Well, there’s no need to beat around the bush because we all know what went down between you and your partner the other night, and now you’re asking this question just for confirmation. If you are confused about how soon you should test for pregnancy after unprotected sex, then just keep reading.
According to consultants and experts, you should take the home pregnancy test 9 to 14 days after unprotected sex for a more accurate result, preferably first thing in the morning.
This is because the time between having sex and the actual start of a pregnancy varies from one to two weeks.
It can take up to 6 days after sex for the sperm and egg to unite, after which they must develop into a fertilized egg.
It then takes several more days for the fertilized egg to grow, travel to the uterus, and implant itself into the lining of the uterus to initiate a pregnancy.
However, to me, the best time to take the test is the day your period is supposed to start or after you realize your period is late.
If you wish to avoid getting pregnant after having unprotected vaginal sex, you can use emergency contraception within 5 days of the unprotected sex; anything more than that is late.
Human chorionic gonadotropin, or hCG, is the hormone that people with female reproductive systems produce after conception and implantation.
The hormone can only be detected by pregnancy tests if your body produces enough of it within 14 days of unprotected sex.
What can affect pregnancy tests?
Home pregnancy tests are usually 97% accurate if you use them the right way.
But sometimes it’s possible to get a false negative or positive. The most common reasons for inaccurate results are:
- Testing too early: If you take a pregnancy test less than 9 days or before your body produces enough hCG, you get a false result.
- Not following the test instructions: This is not waiting for the exact time before checking the result.
- Using an expired or damaged test
- If your urine is diluted: avoid drinking too much water or fluid before taking the test. It can dilute the urine and result in a false negative. (take it first thing in the morning if possible.)
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Signs of Early Pregnancy
Most people may begin to experience these signs as early as 7 days after unprotected sex.
- A missed period
- Mood swings
- Nausea and vomiting
- Light spotting
- Fatigue
- Waist or back pain
- Swollen or tender breasts
- Bloating
- Darkened nipples
- Morning sickness
- Frequent urination
Final note on: How soon after unprotected can i test for pregnancy
I know what it feels like to have recently had unprotected sex or failed contraceptives and then have to wait around for a pregnancy test.
It can be frustrating, especially if you are eager to find out if you’re pregnant or not.
Well, taking a pregnancy test at home should be your first step before worrying or making plans.
Some women mistakenly believe they are not pregnant after taking a test too soon.
This can be particularly confusing if they experience bleeding or spots during the first trimester, leading them to believe they have had their period.
Testing before you miss your period or less than two weeks after sex can result in a false negative. The earlier you test, the less accurate it will be.
If you find out you are pregnant and you don’t want the baby, then you should opt for an abortion.
Medication abortion is available up to 11 weeks of pregnancy.
If you are still experiencing signs of pregnancy after a first or second negative test result and your period hasn’t returned, you may want to schedule an appointment with your doctor.
Remember, a home pregnancy test is an indicator of pregnancy, not a confirmation.
There are things other than pregnancy that can delay a period and that’s why you need an ultrasound to verify.
