If you take a pregnancy test immediately after sex, you will likely not get an accurate result. You need to allow enough time for implantation to take place.
Usually, implantation takes place about six to ten days after conception, this means that pregnancy cannot be detected just a few days after having sex.
During your ovulation period, an egg is released from your ovaries and makes its way through the tube to your uterus, and stays there for up to 24 hours before breaking down. However, if a sperm meets your egg during this period, you will most likely conceive.
If you have sex in the days before you ovulate, some of the sperm could stick around in your reproductive tract, can survive in there for up to five days, and could go on to fertilize the egg when it is eventually released.
Tests become more accurate a few days after a missed period.
It is better to wait for 10 to 14 days after ovulation before taking a pregnancy test, so you know that enough time has passed for implantation to have happened. If you are not sure when you ovulated, it is safer to be guided by your missed period instead. If you hold out to take your pregnancy test on the first day of your missed period, you can be much more confident it’s going to give you an accurate result.
Read also: How To Get Pregnant Faster; Women’s Comprehensive Step-By-Step Guide To Conceiving
When to take a pregnancy test after a missed period
If your period is already due or is late, then it’s good for you to take a test at that time. If your periods are regular, you can take the test on the day of the expected period or the day after the expected period if your period does not occur. If you have a negative result but do not get your period and still suspect a pregnancy, you can repeat the test in 48 to 72 hours.
If you experience irregular periods or you have had missed periods in the past, it may be best to wait 21 days after you have had sex, but reach out to your healthcare provider for more guidance if you feel you need it.
Doing a pregnancy test while on birth control
It is good to note that if you are currently taking birth control, it won’t interfere with your pregnancy test results. If you are currently taking hormonal birth control and think you might be pregnant, it’s worth reaching out to your doctor for advice on what to do next.
The best time of day to take a pregnancy test: Morning, afternoon, or night?
The best time to do a pregnancy test is first thing in the morning, during your first pee of the day. The reason is that it’s possible that your urine could be more concentrated first thing in the morning.
However, you don’t need to stress too much about taking a pregnancy test at a specific time of day. Using urine later on when it’s less concentrated may only delay a positive result by 12 to 24 hours.
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