How soon after intercourse can you take a pregnancy test?

How soon a pregnancy test can be taken after intercourse mainly depends on the chosen testing method and its sensitivity. 1. Blood hCG test: This is the earliest and more accurate method. Generally, 7 to 10 days after intercourse, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels in the blood can be tested to determine pregnancy. This method offers high sensitivity and accurate results. 2. Urine hCG test: Including urine pregnancy tests, early pregnancy test strips, and pregnancy test sticks. These methods generally require about two weeks, or around 14 days, after intercourse for a more accurate determination of pregnancy. Because hCG levels in urine are relatively lower than those in blood, it takes a longer time for them to reach detectable levels. 3. Ultrasound examination: Usually around five weeks after the last menstrual period, or 3 to 4 weeks after intercourse, a gestational sac can be observed via ultrasound to confirm pregnancy. This method not only confirms pregnancy but also allows observation of the location and condition of the gestational sac.