Dear kinkykimmy,

A pregnancy test can detect pregnancy after a missed period — some can even detect it a few days before a missed period. Pregnancy doesn't start the day that partners have intercourse — it can take up to six days after intercourse for the sperm and egg to join and form a fertilized egg. Then, it can take six to 10 days for the fertilized egg to completely implant itself in the lining of the uterus. Pregnancy begins when implantation is complete and the hormones to support pregnancy are released.

The only way to be sure of a pregnancy is to take a pregnancy test. Women can purchase home pregnancy tests at drugstores or go to health centers to take pregnancy tests. Pregnancy tests work by detecting a hormone called the human chorionic gonadotropin hormone (HCG). HCG is the hormone that supports pregnancy and starts being released when the fertilized egg implants itself and pregnancy begins.

A woman who is concerned about unintended pregnancy after unprotected sex may want to consider emergency contraception pills (ECPs). ECPs can reduce the risk of pregnancy if started within 120 hours of unprotected vaginal intercourse. The sooner ECPs are taken, the better. The sooner they're taken, the better. If started within 72 hours of unprotected sex, they can reduce the risk of pregnancy by 75 to 89 percent. For information about ECPs, call 1-800-230-PLAN for a Planned Parenthood center nearest you, or call 1-888-NOT-2-LATE for a list of providers in your area.

Hope this information helps!

Take care,

teenwire.com^® Editors

This column is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a medical problem, please call toll-free 1-800-230-PLAN for an appointment with the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you.