Can You Get Pregnant After a Negative Pregnancy Test?

Can you get pregnant after having unprotected intercourse following a pregnancy test?

Hello doctor, the content is as follows: My girlfriend's menstrual cycle in June was from the 23rd to the 29th, and in July it was from the 22nd to the 28th.
Her period was late in August.
We took a pregnancy test on August 26th, which showed one line (but we had unprotected intercourse on the same day we tested).
After learning that she was not pregnant, my girlfriend thought that her period might be delayed this month due to being more tired (additional note: she is a nurse and usually works day shifts in the ward, but this month she has been scheduled for consecutive night shifts followed by day shifts and then more night shifts).
However, today is already August 30th, and her period still hasn’t arrived.
Is there a possibility of pregnancy, or is it likely due to her irregular schedule causing the delay in her menstrual cycle?

Cheng Cheng, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/08/30

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

My girlfriend's menstrual cycle in June was from the 23rd to the 29th, and in July, it was from the 22nd to the 28th.
Her period was late in August.
We took a pregnancy test on August 26th, which showed one line (but we had unprotected intercourse on the same day we tested).
After learning that she was not pregnant, my girlfriend thought that her period might be delayed this month due to fatigue (additional note: she is a nurse and usually works day shifts in the ward, but this month she had consecutive night shifts followed by day shifts and then more night shifts).
However, today is already August 30th, and her period still hasn't arrived.
Is there a possibility of pregnancy, or is it more likely due to her irregular schedule causing the delay?
Answer: It is likely due to her irregular schedule causing the delay.

Reply Date: 2019/08/30

More Info

When it comes to the question of whether one can get pregnant after a negative pregnancy test, the answer is nuanced and depends on several factors. In your case, your girlfriend had a negative pregnancy test on August 26, despite having had unprotected intercourse on that same day. Given that her menstrual cycle has been somewhat irregular, with her last period starting on July 22 and ending on July 28, it is possible that her cycle could be affected by various factors, including stress, fatigue, and changes in her work schedule.

Firstly, it is important to understand how pregnancy tests work. Most home pregnancy tests detect the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which is produced shortly after a fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining. Typically, hCG can be detected in urine about 14 days after conception, which corresponds to the time of a missed period for most women. However, if the test is taken too early, it may yield a false negative result, meaning that the woman could still be pregnant despite the test indicating otherwise.

In your girlfriend's case, since she had a negative test on August 26 but her period has not arrived by August 30, it raises the question of whether she could still be pregnant. The stress and fatigue from her work schedule—switching from day shifts to night shifts—could indeed impact her menstrual cycle, potentially causing a delay. Stress is known to affect hormonal balance, which can lead to irregularities in the menstrual cycle.

Given that her period is late, it would be advisable for her to take another pregnancy test, preferably using the first morning urine, which typically contains the highest concentration of hCG. If the second test is also negative and her period still does not arrive, it may be wise for her to consult a healthcare provider. A doctor can perform a blood test to check for hCG levels, which is more sensitive than a urine test and can provide a definitive answer regarding pregnancy.

Additionally, if she is experiencing any unusual symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, heavy bleeding, or other concerning signs, she should seek medical attention promptly. These could indicate other underlying health issues that may need to be addressed.

In summary, while it is possible to get pregnant after a negative pregnancy test, especially if the test was taken too early, it is also plausible that lifestyle factors such as stress and fatigue could be contributing to her delayed period. Encouraging her to take another test and consult a healthcare provider if necessary would be the best course of action.

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