Pregnancy Testing

Could you be pregnant?

Pregnancy testing is available at Student Health Services (SHS) - visit Cost of Services for pricing. If you have missed a period, had unprotected intercourse, had a birth control method failure, or are experiencing the symptoms of pregnancy, you should consider having a pregnancy test.

Some early signs of pregnancy are: a missed menstrual period, breast tenderness or enlargement, fatigue, nausea or weight gain. Remember, pregnancy isn’t the only reason for missing your period. Stress, anxiety, a change in birth control methods, changes in eating or exercise habits, and even travel can affect your period.

How does the test work?

At SHS we use a urine pregnancy test that detects the presence of HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), a hormone produced by the body during pregnancy. The test is sensitive 10 days after conception (2 weeks from the last episode of intercourse) when the hormone levels are greater. A test done prior to this time may be falsely negative, as the levels of HCG are not high enough to be detected in the urine.

The Process

You have the option to self-order pregnancy testing at the lab here at SHS. An appointment with the lab is required and can be made on MyStudentChart. All results come to the Nursing Team for follow-up and support. If you wish to do a test with a Nurse, walk in to the clinic or call (858) 534-3300 for an appointment.

If your test is negative and you still do not get your period within two weeks, you should return to the clinic for another test. If your second test is negative, you should make an appointment with one of our providers by calling (858) 534-2669 or any of the other groups. If you are not pregnant and need contraception or information about contraception options, please schedule an appointment. Sexual health information sessions are available for anyone interested in learning more about the reproductive system, contraception, and STI’s. We strongly recommend that students who have never had contraception counseling and/or a gynecological exam review the Sexual Health Info PowerPoint prior to their visit.

If your test is positive, counseling and referral information on prenatal care, adoption, and abortion is available at Student Health Service.

Confidentiality

Remember, your visit, test results, and counseling are completely confidential. No information can be released without your written permission. Student Health Service is here to help YOU!

Test Results (858) 534-3302