Can I Trust My Pregnancy Test Results After My Period? - Obstetrics and Gynecology

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Can I be assured that I am not pregnant?


Hello, doctor: I had sexual intercourse on September 28, and my period started the next day, lasting a total of 6 days.
However, for peace of mind, I took a morning urine pregnancy test on the morning of October 17, and the result was negative.
Is this pregnancy test accurate at this point? Can I be assured that I am not pregnant?

Ke An, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/10/21

Dr. Lü Lizheng reply Obstetrics and Gynecology


The pregnancy test is accurate at this time, so you can rest assured.
Sincerely, Dr.
Li-Cheng Lu, Taoyuan Hospital.

Reply Date: 2015/10/21

More Info


When it comes to trusting pregnancy test results after your period, there are several factors to consider. Based on your timeline, you had sexual intercourse on September 28 and then got your period the following day, lasting for six days. You took a pregnancy test on October 17, using your morning urine, and the result was negative.
First, it's 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 lining of the uterus. Typically, hCG levels can be detected in urine about 14 days after conception, which usually corresponds to the time of a missed period. Since you got your period the day after intercourse, it is highly unlikely that you conceived during that cycle.

Given that you had a regular menstrual period following the sexual encounter, this strongly suggests that you are not pregnant. The negative result from the pregnancy test on October 17 further supports this conclusion. Since you used morning urine, which is generally the most concentrated and provides the most accurate results, the test should be reliable.

However, there are a few considerations to keep in mind:
1. Timing of the Test: You took the test approximately 19 days after the sexual encounter. This is a sufficient amount of time for hCG to build up in your system if you were pregnant. A negative result at this point is a strong indicator that you are not pregnant.

2. Menstrual Cycle Irregularities: If you have a history of irregular periods, it may be worth monitoring your cycle closely. However, since you experienced a full menstrual cycle after the sexual encounter, this is a good sign that your body is functioning normally.

3. Test Sensitivity: Different pregnancy tests have varying sensitivities to hCG. Most over-the-counter tests are quite sensitive and can detect low levels of hCG. If you used a reputable brand, the results are likely accurate.

4. Psychological Factors: It's common to feel anxious about the possibility of pregnancy, especially after a sexual encounter. If you continue to feel uncertain or anxious, consider consulting with a healthcare provider for further reassurance.

5. Future Testing: If you experience any unusual symptoms or if your next period is significantly delayed, it may be worth taking another test or consulting with a healthcare professional for further evaluation.

In conclusion, based on the information provided, it is reasonable to trust the negative pregnancy test result you received on October 17. The combination of having a regular period following the sexual encounter and the negative test result strongly suggests that you are not pregnant. If you have any lingering concerns or if your menstrual cycle continues to be irregular, seeking advice from a healthcare provider can provide additional peace of mind.

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