Unprotected sex can either be an exciting or a nerve-wracking experience, depending on if you are trying to conceive or trying to avoid pregnancy. Whether you forgot to use contraception, had a condom mishap, forgot to take your pill, or are intentionally avoiding all forms of birth control with the hope of starting a family, the possibility of pregnancy can linger in the back of your mind.
But how soon after unprotected can you test for pregnancy?
And which pregnancy tests are the most reliable? In this blog post, we will discuss the different types of pregnancy tests, how they work, and when you can take them to get the most accurate results. We will also provide some tips on choosing the best pregnancy test for your needs and answer some common questions about pregnancy testing.
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Types of Pregnancy Tests
There are two main types of pregnancy tests: urine tests and blood tests. Urine tests are the most commonly used and are available at almost any grocery store or drugstore. Blood tests are less commonly used because they are more invasive and typically have to be done at a doctor’s office or a lab which is not nearly as convenient as a home urine test.
Urine Pregnancy Tests
Urine tests are designed to detect the pregnancy hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which is produced by the placenta after a fertilized egg implants in the uterus.
There are two types of urine tests but both operate the same way: a standard urine test and a digital test. A standard urine test requires you to read the results by checking for lines or symbols on a test strip. A digital test, on the other hand, displays the results by posting a digital word on the screen – either “pregnant” or “not pregnant”.
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Blood Pregnancy Tests
These tests can detect pregnancy earlier than urine tests because they can detect small amounts of hCG in the blood before the urine concentration is high enough to turn a urine test positive.
There are two types of blood tests: a quantitative test and a qualitative test. A quantitative test measures the exact amount of hCG in your blood, while a qualitative test simply confirms whether or not hCG is present.
[Related post: 22 Early Signs of Pregnancy]
How Soon Will a Pregnancy Test Read Positive?
The timing of when a pregnancy test will read positive after unprotected sex depends on a few different factors – when you ovulate, when fertilization occurs, and when the fertilized egg implants in the uterus. Unfortunately, it is difficult to answer each of these questions with 100% accuracy because every woman is so unique! Typically, it takes about 7-10 days after fertilization for the fertilized egg to implant in the uterus and for hCG levels to start rising. Once the hCG levels begin to rise, they then have to rise enough to be detected on a pregnancy test.
Every brand of pregnancy test is going to brag on their sensitivity and early-detection abilities. While many of them may prove to work as they claim, we’re going to err on the cautious side. Based on the type of pregnancy test you are taking, here are some general guidelines on how soon you can take a pregnancy test and get a positive result:
- Standard urine test: You can take a standard urine test as early as the first day of your missed period. However, if you test too early, you may get a false negative result because hCG levels may not be high enough to detect. Every pregnancy test has a differently level of sensitivity, but on average they can begin to detect hCG in urine at levels of 25 mIU/mL or more. If you get a negative result but still suspect you may be pregnant, wait a few days and test again.
- Digital urine test: Digital tests are slightly less sensitive than standard tests, so it’s best to wait until a few days after your missed period to take one. An exception to this would be an early detection digital urine test which can detect lower levels of hCG closer to 15 mIU/mL.
- Blood test: A blood test can detect pregnancy as early as 7-12 days after fertilization which is roughly 3-4 days before an expected period. This is because it can detect very little amounts of hCG in the blood. In general, a positive result on a blood test can occur when hCG levels reach 5 mIU/ml or higher. However, the sensitivity of the test can vary – some blood tests may be able to detect hCG levels as low as 1 mIU/ml, while others may require levels of 25 mIU/ml or higher to be considered positive.
With all of this information, keep in mind that every woman is so very unique! Implantation can occur at different times for different women, and the timing of when hCG is produced and detected can also vary… so it’s possible to get a positive pregnancy test even earlier or later than these estimates.
If you take a pregnancy test and end up with a negative result, you can always test again a day or two later to confirm. In early pregnancy, hCG levels typically double every 48 to 72 hours. Meaning, if you took a test 2 days before a missed period and got a negative result (let’s pretend your hCG levels were at 15 mIU/mL), you could retest again in 48 hours and get a positive result (your hCG levels could be at 30 mIU/mL now).
Missed Period Negative Pregnancy Test
What if you have missed a period but your pregnancy test is negative? This can be frustrating and confusing, but there are several reasons why this might happen:
- Testing too early: If you test too early, there might not be enough hCG in your urine to be detected by a pregnancy test. Even with the detection rates listed above, it’s recommended to wait at least a week after a missed period to take a test to ensure a more accurate result.
- Faulty test: Pregnancy tests are not always accurate, and it’s possible to get a false negative result. It’s best to use a reputable brand and read and follow the instructions carefully.
- Irregular cycles: If are not on a regular cycle, it can be difficult to know when to expect your period or when to take a pregnancy test because you might not be ovulating at the same time each month (or even at all).
- Stress: Stress can cause changes in your menstrual cycle, leading to a missed period.
- Hormonal imbalances: Hormonal imbalances can affect your menstrual cycle and cause a missed period.
If you missed your period and your pregnancy test is negative, it’s important to follow up with your healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause. They can perform a blood test or other diagnostic tests to determine if you are pregnant or if there is an underlying health issue causing the missed period and help you get your cycle back on track.
If you are trying to conceive and struggling, you can consider looking for a more holistic and natural approach to preconception care.
Best Pregnancy Tests
- First Response Early Result Pregnancy Test: This test is very sensitive and can detect pregnancy as early as 6 days before your missed period. It has a 99% accuracy rate and can detect very low levels of hCG.
- Clearblue Digital Pregnancy Test: This test is also very sensitive and can detect pregnancy as early as 5 days before your missed period. It is easy to use and gives you a clear “pregnant” or “not pregnant” result.
- MomMed One Step Urine Pregnancy Test: This test is an affordable option that claims to be highly accurate and provide easy-to-read results within minutes. I personally use this brand because it comes in an affordable pack of 55… I don’t feel bad taking them as often as I feel!
- Wondfo Pregnancy Test Strips: These test strips are very affordable and can detect pregnancy as early as 7-10 days after conception. They are very sensitive and have a high accuracy rate.
- Clearblue Plus Pregnancy Test: This test is also affordable and can detect pregnancy as early as 5 days before your missed period. It is easy to use and has a 99% accuracy rate.
It is important to note that no pregnancy test is 100% accurate, and false negative results are not uncommon if the test is taken too early or if it is not used correctly (always be sure to follow those instructions!). If you get a negative result but still think you might be pregnant, I recommend waiting at least 2 days (48 hours) and then take another test.
With every woman being so unique, there is no one-size fits all answer to any of these questions… but there are some general guidelines and averages for you to follow. And if nothing else, this journey might just teach you patience… If you test too early, test again later!
Jess
