When to Take a Pregnancy Test, According to OB-GYNs

When you’re trying to get pregnant, the wait after ovulation to see if it worked can feel endless. On the flip side, if you’ve missed your period and are anxious, the minutes waiting for an at-home pregnancy test result can be incredibly nerve-wracking.

Despite advancements in pregnancy tests, you can’t get an immediate result after sex. At-home pregnancy tests detect the hormone beta hCG, which is secreted during pregnancy. According to Dr. Catherine Caponero from Cleveland Clinic, it can take six to ten days after conception for this hormone to reach levels detectable by a pregnancy test.

So, when should you take a pregnancy test after unprotected sex? Dr. Lori Hardy from Northwestern Medicine recommends waiting seven to ten days after ovulation. For the best chance of conception, you should have sex 24 to 72 hours before ovulation. Testing earlier might result in a false negative. Ideally, you should wait 10 to 14 days after sex to take a test.

Even then, hormone levels can vary, leading to a potential false negative. For the most reliable results, wait until the first day of your missed period. Dr. Caponero emphasizes the importance of patience: “It is so hard to wait — I’m very aware of that. But ideally, you wait until you miss your period.”

If you take an at-home test and doubt its accuracy, feel free to retest in

24 to 48 hours. If you continue to miss your period and the test remains negative, it’s time to consult a doctor.

If you’ve had unprotected sex and aren’t trying to get pregnant, don’t wait for a pregnancy test. Emergency contraception pills or an IUD can be effective if taken within 72 hours to 5 days after sex, so act quickly.

Are pregnancy tests more accurate at the doctor’s office? Dr. Hardy explains that urine tests at the doctor’s office aren’t necessarily more reliable than home tests. A blood test at the doctor’s office is the most accurate for early pregnancy detection, but due to the sensitivity of modern home tests, blood tests are often unnecessary. However, if you have a history of ectopic pregnancy, Dr. Caponero recommends closer monitoring through blood tests, as an ectopic pregnancy can be life-threatening.

What’s the best time of day to take a pregnancy test? Morning urine is most concentrated, making it easier to detect the hormone. However, most pregnancy tests are accurate and sensitive enough to be used at any time of day, says Dr. Caponero.

The bottom line: as hard as it may be, your best bet is to wait until after you miss your period to take a pregnancy test. Some sensitive tests can detect pregnancy as early as eight days after conception, but hormone levels can vary. Waiting until your expected period date will give the most accurate result. Whether you’re hoping for a positive or negative outcome, patience is key.

Re-reported from the article originally published in She knows.