Can You Still Be Pregnant After Negative Test Results?

The test results indicate no pregnancy (menstruation is approaching). Is there still a possibility of pregnancy?

Hello Doctor: On April 1st, I underwent a transvaginal ultrasound and a urine test, and the results indicated that I am not pregnant.
During the transvaginal ultrasound, the doctor mentioned that my menstrual period would likely arrive in about a week.
At that time, I had brown discharge.
My most recent sexual encounter was on March 28th (withdrawal method without a condom).
Is there a possibility that I could be pregnant?

Ms. Zheng, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/04/06

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, a typical pregnancy test should be taken 12 days after sexual intercourse to yield accurate results.
If you are wondering whether you are pregnant, it is advisable to wait, as the chances may be low.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2021/04/06

More Info

It is understandable to feel anxious and confused when faced with negative pregnancy test results, especially when you suspect you might be pregnant. The question of whether one can still be pregnant after receiving negative test results is a common concern among many women.
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 is roughly around the time of a missed period. However, the sensitivity of these tests can vary, and testing too early can lead to false negatives.

In your case, you mentioned that you had a vaginal ultrasound and urine test on April 1, which indicated that you were not pregnant. Given that the last sexual intercourse was on March 28, it is possible that you were testing too early, especially if ovulation occurred later than expected. If conception did take place, it may not have been enough time for hCG levels to rise to a detectable level in your urine.

Additionally, the presence of brown discharge can be concerning but is not always indicative of pregnancy. Brown discharge can occur for various reasons, including hormonal fluctuations, implantation bleeding (if conception occurred), or even the onset of menstruation. If your menstrual cycle is irregular, it can further complicate the situation.

If you continue to experience symptoms of pregnancy, such as nausea, breast tenderness, or fatigue, it may be worthwhile to wait a few days and retest with a home pregnancy test or consult with your healthcare provider for further evaluation. A blood test can also be performed, which is more sensitive than urine tests and can detect lower levels of hCG.

In summary, while it is possible to experience negative test results and still be pregnant, the likelihood decreases significantly if both a urine test and a vaginal ultrasound have confirmed the absence of pregnancy. If you have any lingering doubts or if your symptoms persist, seeking further medical advice is always a prudent course of action. Your healthcare provider can offer additional testing or monitoring to ensure your health and peace of mind.

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