Nothing prepares you for the feeling of experiencing failed birth control. You’re likely feeling overwhelmed and panicking right now, wondering if you might be pregnant or have an STI.
Your feelings are understandable, but there are steps you can take to gain some clarity right now. This article will highlight these steps, but if you want to talk to someone in person about your options, contact Relate Care Clinic today to connect with one of our caring team members.
Take a Pregnancy Test
Your number one worry right now is probably wondering if there’s a chance you might be pregnant. The only way to know for sure is to take a pregnancy test.
Most at-home pregnancy tests claim to be 99% accurate if taken on the first day of your missed period. While this might feel like a long wait if the failed birth control experience just happened, it’s best to wait to avoid receiving a false negative—which is when your hCG levels (the pregnancy hormone that the test detects) are too low for the pregnancy test to discern.
At Relate Care Clinic, we offer free, medical-grade pregnancy testing administered and explained by a nurse. Even if you took a pregnancy test at home, following up at our clinic will help ensure accurate results with the added benefit of an ultrasound to correctly date your pregnancy.
Is Plan B an Option?
Plan B, also known as the “morning-after pill,” is an emergency contraceptive that prevents pregnancy by delaying or preventing ovulation. It claims to be most effective at preventing pregnancy if taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex.
Plan B isn’t an option for every woman, so it’s essential to review your medical history with a healthcare provider to understand if you’re eligible.
Plan B also can cause side effects, which include:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Breast tenderness
- Bleeding between periods or heavier menstrual bleeding
- Lower abdominal pain or cramps
Get STI Testing
If you’re worried that you’ve contracted an STI after the failed birth control, getting STI testing is essential.
Many STIs don’t present with symptoms, so it’s possible that you or your partner have an STI without knowing it.
At Relate Care Clinic, we offer free STI testing and treatment for the most common STIs. For more complicated conditions, we can refer you to additional community resources.
You’re Not Alone
Navigating your circumstances can feel frightening, but you’re not alone in this. At Relate Care Clinic, we understand what you’re going through, and we’re here for you.
Contact us to schedule a free, confidential appointment and learn about all the ways we’re here to help.
