Can You Still Get Pregnant After a Negative Pregnancy Test?

Will I still be able to get pregnant?

Hello doctor, I would like to ask, if I take a pregnancy test 17 days after sexual intercourse and the result is negative, is there still a possibility of becoming pregnant later? Is it possible to test positive after 20 days? Thank you, doctor.

Uui, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/09/13

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, the lifespan of an egg and sperm combined is generally considered to be 3 days for the egg and 6 days for the sperm, totaling 9 days.
Additionally, after fertilization, it takes about 9 days for a pregnancy test to yield a detectable result, bringing the total to 18 days.
Therefore, if you take a pregnancy test on the 18th day after your last sexual intercourse and the result is negative, it is likely that you are not pregnant, barring a few rare exceptions.
It is recommended to use the first morning urine for the test, as it is more accurate.
Currently, over-the-counter pregnancy tests have a 1-3% margin of error.
If you are uncertain, it is best to visit a hospital for a more reliable test or a blood test to ensure the accuracy of the pregnancy test.
Thank you! Wishing you peace and health, Dr.
Zhang.

Reply Date: 2019/09/13

More Info

It is understandable to have concerns about the possibility of pregnancy after receiving a negative pregnancy test, especially if you have had unprotected intercourse. To address your question, yes, it is indeed possible to still become pregnant after a negative test result, particularly if the test was taken too early.

Pregnancy tests work by detecting the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in your urine. This hormone is produced shortly after a fertilized egg attaches to the lining of the uterus, which typically occurs about six to ten days after conception. However, the levels of hCG may not be high enough to be detected by a home pregnancy test until a few days after a missed period. Therefore, if you take a test too early—such as just 17 days after intercourse—it may yield a false negative result.

In some cases, it can take longer for hCG levels to rise to detectable levels, especially if implantation occurs later than usual or if there are variations in individual hormone production. It is not uncommon for women to experience a delay in the detection of pregnancy, with some tests showing positive results as late as 20 to 28 days after conception. If you suspect you might be pregnant despite a negative test, it is advisable to wait a few days and retest or consult with a healthcare provider for a blood test, which can detect lower levels of hCG than urine tests.

Additionally, factors such as irregular menstrual cycles can complicate the timing of ovulation and conception, making it more challenging to determine when to test. If your cycles are irregular, it may be beneficial to track your ovulation through methods such as basal body temperature monitoring or ovulation predictor kits, which can provide a clearer picture of your fertile window.

If you continue to experience symptoms of pregnancy, such as missed periods, nausea, or breast tenderness, and your home tests remain negative, it is essential to seek medical advice. A healthcare provider can perform a more sensitive blood test and provide further evaluation to rule out any underlying conditions that may be affecting your menstrual cycle or hormone levels.

In summary, while a negative pregnancy test shortly after intercourse may suggest that you are not pregnant, it is not definitive. If you have concerns or symptoms that persist, it is always best to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and support.

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