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One of the most important things to know if you are confused about when you should take a home pregnancy test is that you are more likely to get a negative result if it’s done too early.
How Does a Pregnancy Test Work?
Before going further, it will be helpful for you to understand how a pregnancy test works in order to know when to take one.
Pregnancy tests are made to detect human chorionic gonadotropin or the hCG hormone in the urine or blood. This is a pregnancy hormone that’s produced once a fertilized egg is attached to the uterus wall, usually starting around six days after the egg fertilization.
The hCG levels will continue to increase rapidly if you are pregnant, doubling every two to three days.
It is important to mention that there are some tests that are able to detect hyperglycosylated hCG or H-hCG, a variation of the hCG hormone.
The regular hCG is only produced after an embryo is implanted in the endometrium, while H-hCG is released earlier at some point right after fertilization.
When Should You Take a Home Pregnancy Test
You can get the most accurate result if you wait at least one week after missing your period. In addition, the result might be even more accurate if the test is done first in the morning as the urine is far more concentrated at this time. The urine-based home pregnancy tests offer about 97% accuracy.
This accuracy will depend on several factors such as how early the test is taken, if the instructions were followed closely, when ovulation occurred in the cycle, how early implantation takes place, and how sensitive the test is.
It is always best to take a pregnancy test after a late period to avoid false positive or false negative results.
If you have irregular cycles or you are not charting your cycles, it might best to take the test after passing the longest menstrual cycle.
For example, if your cycles are in the range of 30 to 36 days, it would be best to take the test at around 37 days after your last period or later.
Another thing to know is that you should not take the pregnancy test if you are using some fertility medication. An early test can detect the remnants of the medication [1].
How Soon After Sex Can You Take a Pregnancy Test?
Many women take a pregnancy test right after they have sex. This is actually a huge mistake because, as mentioned above, the levels of hCG in the body can be detected several days after the fertilized egg has been implanted in the uterus.
By taking the pregnancy test too early, it can result in a false-negative result and make you believe that you’re not pregnant.
So when is the right time to take a pregnancy test after having unprotected sex? According to experts, you can take the test 10 to 14 days after having intercourse since, during this time, the hCG levels in your body are already high enough to be detected.
Many home pregnancy test kits will include this fact in their instructions to ensure that users will get accurate results.
However, this 10-to-14 day time frame is only the minimum. If you’re not in a hurry, it’s advisable to wait for a longer time before you take a home pregnancy test.
Many experts recommend that you take the test 21 days after having unprotected sex for more accurate results [2].
This might seem like a long time to wait, particularly if you’re eager to get pregnant and want to know if you’ve conceived ASAP. But it’s important to note that conception doesn’t always happen right after you have sex.
Remember: sperm can live inside your body for up to five days, which means that fertilization can take place up to five days after you had intercourse. So, if you have sex a few days before ovulation, it can be difficult to pinpoint exactly when you conceived.
If the actual conception happened a few days after you had sex, but you decide to take a pregnancy test exactly 10 days after your intercourse, your body might not yet have produced enough hCG levels for the test to detect.
This might mean that you’ll get a negative result — even though fertilization did happen and your egg has implanted (or is about to implant) in your uterus.
So, to get accurate results, it’s best to wait for three weeks after having intercourse before you use a pregnancy test kit.
This is also the reason why you shouldn’t hesitate to take another pregnancy test even if you’ve already taken one.
If you get a negative result but genuinely believe that you are pregnant, take another pregnancy test around a week after you took the initial test.
By this time, fertilization and implantation might have already taken place, which means that the hCG levels are high enough for you to get an accurate reading.
If you get a negative pregnancy test few days after positive urine pregnancy test, you may have experienced a phenomenon called Chemical Pregnancy that accounts of 50-75% of all miscarriages. [3]
If you can’t wait for three weeks, you can visit your doctor and ask for a blood pregnancy test.
This test detects pregnancy earlier than urine-based home pregnancy tests since hCG appears earlier in the mother’s blood than in her urine.
You can take the blood pregnancy test at least eight days after you had unprotected sex [4] although, just like with home pregnancy tests, you can get more accurate results if you wait a few days longer after having intercourse.
Blood tests can detect pregnancies earlier than urine test because these tests can detect hCG levels as low as 1 mIU/mL, while urine test strips have published detection thresholds of 10 mIU/mL to 100 mIU/mL, depending on the brand. [5]
How Should You Take a Home Pregnancy Test?
Now that you have an idea as to when you should take a home pregnancy test, you need to know how to use it.
The home pregnancy tests are easy and quick to use. Once the instructions are followed carefully you will get accurate results.
They are all made to work in the same way. You’d use one of these ways to test your urine:
- Collect some urine inside a cup and then use a dropper to place it in another container.
- Collect some urine inside a cup and dip the pregnancy test stick in it.
- Hold the pregnancy test stick under your urine stream.
For all of these techniques, you’ll have to wait several minutes to see the results. The results can show as a color, line or symbol. Some digital tests will say not pregnant or pregnant.
