Pregnancy Testing: When to Retest After a Negative Result

Is it possible to become pregnant?

Hello, doctor.
My last menstrual period was from April 16 to April 20.
I have had unprotected sexual intercourse continuously, and there was ejaculation inside on April 21.
My menstrual cycles in March and April were regular.
On May 18, I took a pregnancy test in the morning and got one strong line and one faint line.
However, I had an ultrasound that day, and nothing was found, and the obstetrician-gynecologist confirmed that the pregnancy test was negative.
Should I wait another week to retest for pregnancy, or does the negative test result and the ultrasound indicating nothing mean that I am not pregnant?

Miss Huang, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/05/19

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, it is recommended to wait for another week.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2020/05/19

More Info

When it comes to understanding pregnancy testing and determining when to retest after a negative result, it’s essential to consider several factors, including the timing of ovulation, the sensitivity of the pregnancy test, and the potential for early pregnancy detection.

In your case, you mentioned that your last menstrual period was from April 16 to April 20, and you had unprotected sexual intercourse shortly after, particularly on April 21. Given that your menstrual cycles have been regular, it’s reasonable to assume that ovulation likely occurred around the middle of your cycle, which would be approximately 14 days after the start of your last period. This means that ovulation may have occurred around April 30, making it possible for implantation to take place shortly thereafter.

You took a pregnancy test on May 18, which showed one dark line and one faint line. This could indicate a very early pregnancy, as the faint line suggests that the level of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) in your urine may still be low. However, you also mentioned that an ultrasound did not reveal any signs of pregnancy, and a subsequent pregnancy test at the gynecologist's office returned a negative result.

The timing of your pregnancy test is crucial. Home pregnancy tests are most accurate when taken after a missed period, which typically occurs about 14 days after ovulation. If you tested too early, the levels of hCG may not have been high enough to detect. Additionally, the sensitivity of the pregnancy test can vary between brands, which may also affect the results.

Given that your ultrasound did not show any signs of pregnancy and the gynecologist's test was negative, it is reasonable to be cautious. However, if you suspect that you may still be pregnant, it is advisable to wait at least one week after your initial test before retesting. This waiting period allows for the hCG levels to rise if you are indeed pregnant, increasing the likelihood of an accurate result.

In summary, if you received a negative result and an ultrasound did not show any signs of pregnancy, it is likely that you are not pregnant. However, if you want to be thorough, waiting a week and then retesting can provide clarity. If you continue to experience symptoms of pregnancy or have concerns, it is always best to consult with your healthcare provider for further evaluation and guidance. They may recommend additional testing or monitoring to ensure that everything is progressing as it should.

Similar Q&A

Should I Retest for Pregnancy After a Negative Result?

Hello, doctor. I apologize for bothering you, but I have another question. I took a pregnancy test on Saturday morning, and it showed one line (the control line), indicating that I am not pregnant. However, it is now Sunday evening, and my period still hasn't arrived. Should...

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
On Saturday morning (May 5), I took a pregnancy test, and the result showed one line on the control line (C), indicating that I am not pregnant. However, it is now Sunday evening, and my period still hasn't arrived. Should I take another pregnancy test or continue to wait? A...

Should You Retest for Pregnancy After 13 Days of Negative Result?

Hello, doctor. If I took a pregnancy test 13 days after intercourse and it was negative, do I need to test again, or does that mean I am not pregnant?

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, it seems you are not pregnant. Let's observe for now. Wishing you good health.

Do I Need to Retest for Pregnancy After a Negative Result?

Hello doctor, I had sexual intercourse on August 9th, and my ovulation period was from August 10th to August 16th. We used a condom throughout and the male partner is sterilized. I took a pregnancy test 14 days after the intercourse, and it was negative. Should I test again?

Dr. Lin Xinwang reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello Ms. Chen: The chances of becoming pregnant under these circumstances are usually low. You can monitor whether your menstrual cycle returns to normal. If your period is due but has not arrived, you should take a pregnancy test again.

Should You Continue Pregnancy Tests After Negative Results?

Hello, Doctor: I had intercourse with my boyfriend on July 29 and again on August 18. I took a pregnancy test on August 22, which was negative. Should I continue to take pregnancy tests?

Dr. Huang Yiwen reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello Ms. Pearl: Theoretically, you should not be pregnant. If there is no sexual intercourse afterward, there is no need to test for pregnancy again. However, it ultimately depends on whether your period is late; if your period is overdue and has not arrived, then you should def...