Pregnancy tests detect the presence of the pregnancy hormone in your body. This hormone is called human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG).

A pregnancy test is the only way to know for sure whether you're pregnant. But when should you take a pregnancy test? And what do the results mean?

When to take a pregnancy test

You may suspect that you're pregnant because you have certain symptoms, such as enlarged or tingling breasts, nausea (feeling sick), dizziness, a metallic taste in your mouth, or a feeling that your period is about to start. However, not every woman has these symptoms.

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.

Doing a pregnancy test if you're on the Pill

Hormonal methods of contraception, such as the contraceptive pill, implants and injections, work by changing a woman's hormone balance. However, 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 it's positive, this means that you're pregnant.

What's a test like?

The following places provide free pregnancy tests: 

• GP surgeries,
• community contraceptive clinics (Find sexual health services),
• sexual health or genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinics,
• some young people's services (call 0800 567123),
• Brook Advisory Centres (for under-25s), and 
• some pharmacies.

Or buy one from pharmacies or some supermarkets.

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

Some anti- abortion organisations offer free pregnancy testing, but may push you to go through with a pregnancy even if you're not sure you want to. Try to get your test from an organisation that won't pressure you either way. To find out whether the organisation is anti-abortion when you first contact it, ask if it refers people for abortions.

Negative test results

If you're not pregnant, now is a good time to get contraception. See your GP, a community contraceptive clinic, a young person's clinic, or a sexual health or GUM clinic. Find a clinic.

Positive test results

If you decide to have an abortion, it's safer to do it as early as possible. Most abortions are carried out before 13 weeks of pregnancy. If you decide to continue the pregnancy, you need to start antenatal (pregnancy) care. See your GP.

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

• FPA: 0845 122 8690.
• Marie Stopes: 0845 300 8090.
• bpas (British Pregnancy Advisory Service) on 0845 730 4030.
• Brook (for under-25s): 0808 802 1234.
• THT: 0845 122 1200.

Marie Stopes has a useful pregnancy questionnaire to help you consider your feelings about being pregnant. You can also ask questions through the fpa's web enquiry service, Ask WES.

All these services, including community contraceptive clinics, are confidential, so they won't tell your parents. They'll encourage you to talk to your parents, but they won't force you.