What is The Meaning of the Pregnancy Test Results?
When you do the test and the result is positive, this means you are pregnant. Bear in mind that this will be the case, regardless of the faintness of the color, line or sign.
It would be a good idea to contact your doctor in order to know what will come next if you get a positive result.
A negative result will mean that you are not pregnant. Nevertheless, you could still be pregnant in cases where the test is taken incorrectly, the test stick is expired, the test is done too soon, you are using certain medications like antihistamines or diuretics, and large amounts of liquid is consumed immediately before the test (which dilutes the urine).
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You could try retesting about one week after getting a negative result to get a more solid confirmation. There are some home-based pregnancy tests that will suggest this no matter the results.
Although this only happens in rare cases, a pregnancy test can give a false-positive. This means the test is saying you are pregnant, but you are not.
You could get this result if your urine contains protein or blood and if you are using certain drugs such as anti-convulsants or tranquilizers.
When you are ready to take a home pregnancy test, you can buy it without a prescription at the drugstore, or online on Amazon.
Be sure to contact your doctor if you have questions pertaining to the pregnancy test or results.
References
- https://www.verywellfamily.com/can-my-medicine-effect-my-pregnancy-test-results-2759855
- https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/ureport/story/2001287100/how-soon-after-having-sex-you-can-take-a-pregnancy-test-and-how-accurate-the-results-will-be
- Chemical pregnancy facts: https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/chemical-pregnancy
- https://www.babymed.com/normal-hcg-blood-level-by-week-during-pregnancy
- Waddell, Rebecca Smith (2006). “FertilityPlus.org”. Home Pregnancy Test hCG Levels and FAQ. Archived from the original on 2006-06-15. Retrieved 2006-06-17.
Hi there I last had my period on the 3 Jan and had unprotected sex with my bf, I was two days late on my period according to my calender on the third day I started spotting which was brown it wasn’t enough to fill up my sanitary napkin as my period usually do and it lasted for three days there was cervical mucus in the discharge do you think I might be pregnant.
Hello Clariana, to confirm if you might be pregnant take a pregnancy test.
Hi, I had unprotected sex and we used the pull-out method on 12/13. I realized that I was ovulating. My last period was 02 Jan. I have frequent urination, feel bloated, sleepy all time, giddy and fell pukish. Today I took a different pregnant and it was negative. I have 26 days cycle and was suppose to get my periods on 28 Jan. Am i pregnant and taking the test too early
Hi there Rashi! Yes, the symptoms you are having indicate pregnancy. You should take a test after one week of your missed periods to get accurate results. Best Regards
Hello,
I had my period on the 1st of January and it last for 3 days. My partner and I have unprotected sex nearly every second day. On the 29th of Jan I was spotting and it only last a couple of hours. I did a pregnancy test on the 30th and it was negative. I still do not have my period and no cramping either which usually is indicative that I am getting my period. My boobs have been sore for nearly 2 weeks now and I am urinating nearly every hour. Could I be pregnant?
Hi there Michelle! You should take a pregnancy test after one week of your missed period. Best Regards
Hi,
So my last period was around the 21st of December and then my boyfriend and I had protected sex between the 3rd and the 6th of Jan. We had no problems with the condoms, We checked after every session that there were no tears or anything. And then I moved to Toronto on the 7th. So right now, my period is 7 days late, and im really paranoid that i may be pregnant. Ive had slight period cramps and back aches and slight nausea over the past few days. What do you think? I have been excessively stressed and jet lagged over the past 3 weeks, so it may just be that? I don’t know, what do you guys think?
Hi there Kav! Even if you had a protected sex, you always have a chance of being pregnant because it only reduces the risks. The only way to know if you are pregnant for sure is to take a test. You can not find out by looking at your symptoms. This will only cause frustration. So please test to check whether you are pregnant or not! Best Regards
Hi,
My previous period was Dec.13,2016 we had unprotected sex with my partner last dec.22,27,31. Im expecting my period on January 10,2017 but until this time i havent get my period.is there any possibility that im pregnant?please help.thank you.
Hi Ghie, yes there might be a possibility that you are pregnant especially since unprotected sex was involved. Do a pregnancy test to confirm this.
Hi alison,
I bought PT and tested my urine unfortunately it the result was negative, and today ive got brown color spotting today 27 jan. its like im getting my period.i got light abdomen cramping. Is there possibility that im not pregnant?
Hi there Ghie! When did you test? You might have taken the test too early. As for the spotting, it might be the implantation bleeding. Take a test after one week of your missed period. Best regards
Hi I am so confused at the moment! My last period was 15th December we had intercourse on 30th and 31st 1st of Jan and I thought I was ovulating at this time? Anyhow I have not got my next period due 15th Jan. I am 10 days overdue but still negative on urine tests. My boobs are killing me, I have had lower back pain on and off, some nausea if I don’t eat but more back and boobs hurt! No bleeding at all! I had an ectopic pregnancy 5 months ago. I feel like I’m pregnant but am I testing to early? Please help Nadia
Hi Nadia, yes you might be testing too early, give it some time and also remember the best time to take your pregnancy test is with your first urine at morning time.
