Pregnancy Chances and Home Pregnancy Test Accuracy

Probability of Pregnancy

On November 25, sexual intercourse occurred (with a condom used and checked, but ejaculation was inside the condom).
The last menstrual period started on November 9, with a cycle length of 32 days, lasting for 7 days.
On the evening of December 16, a pregnancy test was taken, and after waiting for three to five minutes, only one line appeared (but chicken soup was consumed beforehand).
I would like to ask: 1.
What is the likelihood of pregnancy in this situation? 2.
Is the pregnancy test result accurate? 3.
Does consuming chicken soup before the pregnancy test affect the results?

1234, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/12/20

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, the failure rate of using condoms for contraception is over 5%, which is less reliable compared to other methods.
It is recommended to check for pregnancy if your menstrual period is more than a week late.
Thank you! Wishing you peace and health.
Dr.
Zhang

Reply Date: 2023/12/20

More Info

When it comes to understanding pregnancy chances and the accuracy of home pregnancy tests, several factors come into play. Based on your timeline, let's break down your concerns and provide clarity.

1. Pregnancy Chances: Given that you had sexual intercourse on November 25 and your last menstrual period started on November 9, we can estimate your ovulation window. With a typical menstrual cycle of 32 days, ovulation likely occurred around November 24 to November 26. Since you had intercourse on November 25, there is a reasonable chance of conception occurring, especially if the condom was intact and there was no spillage. However, no contraceptive method is 100% effective, and the chances of pregnancy can vary based on individual factors such as sperm viability and timing of ovulation.

2. Home Pregnancy Test Accuracy: Home pregnancy tests (HPTs) are designed to detect the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which is produced shortly after a fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining. Most tests are accurate when taken after a missed period, which would be around December 16 in your case. If you tested on December 16 and received a negative result, it could be due to several reasons:
- Testing too early: If implantation occurred later than expected, hCG levels might not be high enough to detect.

- Dilution of urine: If you tested with diluted urine (for example, after drinking a lot of fluids), it might affect the test's accuracy.

3. Impact of Drinking Chicken Soup on Test Results: Drinking chicken soup or any other fluid before taking a pregnancy test can potentially dilute your urine. If you consumed a significant amount of liquid shortly before testing, it could lower the concentration of hCG in your urine, leading to a false negative result. It is generally recommended to take a pregnancy test with the first morning urine, as it is usually more concentrated and provides a more accurate reading.

Recommendations:
- Retest: If your period does not arrive, consider retesting a few days later. If you test again and still receive a negative result but your period is late, it may be wise to consult a healthcare provider for further evaluation.

- Consult a Healthcare Provider: If you have concerns about your menstrual cycle, potential pregnancy, or the accuracy of your tests, a healthcare provider can offer more personalized advice and possibly perform a blood test, which is more sensitive than home tests.

Conclusion:
In summary, there is a possibility of pregnancy based on your timing, but the accuracy of your home pregnancy test could be influenced by various factors, including the timing of the test and fluid intake before testing. If you remain uncertain, following up with a healthcare professional is the best course of action to ensure your health and peace of mind.

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