How soon after sex can I find out if I am pregnant?
One of the most common questions we hear asked at CPC is: How soon after sex can I find out if I am pregnant?
This answer truly depends on your body, the type of test you use, and how early your body produces the pregnancy hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin). Some women may get an accurate result as early as 10 days after unprotect sex. Most tests are the most reliable when taken after your missed period.
In this article, we’ll cover
- How soon pregnancy can be detected
- How pregnancy tests work
- Explain the differences between urine and blood tests
- What to do if you get a negative result
- When to confirm with an ultrasound
How soon after sex can I take a pregnancy test?
For many women, a pregnancy test may show a positive result in about 10 days after sexual intercourse or roughly 5 days before a missed period. The accuracy increases however the longer you wait.
- Early testing (10 days after sex): Some over-the-counter pregnancy tests are sensitive enough to detect early hCG levels, but not all women will have a positive test this early.
- After your missed period (14 days after sex): Most women will get the most reliable results at this time.
According to the Mayo Clinic, home pregnancy tests can accurately detect pregnancy about two weeks after ovulation.
How soon do pregnancy tests work?
Pregnancy tests measure levels of hCG, a hormone your body produces once a fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining.
- hCG is made in the placenta shortly after conception.
- Levels of hCG double every 48-72 hours in early pregnancy.
- This hormone can be detected in the urine (home pregnancy test) or blood (at a clinic or doctor’s office).
The American Pregnancy Association (APA) explains that hCG levels vary from woman to woman, which is why some get early positive results and others must wait until later. (APA, 2024).
What if I get a negative test result?
We know getting a negative test can be frustrating, especially if you feel pregnancy symptoms. A few things to keep in mind:
- Testing too soon: If you test before your missed period, the result may not be reliable.
- Wait to retest: Wait until the first day of your missed period, then test again.
- Maybe you’re not pregnant: Stress levels, hormone fluctuations, and lifestyle changes can cause irregular periods.
Urine vs Blood Pregnancy test
Urine tests (at-home or at CPC):
- About 99% accurate when used correctly.
- Widely available and affordable
- Best used with first-morning urine for highest hCG concentration
- CPC offers no-cost medical-grade pregnancy testing
Blood tests (at a doctor’s office):
- Not a service CPC provides
- Can often detect hCG earlier than urine tests
- Gives you the exact amount of hCH in your blood
- Blood tests are often repeated to ensure hCG levels are rising
The most certain way to confirm a pregnancy:
Even with a positive test, the only way to truly confirm a pregnancy and location (inside uterus) is through an ultrasound.
- Why is an ultrasound important: An ultrasound rules out the possibility of an ectopic pregnancy (outside the uterus) which a urine pregnancy test cannot.
- When it’s done: usually around 6-8 weeks after your last period.
- Where to go: we offer no-cost limited first trimester ultrasounds.
FAQs about pregnancy tests
How much fluid should I drink before a test?
- We recommend three – 8 oz glasses of water.
- Avoid drinking too much water before testing—it can dilute your urine.
- Morning urine is most concentrated and ideal for accurate results.
Do I need to buy an expensive brand or does a cheap test work too?
No matter the cost, all FDA – approved pregnancy tests meet the same accuracy standards.
What brand of pregnancy test is best?
All brands available in Alaska are similar in quality.
What's happing in my body before the test turns positive?
After conception, the fertilized egg implants in the uterine lining, and hCG begins to rise. This process can take between 6 to 12 days, which explains why early tests may not detect pregnancy right away.
So, how soon after sex can you find out if you’re pregnant? For some, as early as 10 days—but for the most reliable results, it’s best to test after your missed period. If you’re unsure or want absolute confirmation, an ultrasound is the most definitive step.
At CPC, we provide no-cost pregnancy testing and limited ultrasounds. Schedule an appointment today to get answers with confidence.