When people are sexually active without any protection like condoms or birth control, we call it unprotected sex. Both married and unmarried who are not using any protection are involved in unprotected sex.
Though sexual activity without protection can result in closeness and joy, it also has risks. The risks include Sexually transmitted diseases, STDs, or maybe unwanted pregnancies. If you wonder, “How long after unprotected sex can I test for pregnancy? Then wait for at least one to two weeks to get accurate results.
Thus before having unprotected sex, you must know about the alternatives and the measures to protect yourself afterward. In this article, I will answer all your frequently asked questions: How long should I wait before taking a pregnancy test? Are pregnancy tests accurate? So let’s dig in:
How soon after unprotected can I test for pregnancy?
Here is the detailed answer to “How soon after unprotected can I test for pregnancy?”
Before missing period
The earlier you take a pregnancy test, the less accurate it can be. Taking a pregnancy test before missing periods or less than a week after pregnancy can result in a false pregnancy test.
Some women take tests soon after having unprotected sex that result in no pregnancy sign. They take the spotting and implantation bleeding in the first trimester as their regular periods. It makes them sure that they aren’t pregnant.
I know many women already in their second trimester without knowing they are pregnant. So it’s best to avoid taking tests within a few days.
After two weeks
Many women test following the two-week rule. It means that they take tests after two weeks of unprotected. Test after two weeks provide accurate results for women with a good and predictable 28-day cycle. It means it is best for women who ovulate once a month after regular intervals.
However, most women have an unpredictable cycle. It can be due to birth control pills, other antibiotics, or stress.
After missing period
The ideal time for taking a pregnancy test is when your period is supposed to start, and you realize it is late. If your results are inclusive or unreadable, retake the test the next day.
The ideal time is to take the test as soon as you wake up, as the hCG hormones are more concentrated and higher in the morning. If the test shows negative, but you are sure about it, then take another test with a few days’ gaps. In early pregnancy, the hCG levels nearly double.
Blood pregnancy test
A pregnancy test with blood samples is more accurate and reliable than compared to pregnancy test home kit. You can take the blood pregnancy test as soon as six days after having unprotected intercourse.
However, the doctors recommend waiting at least a week before having the test. The blood tests evaluate the hCG hormone levels. This hormone is only released when a fertilized egg is implanted in the uterus.
How soon can a blood test detect pregnancy?
Blood tests are more sensitive as compared to home pregnancy test kits. Blood tests can detect a low level of hCG hormone levels and confirm the pregnancy after 7 to 10 days of conception.
You must see a doctor to get a blood test; the results will take longer due to lab processing. Doctors recommend the blood test once you get a positive outcome from the home test kit.
Is the home pregnancy test kit accurate?
Home pregnancy test results are accurate, but you can have difficulty confirming if you test too early. Besides fertility, medications or other drugs can also affect the results.
The home test kits are 97 to 99% accurate if you use them precisely. Besides, there are rare cases with false positive pregnancy results, so if your kit has a faint line, you are pregnant, so retake the test after a few days.
If you are pregnant, don’t forget to start with parental care immediately.
Other pregnancy signs
Many other signs confirm the pregnancy along with the test. Tiredness, Nausea, vomiting, breast soreness, and craving for weird flavors are all signs that confirm pregnancy. But still, it’s crucial to prove it with a test.
How to make sure the results are more accurate?
Here are a few things that experts recommend you do for more accurate results:
- According to the experts, the hCG is concentrated in the urine in the morning, so it’s best to take the result early in the morning.
- Read results at the right time and follow the instructions of the package. Check the results earlier or later than the recommended time can give incorrect results.
- Double-check the expiry date of the pregnancy test kit. After the expiration, the pregnancy test’s antibody coating starts evaporating, affecting its effectiveness.
- After the manufacturing date, the home pregnancy test usually last about one to three years of manufacturing.
- Avoid drinking lots of water or other drinks before taking the test. When your urine is diluted, your home pregnancy test kit may not be able to detect the hCG levels properly.
- Store the test correctly, especially between 36 to 86 degrees F. It will slow the expiration process.
FAQ’s
How early a pregnancy test can be positive?
In most cases, you can get a positive test result as early as 10 days after conceiving. But the experts recommend waiting until you miss your periods for more accurate results. Remember that taking a test early can result in negative results even though you are pregnant.
Can we detect pregnancy in 3 days?
You can take a pregnancy test even after the first day you have missed your period. If you are not sure of your period’s date experts recommend taking a pregnancy test after 20 days of unprotected intercourse. Some sensitive pregnancy tests can even detect the pregnancy before you missed your period.
How long does it take for hCG to show up in urine?
The hCG hormone shows up as soon as the embryo attaches to the wall of the uterus. If you are pregnant the level of these hormones starts increasing. In a 28-day of menstrual cycle, you can detect the hCG in the urine 12 to 15 days after ovulation.
Conclusion
Of course like any other woman you want to know as soon as you get pregnant. But to get the most accurate results experts recommend waiting two weeks before having a pregnancy test. If you are concerned or confused regarding your results then talk to a doctor to take the blood test. As it is more accurate and reliable.
