Can You Be Pregnant with a Faint Line on a Home Test?

If a home pregnancy test shows a faint second line but a clinic urine test does not, is there a possibility of being pregnant?

Hello Doctor: I got my period on September 10.
On September 12 (the third day of my period), I visited a gynecologist and started taking ovulation medication, followed by hormone medication until September 24.
On the morning of September 24 at 7 AM, I administered an ovulation trigger injection.
I had intercourse on the evenings of September 25 and 26, and then continued taking progesterone for 14 days (three times a day).
On October 8, I bought a home pregnancy test and saw a faint second line.
When I tested again on October 10, there was initially no line, but after a long time, a faint second line appeared.
I was worried, and since it had been 14 days, I went to see a gynecologist.
The doctor only performed a urine test (the doctor said there was a faint line, but I "only saw one line no matter how I looked").
After the test, the doctor advised me to continue taking progesterone for three more days and to rest more.

On the morning of October 13, I noticed brownish discharge resembling menstrual blood after using the restroom.
At 11 AM, I went to see another gynecologist.
Initially, upon hearing that I had a faint second line on my home pregnancy test, the doctor said I was pregnant.
However, after an abdominal ultrasound, they did not find a gestational sac and mentioned that my uterine lining was quite thin.
They then asked me to take a urine test, which resulted in no second line, indicating that I was not pregnant.
The doctor explained that there might have been fertilization, but it likely did not progress, and that home pregnancy tests can be more sensitive, possibly showing a false positive if left for too long.
The doctor advised me to stop taking progesterone and to wait for my period to arrive.
From October 13 to 14, I continued to have brownish discharge (strangely, the pad was clean, with no red blood, just a small area of dark mucus on it; on the night of October 13 to the morning of October 14, the pad was even clean).
My periods have never been regular; they have often been late, sometimes occurring twice in a month, which is why I sought medical advice to help me conceive.
On October 13, before my appointment, my breasts were extremely painful, and I had acne on my face, leading me to believe I was really pregnant.
After the injection on October 13, I occasionally felt cramping in my lower abdomen, and the menstrual flow was almost nonexistent, with the discharge resembling brown blood.
My urine contained a lot of blood particles.
P.S.
During my pre-marital health check, I was found to have a slight case of polycystic ovary syndrome, but when I consulted with doctors at a large hospital, they all said the same thing: to see a doctor when I want to conceive.

I have a few questions:
1.
Is it possible to have a negative urine test but still be pregnant? Could it be that by October 14, I still wouldn't be able to detect it?
2.
Is this situation normal? Am I experiencing a miscarriage or just my period? Is brown discharge normal for menstruation?
3.
The doctors I consulted did not mention anything about polycystic ovary syndrome; should I bring this up with them?
Thank you for your help, as I am very anxious about trying to conceive.

Lai Xiaojie, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/10/14

Dr. Lü Lizheng reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

1.
Pregnancy tests can sometimes be less sensitive, and very early pregnancies may not be detected.
It is advisable to wait a few days and test again when the embryo has developed further, which will yield clearer results with two distinct lines.
However, if there is no pregnancy, only one line will appear.
2.
If there is a confirmed diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the risk of miscarriage may increase.
It is recommended to address the issues related to PCOS before attempting to conceive for a smoother pregnancy experience.
3.
Since the sexual intercourse occurred on October 14, it has been 19 days, and a pregnancy test should be able to detect pregnancy by now.
If the test continues to show negative results, it may indicate that there is no pregnancy, or it could be a case of very early miscarriage that is not detectable yet.
4.
Some large hospitals offer blood tests to check for chorionic gonadotropin levels, with results available the same day or the next day.
This can provide a quicker confirmation of pregnancy.
It is advisable to call the hospital to inquire if they provide this service.

Sincerely,
Lu Li-Zheng, Taoyuan Hospital

Reply Date: 2015/10/14

More Info

It sounds like you are going through a challenging and emotionally taxing time while trying to conceive. Based on the information you've provided, let's address your questions and concerns regarding the faint line on your home pregnancy test, the possibility of pregnancy, and the symptoms you are experiencing.

1. Can You Be Pregnant with a Faint Line on a Home Test?
Yes, it is possible to be pregnant even if the line on a home pregnancy test is faint. Home pregnancy tests work by detecting the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in your urine, which is produced shortly after a fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining. If you tested early, it’s possible that your hCG levels are still low, resulting in a faint line. It is generally recommended to wait at least a week after a missed period to take a home pregnancy test for more accurate results. Since you mentioned that you tested on October 8 and again on October 10, it might have been too early to detect a strong positive, especially if implantation occurred later than expected.

2. Is It Possible to Not Detect Pregnancy on a Urine Test?
Yes, it is possible to have a situation where you are pregnant but the urine test does not show a positive result. This can happen if the test is taken too early, if the urine is diluted, or if the test is not sensitive enough. Additionally, if a miscarriage occurs shortly after implantation, hCG levels may not rise sufficiently to be detected by a home test. Given your symptoms of brown discharge and the absence of a strong positive test, it’s essential to monitor your situation closely.

3. Is the Brown Discharge Normal?
Brown discharge can be normal and is often associated with the tail end of a menstrual period or implantation bleeding. However, since you are experiencing this alongside other symptoms, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare provider. The presence of brown discharge, especially if it is accompanied by pain or other unusual symptoms, should be evaluated to rule out any complications.

4. Do You Need to Mention Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) to Your Doctor?
Yes, it is important to discuss your history of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) with your healthcare provider, especially since it can affect your menstrual cycle and fertility. PCOS can lead to irregular ovulation, which may complicate your attempts to conceive. Your doctor may want to consider this in your treatment plan and may suggest specific interventions or monitoring to help improve your chances of conception.

In conclusion, while faint lines on pregnancy tests can indicate early pregnancy, they are not definitive. Given your symptoms and the complexity of your menstrual cycle, it would be wise to follow up with your healthcare provider for further evaluation. They may recommend blood tests to measure hCG levels, which can provide a clearer picture of your pregnancy status. Additionally, discussing your PCOS diagnosis and any concerns you have about your menstrual irregularities will help your doctor tailor a plan that best supports your journey to conception. Remember, trying to conceive can be a rollercoaster of emotions, and seeking support from healthcare professionals can make a significant difference.

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