If it's been less than 72 hours since unprotected sex, then you can take emergency contraception, better known as the morning after pill. EC prevents pregnancy and is not an abortion, however, this should only be used in an emergency and you should not expect to take EC on a regular basis. For more information, see our article on emergency contraception.

If it's been more than 72 hours, a home pregnancy test is the best way to test for pregnancy. There are no signs (such as dizziness, headaches, etc) that automatically indicate pregnancy.

Home Pregancy Tests (HPTs):
HPTs detect hCG in urine, which is a chemical produced by the placenta during pregnancy. They are readily available at drugstores for $9-$18 USD, so don't hesitate to buy one if you think you're pregnant. A pregnancy test should be taken on the first day that a period is late, or possibly 10 days to two weeks after unprotected sex.

Consumer Reports 1996 rates the following HPTs as "excellent": Answer, Clearblue Easy, and e.p.t.

Did you get your period a few days after unprotected sex? Read here!

Not pregnant? You and your partner have an STD risk, so consider visting a local clinic to get tested. While you're at the clinic, you can also talk someone about various methods of birth control to prevent future scares.
Safe, Sound & Sexy – A Safer Sex How-To
Margaret Sanger’s Disneyland - An easy chart of your birth control options
Testing, Testing…

Pregnant? Check out Pregnancy and Parenting.

[i]Another relevant thread to this topic is located here.

[This message has been edited by Ashy (edited 07-13-2002).]

------------------
Why does a rose represent love, when a rose always dies??