Storing/Effectiveness

So I just found out (after almost 4 years of taking BC) that you aren’t supposed to store it in the bathroom. I have been keeping mine on my counter. This has completely freaked me out that it has lowered the effectiveness of the pills! I also have been having super hard/sore nipples. So I took a test today (14 days after intercourse) and it was negative! My question is, can I trust this negative?

For context, I have two uteruses which makes my periods crazy even on birth control. I had a heavy period in mid June then spotted until last week. I also had Covid last week. I just don’t know if any of this plays a role in the hard/sore nipples. If you can’t tell I’m a panicky mess!