How soon can a pregnancy test detect pregnancy?
In the past few months, I have been preparing for pregnancy. I tried several times during my ovulation period last week. Two days ago, I used a pregnancy test stick, but it came back negative. I would like to know how soon after conception a pregnancy can be detected using a pregnancy test stick.
Doctor's answer (1)
Women can use a home pregnancy test about a week after the expected start of their menstrual cycle, which is generally around 14 days after fertilization.
After the fertilized egg implants into the uterine lining, the body begins producing human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone produced only during pregnancy. Most home pregnancy tests determine pregnancy by measuring the level of hCG in urine.
In general, approximately two weeks from the first day of the last menstrual period, if pregnancy has occurred, hCG levels in the body may be high enough to be detected by a pregnancy test. However, to ensure accuracy, it is recommended to perform the test about a week after a missed period—that is, when the next menstrual period is expected but has not arrived.
If the pregnancy test shows a positive result, indicating pregnancy, it is important to schedule an appointment with an obstetrician-gynecologist as soon as possible for confirmation and subsequent prenatal care. If the test shows a negative result but pregnancy is still suspected, a blood hCG test at a hospital can provide a more accurate assessment.
