Pregnancy Tests: What to Know Before Trying

Pregnancy test kit, pregnancy?

Hello, I would like to ask the doctor a question.
I have been taking the birth control pill since the beginning of October.
I consistently take it between 10 PM and 1 AM, taking 21 pills and then stopping for seven days before starting the next cycle.
On April 6, my boyfriend and I had intercourse, but he did not ejaculate (he said he didn't feel the urge to pull out, and then we didn't continue; sometimes it takes him a long time to finish).
Prior to that, we had intercourse on February 13.
My last menstrual period started normally at the end of March, and my next one is expected around April 20.
According to my calendar, my ovulation date is April 6.
Recently, I have been feeling discomfort and bloating in my abdomen, and I have had the urge to have a bowel movement.
My boyfriend and I discussed the topic of pregnancy.
I happened to have a pregnancy test nearby, and I tested on the evening of April 10, but I did not see a line.
I later retrieved the test from the trash and checked it again, but there was still no line.
However, on the evening of April 11, after taking a shower, I checked it again out of boredom and noticed a faint line that was visible to the naked eye.
I took my temperature on April 11, and it was 37.6°C.
Should I be concerned? Or could the humidity in the bathroom have caused the used pregnancy test to show a line? Currently, both of us do not want to have children.

HX, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/04/11

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

I started taking the oral contraceptive pill from early October, consistently taking it between 10 PM and 1 AM.
I took 21 pills, then stopped for seven days before starting the next cycle.
On April 6, my boyfriend and I had intercourse, but he did not ejaculate (he mentioned he didn't feel the urge to pull out, and he sometimes takes a long time to finish).
Prior to that, we had sexual intercourse on February 13.
My last menstrual period started normally at the end of March, and my next period is expected around April 20.
According to my calendar, the ovulation date is also April 6.

In the past few days, I've been feeling abdominal discomfort and bloating, and I've had the urge to have a bowel movement.
My boyfriend and I discussed the topic of pregnancy.
I happened to have a pregnancy test nearby, and on the evening of April 10, I tested but did not see a line.
I later retrieved the test from the trash and still did not see a line.
However, on the evening of April 11, after taking a shower, I checked the test again out of boredom and noticed a faint line that was visible to the naked eye.
I measured my temperature on April 11, and it was 37.6°C.

Should I be concerned? Could the humidity in the bathroom have caused the used pregnancy test to show a line? Currently, both of us do not want to have children.

Answer: Since your last menstrual period was at the end of March and you did not have ejaculation on April 6, you tested on the evening of April 10 and did not see a line.
On April 11, you checked the test again and noticed a faint line, which could be due to the humidity in the bathroom affecting the used pregnancy test.
Your next period is expected around April 20, so if it does not come, consider testing again.

Reply Date: 2018/04/11

More Info

When it comes to understanding pregnancy tests and the implications of your symptoms, it's essential to consider several factors, including the timing of the test, the reliability of the test results, and the signs your body may be exhibiting.

Firstly, regarding the timing of pregnancy tests, it is generally recommended to wait until after a missed period for the most accurate results. This is because the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which is produced during pregnancy, takes time to build up in your system. If you test too early, the levels of hCG may not be high enough to detect, leading to a false negative result. In your case, since your expected period is around April 20 and you tested on April 10, it might have been too early to get a definitive answer.

You mentioned that you took a pregnancy test on April 10 and did not see any lines, but later on April 11, you noticed a faint line. This can be a common occurrence. A faint line can indicate the presence of hCG, suggesting that you may be pregnant, but it is crucial to consider the context. If the test was previously used and stored in a humid environment, it could potentially lead to evaporation lines or false positives. Therefore, it is advisable to use a new test for confirmation.

In terms of your symptoms, feeling abdominal discomfort and bloating can be associated with both premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and early pregnancy. Many women experience similar symptoms in both scenarios, which can make it challenging to distinguish between the two. If you are experiencing unusual symptoms or if your period does not arrive as expected, it would be wise to consult with a healthcare provider for further evaluation.

If you suspect you might be pregnant, consider retesting with a new pregnancy test a few days after your missed period for a more reliable result. Additionally, monitoring your body temperature can provide insights, as a sustained elevated temperature can be an early sign of pregnancy.

Lastly, if you and your partner are not ready for a child, it is essential to discuss your contraceptive options with a healthcare provider. While you are currently taking birth control pills, it’s important to ensure they are taken consistently and correctly to maximize their effectiveness. If you have concerns about potential pregnancy or contraceptive methods, seeking professional advice is always a good step.

In summary, wait until after your expected period to retest for pregnancy, consider using a new test for accuracy, and consult with a healthcare provider if you have any concerns about your symptoms or contraceptive methods. Your health and peace of mind are paramount, and professional guidance can help you navigate this situation effectively.

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