How Soon After Sex Can I Take a Pregnancy Test? | Free Women’s Center in Sioux City and Le Mars, IA
- Her Health Women's Center
- May 13
- 2 min read
Do you think you might be pregnant? Are you unsure of when to take a pregnancy test? Maybe you’re feeling anxious or unsure about the results of your pregnancy test.
Taking a home pregnancy test is often the first step in finding out you’re pregnant. You can also come to Her Health Women’s Center for your pregnancy test. At your pregnancy confirmation appointment and options consultation, we will provide evidence-based medical education on all your pregnancy options, including abortion, adoption, and parenting.
Avoid Taking Your Pregnancy Test Too Early
The earlier you take a test, the less accurate it will be. If you take a test too soon, you could get a negative result even if you’re pregnant. This can be especially confusing if a woman spots or bleeds during her first trimester, which happens to 15-25% of women. This can make her believe she had her period, when she is actually pregnant.
What Is The "Two Weeks" Rule?
Some women test according to the “two weeks” rule, which is the period of time between ovulation and when a pregnancy can be detected on many home tests. This can provide accurate results for women with a predictable 28-day cycle and who ovulate once at a regular interval.
However, some women’s cycles are not as predictable, or medications such as birth control and antibiotics can change their cycle and ovulation date. Stress can also cause interruptions in a regular or typically predictable cycle.
After You Miss Your Period Is Best
If you have a regular menstrual cycle, the most optimal time to take a pregnancy test is after you realize you’ve missed your period. But some home tests will give accurate results if you take the test on the first day of your missed period. If you do not have a regular menstrual cycle, wait at least 2 weeks after unprotected sex.
If your results were still unreadable or inconclusive, wait a few days and test again. HCG nearly doubles about every two days in early pregnancy. For more accurate results, take the test when you first wake up. The hCG hormone is higher and more concentrated in the morning. Also, do not drink a lot of fluids before testing, this can dilute your hCG hormone levels
NEXT STEP: Confirm Your Pregnancy
A home pregnancy test is an indicator of pregnancy, not a confirmation. That’s why you need an ultrasound to verify an intrauterine pregnancy. Usually 5-7 weeks after the first day of your last period is a good time to have your initial ultrasound, which we provide at your first appointment. During the ultrasound, we can also tell you how far along you are and check for the viability of your pregnancy.
Whether you are considering an abortion or are looking for pregnancy services, we're your go-to resource for options, answers, and support.
Our pregnancy services are free, confidential, and we do not benefit from any decision you make. We’re here for you.
Disclaimer: This blog is intended for informational purposes and not a substitute for medical care. The source listed is found to be reliable; however ,Her Health Women’s Center cannot endorse or oppose the entire content of the website listed.
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