Pregnancy Testing: When to Confirm and Next Steps

Are you pregnant?

Hello, my girlfriend and I had our last sexual intercourse on April 26.
Her period was supposed to arrive on the 28th, but it hasn't come, and now it's May 8.
During this time, we took two pregnancy tests on May 3 and May 7, both of which were negative.
Can we be certain that she is not pregnant? If her period still hasn't arrived, should we continue testing?

Mingming, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/05/09

Dr. Lin Manying reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

For such issues, it is recommended to refer to the National Health Administration's "Sexual Wellness e-Learning" or the Obstetrics and Gynecology Society's "Consultation Guide for Adolescent Contraception." It is advised to take another test one week after May 7.
If the result is still negative, it is recommended to seek medical attention to induce menstruation.

Reply Date: 2016/05/09

More Info

When it comes to pregnancy testing, timing is crucial for obtaining accurate results. Based on your timeline, your last sexual encounter was on April 26, and your expected period was on April 28, which you have missed as of May 8. You have already taken two pregnancy tests on May 3 and May 7, both of which returned negative results.
To address your questions:
1. Can you confirm that you are not pregnant based on the negative tests?
While two negative tests are a good indication that you are likely not pregnant, they are not definitive. Home pregnancy tests work by detecting the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in your urine, which is produced after a fertilized egg implants in the uterus. Typically, hCG levels become detectable in urine about 14 days after conception. Given that your last sexual encounter was on April 26, it is possible that you tested too early, especially if you ovulated later than expected.

2. Should you continue testing if your period has not arrived?
Yes, if your period has not arrived, it is advisable to continue testing. It is generally recommended to wait until at least the first day of your missed period to take a pregnancy test for the most reliable results. Since you are now several days past your expected period, you might want to test again, preferably with the first morning urine, which is more concentrated and can yield more accurate results.

3. What if you continue to get negative results but your period does not come?
If you continue to receive negative results and your period does not arrive, it may be wise to consult a healthcare provider. There could be various reasons for a missed period, including hormonal imbalances, stress, changes in weight, or other underlying health issues. A healthcare provider can perform a blood test, which is more sensitive than home urine tests, and can provide a clearer picture of your pregnancy status.

4. Understanding the timing of pregnancy tests:
The best time to take a pregnancy test is after you have missed your period. If you have irregular cycles or are unsure of when you ovulated, waiting at least a week after your missed period can help ensure that hCG levels are high enough to be detected.
5. What to do next:
If you decide to test again and it is still negative, and your period does not arrive within a week, schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider. They can perform a more sensitive blood test and discuss any other potential reasons for your missed period.

In summary, while the negative tests suggest that you are likely not pregnant, it is not conclusive. Continue to monitor your situation, and if your period does not arrive soon, seek medical advice for further evaluation.

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