How soon can I do a pregnancy test ?
Author Dr Kate Garside
How soon can I do a pregnancy test ?
We are here to help if you need us. Below are a few of the most frequently asked questions about using early detection home pregnancy tests.
If you have a question then e-mail it to us and we will endeavour to answer it for you.
How soon after sex can I take a pregnancy test?
If you have had unprotected sex, it is usually too early to test immediately afterwards because pregnancy tests detect hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), which is only produced after implantation has occurred.
For the most reliable result, it is recommended to test from the day your period is due. If you are unsure when your period is expected, waiting at least 21 days after unprotected sex will give a more reliable result. Some ultra-sensitive early pregnancy tests may detect pregnancy earlier, but testing too soon increases the chance of a false negative result.
How soon can I test for pregnancy test after ovulation, IVF, embryo transfer or implantation ?
This is a very common question particularly after assisted conception. The very earliest that a pregnancy test should be done is 8-10 days after ovulation or assisted conception.
In early pregnancy testing an ultra 10miu pregnancy test kit should be selected as these are the most sensitive and able to detect the very low levels of hcg which are being produced at this time.
Can I take a pregnancy test 5 days after sex?
No, it is generally too early to get a reliable result five days after sex.
Even if fertilisation has occurred, the fertilised egg still needs time to travel to the uterus and implant before the body begins producing enough hCG for most pregnancy tests to detect.
If you test this early and get a negative result, it does not necessarily mean you are not pregnant. Wait until closer to your expected period and test again.
I did a pregnancy test early and it was negative
Negative pregnancy tests do not mean that conception has not occurred, and may be progressing, but just not to the state on implantation and placental growth to produce sufficient hcg yet. For this reason you should re-test every 48 hrs and must do so even up to 12 days from the expected menstrual period date if this does not occur. (this allows for the small percentage of late implanting embryos)
Can I test for pregnancy before my missed period?
Yes, some early detection pregnancy tests are designed to detect lower levels of hCG and can be used before your missed period.
However, the earlier you test, the greater the chance of receiving a negative result even if you are pregnant, because hCG levels may not yet be high enough to detect.
For the highest accuracy, testing on or after the first day of your missed period is recommended
What do I do after I have had an early positive pregnancy test?
If you get a positive pregnancy test with an ultra pregnancy test, you should also confirm that the pregnancy has continued to implant and remains viable by re-testing at around the time of the expected next period using a standard 25miu pregnancy test membrane if possible. If you are re testing using an early detection pregnancy test strip then you would expect the T line to be darker than when you tested before the period.
Read more FAQ regarding early pregnancy tests and how early you can do a pregnancy test here
Why choose Access Diagnostics for pregnancy tests?
With over 20 years’ experience supplying diagnostic tests in the UK, Access Diagnostics specialises in reliable home testing solutions, including early detection pregnancy tests.
Our range includes ultra sensitive pregnancy tests designed to provide fast, accurate results when you need them most.