Should You Take Another Pregnancy Test After a Negative Result? - Obstetrics and Gynecology

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Do I need to take another pregnancy test?


On April 28, I had sexual intercourse with my girlfriend.
We initially had unprotected penetration, then used a condom until ejaculation, and after checking, the condom did not break and there was no leakage.
My girlfriend's last menstrual period started on April 13, but this month her period is already a week late.
Today, she took a pregnancy test (not using first morning urine) and after waiting about 3 minutes, it showed a negative result.
Should we test again?

Niming, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/05/22

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology


On April 28, I had sexual intercourse with my girlfriend.
We initially had unprotected penetration, then used a condom until ejaculation, and after checking, the condom did not break and there was no leakage.
My girlfriend's last menstrual period started on April 13, but her period is already a week late this month.
Today, she took a pregnancy test (not using first morning urine) and after waiting about 3 minutes, it showed negative.
Should we test again? Answer: Test again in one week.

Reply Date: 2018/05/22

More Info


When it comes to pregnancy testing, timing and the method of testing are crucial factors that can influence the results. In your case, you had unprotected intercourse on April 28 and your girlfriend's last menstrual period started on April 13. Given that her period is now a week late, it is understandable that you are concerned about the possibility of pregnancy.

The first thing to note is that home pregnancy tests (HPTs) are generally quite accurate when used correctly. However, they are most reliable when taken after a missed period, as they detect the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which is produced shortly after a fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining. This hormone typically becomes detectable in urine about 14 days after conception, which is usually around the time of a missed period.

Since your girlfriend's period is already a week late, it would be reasonable to expect that a home pregnancy test could yield a positive result if she is indeed pregnant. However, there are several factors that could lead to a false negative result:
1. Testing Too Early: If the test was taken too soon after conception, there may not be enough hCG in the urine to detect. Although you mentioned that her period is late, if ovulation occurred later than expected, it could still affect the timing of hCG production.

2. Diluted Urine: If the test was not taken with first-morning urine, which is typically more concentrated, it may lead to a less accurate result. Non-morning urine can be diluted, potentially resulting in a false negative.

3. Test Sensitivity: Different pregnancy tests have varying sensitivities to hCG. Some tests can detect lower levels of hCG than others. If you used a less sensitive test, it might not pick up on a pregnancy that a more sensitive test would.

4. User Error: Following the instructions on the test is crucial. If the test was not used according to the manufacturer's guidelines, this could also lead to inaccurate results.

Given these considerations, it would be advisable to take another pregnancy test, preferably using first-morning urine for the best accuracy. If you choose to test again, wait a few days to allow for any potential increase in hCG levels, which can improve the chances of detecting a pregnancy if one is present.

If the second test also shows a negative result and her period still does not arrive, it would be wise to consult a healthcare provider. They can perform a blood test, which is more sensitive and can detect lower levels of hCG, providing a more definitive answer regarding pregnancy. Additionally, they can help investigate other reasons for the missed period, such as hormonal imbalances, stress, or other underlying health issues.

In conclusion, yes, you should consider taking another pregnancy test, ideally after a few days and with first-morning urine. If the results remain negative and her period does not start, seeking medical advice is the next best step to ensure both her health and peace of mind.

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