How Many Days After Sex Should I Take a Pregnancy Test?
1 month ago
I had unprotected sex and want to know when to take a pregnancy test for an accurate result. I've heard testing too early gives wrong results. When should I wait before testing?
Answers (1)
Timing matters because the test detects hCG, which only appears after a fertilized egg implants usually 6–12 days after conception. hCG then needs a few more days to rise to detectable levels.
For the most accurate result, wait until the first day of your missed period roughly 14–16 days after sex if it happened around ovulation.
Testing before this often gives a false negative, not because you’re not pregnant, but because hCG is still too low to register.
If you can’t wait, high-sensitivity tests (10–20 mIU/mL) can detect pregnancy 4–5 days before a missed period but a negative result this early doesn’t guarantee you’re not pregnant.
If your period doesn’t come and the test is negative, retest 3–4 days later.
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