When do i test for pregnancy after intercourse

After a sperm fertilizes an egg, the egg begins dividing rapidly. It travels down the fallopian tube and into the uterus, where it must implant in the wall of the uterus.

In natural cycles , those that do not involve reproductive technology, about half of all fertilized eggs do not implant. In these cases, fertilization does not lead to pregnancy. The body begins producing more of a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin HCG after a fertilized egg implants in the lining of the uterus.

This typically happens 6—12 days after ovulation. Implantation cannot happen immediately after fertilization because it takes time for the fertilized egg to reach the uterus. Older research , from , suggests that the later a fertilized egg implants, the more likely early pregnancy loss becomes. Pregnancy tests check levels of the hormone HCG. They cannot produce a positive result until two things have happened:. This means that most people cannot have a positive pregnancy test result until at least 10 days after ovulation.

For some, a positive result is only possible on the day of their anticipated period or a bit later. More sensitive tests are more likely to give early false-negative results.

If a person takes the test again a few days later, HCG levels may have risen high enough for a positive result. Learn more about how and when to take a pregnancy test here. Some people experience no changes early in pregnancy, while others notice differences right away. A person may experience the following early changes :. It is worth keeping in mind, however, these are also common experiences in people who are not pregnant.

The most accurate way to check for pregnancy is to take a pregnancy test. Learn more about early signs of pregnancy here. Folk myths about ways to improve the odds of pregnancy abound. Some say that taking certain remedies or lying down after sex increases the chances of getting pregnant. No scientific evidence supports these or similar claims. A systematic review and meta-analysis assessed whether lying down after intrauterine insemination IUI increased the likelihood of getting pregnant.

We see women already in their second trimester before they notice more obvious pregnancy symptoms. They are often shocked to find out how far along they are. This means waiting to take a test until two weeks after unprotected sex. It can provide accurate results for women who are on a predictable day cycle and who ovulating once and at a regular interval. Even stress can cause interruptions. The best time to take a pregnancy test is the day your period is supposed to start or after you realize your period is late.

If your results are still unreadable or inconclusive, retake one the next day. For more accurate results, take a test when you first wake up. The hCG hormone is higher and more concentrated in the morning. If the test is negative, but you still think you may be pregnant, wait a few more days and test again. HCG nearly doubles about every two days in early pregnancy. Taking a pregnancy test is the first step.

However, a negative test result is less reliable. If you get a negative result and still think you're pregnant, wait a few days and try again. Speak to your GP if you get a negative result after a second test but your period has not arrived.

If you're pregnant and want to continue with the pregnancy, contact your GP or a midwife to start your antenatal care. You can use the pregnancy due date calculator to work out when your baby is due. If you're not sure about continuing with the pregnancy, you can discuss this confidentially with a healthcare professional.

Your options are:. As well as a GP or a nurse at your GP surgery, you can also get accurate, confidential information — from the age of 13 — from the following:. All these services — including community contraceptive clinics — are confidential. If you're 13 or older, the staff won't tell your parents. They'll encourage you to talk to your parents, but they won't force you. If you're under 25 and would prefer advice specifically for young people, the sexual health charity Brook provides a range of services for young people.

The Brook website contains information on pregnancy choices. Take our survey. Page last reviewed: 1 October Next review due: 1 October