pregnant.

-   When to do a pregnancy test
-   Doing a pregnancy test if you're on the pill
-   What's a test like?
-   Negative test result
-   Positive test result

## When to do a pregnancy test

Most do-it-yourself pregnancy tests can be carried out on or after the day your next period is due. If you don't know when your next period is due, do the test at least 21 days after you last had unprotected sex.

Some very sensitive pregnancy tests can be used even before you miss a period, from as early as eight days after conception.

Find out more about periods and the menstrual cycle.

If you're pregnant, the amount of HCG in your body rises rapidly in the early days and weeks. A home pregnancy test can detect this in your urine.

You may suspect you're pregnant because you have certain symptoms, such as:

-   enlarged or tingling breasts
-   nausea (feeling sick)
-   feeling faint
-   a metallic taste in your mouth
-   a feeling that your period is about to start

However, not every woman has these symptoms.



::: body-ad-desktop
zones:: 232632,232568,232640
types:: 163
disclaimer:: AD
typeFilter:: native_ad
adCount:: 1

:::


::: body-ad-mobile
zones:: 232632,232568,232642
types:: 5,163
disclaimer:: ADVERTISEMENT
typeFilter:: display/native_ad
adCount:: 1

:::
## Doing a pregnancy test if you're on the Pill

Always take a pregnancy test if you think you might be pregnant, no matter what type of contraception you use or have previously used.

Hormonal methods of contraception, such as the combined pill , progestogen-only pill , implants and injections , work by changing a woman's hormone balance. Taking these hormones won't affect the result of a pregnancy test.

You can take a pregnancy test if you're using hormonal contraception. The result will still be reliable. If the test is positive, this means you're pregnant.



::: body-ad-mobile
zones:: 232632,232568,233460
types:: 5
disclaimer:: ADVERTISEMENT
typeFilter:: display
adCount:: 1

:::
## What's a pregnancy test like ?

Most pregnancy tests come in a small box that contains one or two long sticks. You pee on the stick and the result appears on the stick after a few minutes. All tests are slightly different, so always read the instructions.

The following places provide free pregnancy tests in the UK:

-   some community contraceptive clinics – find sexual health services near you
-   some sexual health or genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinics
-   some young people's services
-   Brook centres – for under-25s
-   some doctor surgeries
-   some pharmacies

These places provide a confidential service (in the UK), which means they won't tell your parents or carers unless they think you're at risk. This is true even if you're under 16.

Alternatively, you can buy a test from pharmacies or some supermarkets.



::: body-ad-mobile
zones:: 232632,232568,245869
types:: 5
disclaimer:: ADVERTISEMENT
typeFilter:: display
adCount:: 1

:::
## Negative pregnancy test results

If you get a negative (not pregnant) result from the pregnancy test but still think you could be pregnant, wait another three days then take another test. It could be you've taken the test too early. Speak to your doctor if you get a negative result after a second test but your period hasn't arrived.

If you're not pregnant, now is a good time to get advice about the range of contraceptive choices and find a method that suits you. See your doctor, a community contraceptive clinic, a young persons' clinic, or a sexual health or GUM clinic.

Find sexual health services near you.



::: body-ad-mobile
zones:: 232632,232568,245870
types:: 5
disclaimer:: ADVERTISEMENT
typeFilter:: display
adCount:: 1

:::
## Positive pregnancy test results

If the test is positive, you're pregnant. You should discuss your options with your doctor or a doctor or nurse at your community contraceptive clinic, young persons' service or sexual health clinic.

If you decide to continue the pregnancy, see your doctor as you need to start antenatal care.

If you decide to seek an abortion, it's safest to do this as early as possible. Most abortions are carried out before 13 weeks of pregnancy. Find out about what to do in abortion: your options.

You can also talk to someone you trust, such as your boyfriend, friends or parents. Or you can learn more about your options through the following organisations:

-   bpas
-   Brook
-   fpa
-   Marie Stopes
-   Terrence Higgins Trust

All these services, including community contraceptive clinics, are confidential, so they won't tell your parents.


error

 There was an error when submitting your feedback – have a screen break then try again in a few minutes.

Oh no, something’s gone wrong

ANY COMMENTS OR SUGGESTIONS?

initial

This isn’t helpful

This isn’t relevant

Something is wrong

This isn’t accurate

Please select one.

loading

success

We're listening – we use your feedback to improve your experience, and make our content more helpful.

Thank you for your feedback

References

All of Healthily's articles undergo medical safety checks to verify that the information is medically safe. View more details in our <a href="/safety" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">safety page</a>, or read our <a href="/legal/editorial-policy-principles" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">editorial policy</a>.

Article information

Pregnancy tests detect the presence of the pregnancy hormone in your body. (tests: advice for young people)