Why Is My Pregnancy Test Showing Only One Line?

Why is there only one line on a pregnancy test?

Hello Dr.
Tsao,
Cycle length: 30-33 days.
On July 13, the ovulation test showed a faint positive, July 14 was still faint positive, July 15 was a strong positive, and on the afternoon of July 16, the test line was stronger than the control line.
In the evening, it turned to a faint positive.
I arranged to have intercourse that evening.
Ovulation occurred on July 16.
On July 28, I tested and saw two lines.
On August 3, I experienced bleeding, which stopped by August 5 when I started taking ovulation medication and estrogen.
On August 11, I had a follicle ultrasound and continued taking ovulation medication and estrogen.
On August 12, I tested with ovulation strips, which all showed faint positives.
I had intercourse on August 16, and on August 18, the ultrasound showed a 2.1 cm follicle on the left that had ovulated, so I started taking progesterone.
I had intercourse that evening.
On August 20, the ovulation test started showing faint positives, continuing until August 26 (I had intercourse on August 20 and 21), all showing clear faint positives.

On August 23, I started experiencing abdominal bloating, and on August 24, I had significant bloating and pain in the lower left abdomen.
In the afternoon, I noticed brown spotting, which didn’t require a pad, just a little when wiping, and by bedtime, it had stopped.
On August 25, my stomach was less painful, but I still had occasional bloating, which has continued until today, along with some pulling sensations and cramps.

Starting August 29, I noticed nipple tenderness (it hurts when my bra touches them, but my breasts are not swollen or painful).
However, why is the pregnancy test still showing a single line? Currently, I still have two small white discharge daily, and taking more medication just leads to bloating and occasional mild cramping, with no further bleeding.
I plan to take a test on September 2, but today, August 31, I tested early and still got a negative result??? Last cycle, I tested four days early and got a positive...
Was the bleeding on August 24 implantation bleeding or ovulation bleeding? Thank you.

mimi, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/08/31

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, a pregnancy test is usually accurate if taken 12 days after conception.
The bleeding on August 24 could possibly be implantation bleeding.
If your period is more than a week late, it is advisable to see a gynecologist.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2016/08/31

More Info

When a pregnancy test shows only one line, it typically indicates that the test is negative, meaning that there is no detectable level of the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in your urine. This hormone is produced shortly after a fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining, which usually occurs about six to twelve days after conception. However, there are several reasons why you might experience pregnancy symptoms despite a negative test result.

Firstly, it’s essential to consider the timing of the test. If you are testing too early, the levels of hCG may not be high enough to be detected by the test. Most home pregnancy tests are designed to be accurate around the time of your expected period, which is typically about two weeks after ovulation. If you ovulated later than expected or if implantation occurred later, it could lead to a negative test result even if you are pregnant.
In your case, you mentioned a series of symptoms such as abdominal bloating, mild cramping, and breast tenderness, which can be indicative of hormonal changes in your body. These symptoms can occur due to various reasons, including premenstrual syndrome (PMS), hormonal fluctuations, or even stress. It’s also worth noting that some women experience what is known as "chemical pregnancies," where an egg is fertilized and implants but does not develop further, leading to a very early miscarriage that may cause pregnancy symptoms.

The brown discharge you experienced could be a sign of implantation bleeding, which occurs when the fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining. This can sometimes be mistaken for a light period. However, if this bleeding is accompanied by significant pain or if it continues, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare provider to rule out any complications.

If you continue to experience pregnancy symptoms but receive negative test results, it may be beneficial to wait a few days and retest, preferably with the first morning urine, which is more concentrated and may yield more accurate results. If you still receive a negative result and your symptoms persist, it would be wise to consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation. They may recommend a blood test, which can detect lower levels of hCG than urine tests and can provide more definitive answers.

In summary, while a single line on a pregnancy test generally indicates that you are not pregnant, it is essential to consider the timing of the test, the possibility of early pregnancy, and other factors that could contribute to your symptoms. If you have any concerns or if your symptoms worsen, seeking medical advice is always the best course of action.

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