My period is 9 days late, but the pregnancy test strip shows only one line. Should I still go for a blood test?

Generally speaking, if a woman has a 9-day delayed menstruation and the pregnancy test strip shows only one line, she may or may not need to have a blood test, depending on the specific circumstances. The details are as follows:

1. Yes, a blood test may be needed

If a woman has had regular sexual intercourse without contraception, a 9-day delay in menstruation with a single line on the test strip could be due to early pregnancy, when hormone levels are still too low for the test strip to detect. In this case, it may be necessary to visit a hospital for a blood test to confirm whether she is pregnant.

2. No, a blood test may not be needed

If a woman normally has irregular menstrual cycles, or has recently experienced irregular sleep patterns, high stress levels, or other lifestyle changes, these factors could also cause a 9-day delay in menstruation. In such cases, a single line on the test strip may indicate that she is not pregnant. Under a doctor's guidance, she may take medications such as progesterone capsules or dydrogesterone tablets to regulate her cycle.

It is recommended that women maintain a regular sleep schedule and avoid staying up late. They should eat a light diet and avoid spicy or irritating foods. If any discomfort occurs, they should seek medical attention promptly.