Should You Continue Pregnancy Testing After a Negative Result?

Pregnancy test timing

Menstruation occurred from September 9 to September 13.
Intercourse took place on September 18, and ovulation was from September 23 to 24.
A pregnancy test taken on September 25 was negative.
Should I continue testing for pregnancy? (I am considering whether to test again 7 or 14 days after ovulation.)

Nìmíng nǚ, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/09/25

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, a pregnancy test is accurate 12 days after sexual intercourse.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2020/09/25

More Info

When it comes to pregnancy testing, understanding the timing and the context of your menstrual cycle is crucial. Based on the timeline you've provided, you had your last menstrual period from September 9 to September 13, engaged in sexual intercourse on September 18, and ovulated around September 23-24. You then took a pregnancy test on September 25, which returned a negative result.

In general, if you are trying to conceive, it is advisable to wait until at least the first day of your expected period to take a pregnancy test for the most accurate result. This is because pregnancy tests measure the hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), which typically becomes detectable in urine about 10 days after conception. Since you ovulated around September 23-24, testing on September 25 may have been too early for accurate detection, especially if implantation has not yet occurred.

Given your situation, it would be reasonable to wait a few more days before testing again. Many healthcare providers recommend testing about 14 days after ovulation for the most reliable results. Therefore, if you ovulated on September 23-24, testing again around October 7 would be advisable. This timing allows for the hormone levels to rise sufficiently if you are indeed pregnant.

If you continue to experience symptoms such as a missed period, breast tenderness, or other early signs of pregnancy, these could also guide your decision on when to test again. However, if you experience any unusual symptoms, such as severe cramping or heavy bleeding, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider immediately.

In summary, while a negative pregnancy test can be disheartening, it is often too early to conclude that you are not pregnant, especially if you tested shortly after ovulation. Waiting a week or so and then retesting would provide a clearer picture of your pregnancy status. If you have any concerns or if your menstrual cycle remains irregular, seeking advice from a healthcare professional would be beneficial to rule out any underlying issues.

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