My situation is close to yours but for the last 2 months I have had weird periods if you can call them that November came on the 15th but lasted one day December came six days late the 21st we are trying for a baby so we tried again jan 8th and nothing this month no period in sight white discharge and pregnancy symptoms boobs hurt headaches everyday gaining weight in belly feeling weird twitching I’m officially now 9 days late if I go by my last weird period on the 21st and neg pregnancy tests I’m so confused
Hi, my cycle is an average of 42 days. my last period started on December 28th and I have been tracking it for a few months. The app that I am using said that my cycle is 31 days this month but I am not too sure because from August to December it has been around 42 days. My husband and I had sex almost every day since the 18th. On the 22nd I had slight cramping and pinching feeling in my uterus. I have not had any bleeding but very light cramping and now every time we have sex I get a little crampy afterwards. Is it too early to tell? When would the best time to test be?
Hello Christina, give it some time. In a week and a half to two weeks take a pregnancy test to confirm pregnancy.
My last period was dec 19-24, my partner and I often use the pull out method, could i possibly be pregnant? Im supposedly late for my period according to my calendar. Also had a negative pt first day of missed period.
Hello Danielle, you could possibly be pregnant since no form of contraception is involved, however wait a couple more days for your period to come, if it does not come in a week’s time take another pregnancy test early at morning time.
Hi, I and my partner are looking for child and i was told that i have PID, so after taking the treatment that was described by the doctor still no sign what should I do please
Hi there Ugochi! Please refer to this guide article for further information. Best Regards
So… I have a 65 day cycle. I have pretty crappy PCOS but that’s generally what my cycle averages out to be. AF is due Jan 17-20 but could come earlier or later. I spent a lot of time and money investing in to finding out when I ovulate which was confirmed Jan 2nd. Hubby and I BD’d during that entire week. (Before and after positive OPKs on 2/1/17). I’m 11DPO…. I have NO idea what it is ideal for me to test because I have no idea when to actually expect AF.
Any help or advice? 🙁
Hello Sarah, given your conditions I would advise that you sit with a family practitioner or one that specializes in fertility and let them help you to work out based on your cycle and the unpredictability of it when you can try in order to conceive based on your ovulation dates.
Hi..,me n my partner we r trying to conceive its been two years…. I had my period on 24th December n it ended on 26th n I had sex form 27th till 9 of January 2017…. Can I bcm pregnant
Hi Tia, having sex directly after your period provides a lower risk or pregnancy, however since you were trying until the 9th of the following month there exists a great chance that you might have conceived. The only way to confirm this is through the use of a pregnancy test. All the best.
if you just had a period on december 8 2016 and it went off on december 12 and you had unprotected sex on December 18 & 19 and had some light spotting on December 21 2016 and your period was due on January 5 2017 and here it is January 8 2017 and still haven’t seen it but having some symptoms all I be wanting is sweets and fruits and I get sleepy a lot I noticed a Lil bit of white discharge yesterday took 1 test the day my period was due took another a few days after and took one again today and they all have come back negative could it be that I’m taking the test at the wrong time or could it be possible that I really am pregnant please help
Hi there Denise! The bleeding you had might be the implantation bleeding. Please refer to this article for information. Best Regards
Hi am trying to conceive. My last period was on 7th Dec, 2016 I had unprotected sex during my ovulation, my period suppose to start on 2nd of Jan but it still hasn’t come. Could I be pregnant.
Hi there Yemi! Please refer to this article for information. Best regards
Hi me and my partner had sex 2 week ago on Wednesday and the Thursday and the Friday after that I can’t remember when my last period was I got period pains last week and still not come on my period when should I take test thanks
Hello there Steph, this is highly dependent on when you should expect your period which you did not make mention of. If you think there’s a possibility that you might be pregnant take a pregnancy test.
Hi I had my last period on the 5th Nov and had pull-out intercourse on the 16th and 17th Dec, I have a 26days cycle. I have been having cramps, my period was suppose to start on the 31st/1st of Jan but it still hasn’t come. Could I be pregnant?
Hi there Fuzie! Pull out method is not a method. There are risks for you to get pregnant. You can test whether you are pregnant or not. Best Regards
Hi, I had unprotected sex and we used the pull-out method on 12/15. I realized that I was ovulating. My last period was 12/8. I have frequent urination, feel bloated, can smell everything. I got took several expensive hpt that showed a faint line on 12/29 after it was left so I took another one 12/30 which showed a faint line in 10mins. Today I took a different pregnant and it was negative. My mense is due in a few days. Could I be pregnant and my hcg is just not high enough to detect?
Hi there Elaine! Wait for your period date to come. And if you dont get your period, then take a test after one week after your missed period. Best Regards