Should You Retest for Pregnancy After Unprotected Sex?

Re-test for pregnancy?

Doctor! I had unprotected intercourse on April 9th and 10th, which was around my ovulation day, but I took a pregnancy test on the 18th and it showed only one line.
However, my lower back is more sore than usual and my abdomen is quite painful.
My period is not due until April 23rd.
Should I take another pregnancy test?

Miss Wang, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/04/20

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, a pregnancy test should be taken at least 12 days after conception to get accurate results.
If your period is more than a week late, it is advisable to consult a gynecologist.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2016/04/20

More Info

When it comes to the question of whether you should retest for pregnancy after having unprotected sex, especially considering your recent experiences, there are several factors to consider.
Firstly, it’s important to understand the timing of your menstrual cycle and the ovulation period. You mentioned that your ovulation occurred around April 9th and 10th, and you had unprotected sex during that time. This is significant because the days leading up to and including ovulation are when you are most fertile. If fertilization occurs, implantation typically happens about 6 to 10 days after ovulation, which means that a pregnancy test may not yield accurate results until at least a week after the missed period.

You took a pregnancy test on April 18th, which was before your expected period on April 23rd. At this point, it’s possible that the test could have been taken too early to detect pregnancy, especially if implantation had not yet occurred or if the hormone levels (hCG) were not high enough to be detected. Pregnancy tests are most accurate when taken after a missed period because that’s when hCG levels are typically high enough to be detected reliably.

Given that you are experiencing symptoms such as lower back pain and abdominal discomfort, it’s understandable to feel concerned. These symptoms can be associated with early pregnancy, but they can also be related to other factors such as premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or other health issues.
In light of this, it would be advisable to retest for pregnancy. You can do this as soon as the day after your expected period (April 24th) for the most reliable result. If you test negative but still do not get your period, you should consider testing again a few days later or consulting with a healthcare provider for further evaluation.
Additionally, if you have had unprotected sex and are concerned about sexually transmitted infections (STIs), it’s wise to get tested for STIs as well. The risk of STIs can increase with unprotected sexual activity, especially if your partner has other sexual partners. Regular screenings for STIs are important for your health and the health of any future partners.

In summary, retesting for pregnancy after unprotected sex is a prudent step, especially if your initial test was taken before your expected period. Pay attention to your body and any symptoms you may experience, and don’t hesitate to reach out to a healthcare provider for personalized advice and testing options. It’s always better to be informed and proactive about your reproductive health.

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Hello, if you are wondering about pregnancy, it's best to take preventive measures at all times. You cannot rely on the safe period. If your period is more than a week late, it is advisable to see a gynecologist. Wishing you good health.