When to Test for Pregnancy After a Missed Period?

May I ask the doctor?

You came on the 10th of last month, with an average cycle of 25 days and each period lasting about 7 days.
Today is the 10th, and your period has not arrived yet.
You have also taken tests in the last two days that were negative.
When should you test again, or should you go to the hospital for an examination?

Xiao Ru, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/10/10

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, please wait another week.
If it still doesn't arrive, I recommend seeing a gynecologist.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2020/10/10

More Info

When it comes to testing for pregnancy after a missed period, timing is crucial for obtaining accurate results. Based on your menstrual cycle, if your average cycle is 25 days and your last period started on the 10th of last month, you would expect your next period to arrive around the 4th of this month. Since today is the 10th and your period has not arrived, it is reasonable to suspect that you may be pregnant.

Home pregnancy tests work by detecting the presence of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone produced shortly after a fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining. This hormone typically becomes detectable in urine about a week after a missed period. Therefore, since your period is already a week late, you should ideally wait a few more days and then retest, especially if you are still experiencing symptoms of pregnancy or if your initial tests were negative.

If you have tested twice in the last two days and both tests were negative, it might be a good idea to wait a few more days before testing again. This is because the levels of hCG can vary significantly among individuals, and it may not have reached a detectable level in your urine yet. Testing too early can lead to false negatives, which can be frustrating.

If you continue to experience missed periods and negative home pregnancy tests, it would be wise to consult with a healthcare provider. They can perform a blood test, which is more sensitive than urine tests and can detect lower levels of hCG. Additionally, a healthcare provider can help rule out other potential causes for your missed period, such as hormonal imbalances, stress, or other medical conditions.

In summary, if your period is late and you have had negative home pregnancy tests, it is advisable to wait a few more days and then retest. If you still have not gotten your period and the tests remain negative, seek medical advice for further evaluation. This approach will help ensure that you receive accurate information regarding your reproductive health and any necessary next steps.

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