How Soon After Sex Can You Take a Pregnancy Test?

Updated: April 2024

You’re worried. You had unprotected sex and the possibility that you may be pregnant consumes your thoughts. You want to take a pregnancy test immediately, but can you be sure the results will be 100 percent accurate? Maybe you should wait?

If you’re wondering if you’re pregnant, you need an answer. Immediately. However, that’s not necessarily possible if you want the most reliable results. How soon can you take a pregnancy test after sex? 

“Many women panic when they realize they’ve missed a birth control pill or they’ve missed a period,” said Dr. Hardison. “We want you to know that we can help guide you through this process in a way that ensures you’re getting the most accurate results.”

How Long After Sex Can You Have a Pregnancy Test?

Timing is everything when it comes to getting accurate pregnancy test results. Use this simple flowchart to determine the best time to take a pregnancy test:

You may be thinking, “Why should I wait when I want results now?”

You may not realize that conception doesn’t necessarily begin immediately after you’ve had sex.

In fact, it can take up to 5 days for the sperm to fertilize your egg. Even after that, it takes several days for the egg to travel to your  uterus, where it plants itself into the uterine lining. From the time you have sex until you are pregnant can take two to three weeks.

That’s why your home pregnancy tests won’t be accurate if you take the test before your missed period. 

How Do I Know If My Home Pregnancy Test Is Accurate?

First, if you test positive on a home pregnancy test, it’s important that you schedule an appointment with us to confirm the pregnancy. From there, we can start prenatal care to help ensure you and your baby have the healthiest start possible. 

While most home pregnancy tests are fairly accurate, before using one, you need to ask yourself:

• Did I only just recently miss a period?
• Am I taking fertility drugs?

If you answered “yes,” these things could affect the outcome, and it’s best to speak with us so we can help you determine your next steps to get reliable results. If you are pregnant, it’s important to begin your prenatal care right away.

Is It Possible for My Test to Be a False Negative?

You can get a false-negative from a home pregnancy test. This means that you are pregnant but the test said that you’re not. 

False-negatives can occur when:

• You take the test too early
• You check the test results too soon – it’s important to follow the package directions carefully. 
• You use diluted urine – it’s best to use first morning urine because it’s the most concentrated.

If you get a negative result and your period still hasn’t started, repeat the test. Even better, contact us for an appointment.  

Is It Possible for My Test to Be a False Positive?

It’s possible, but this is actually quite rare. If you have any concerns about the accuracy of your tests, we encourage you to schedule an appointment. 

Next, we’ll take a closer look at the accuracy of these home pregnancy tests.

How Accurate Are Home Pregnancy Tests?

Perhaps you’ve seen one of the telltale “lines” on your home pregnancy test, but you’re still a bit doubtful. After all, how accurate are home pregnancy tests anyway? Should you confirm the results with a doctor? And if so, when?

“We understand that often, home pregnancy tests can present many questions as well as answers,” said Dr. Hardison. “The most important aspect of any pregnancy test is to confirm the results with us so that, if you are pregnant, we can  immediately begin your care, whether that be obstetric care or other supportive measures. We want to best address your needs right from the start.”

Actually, home pregnancy tests are pretty accurate. However, there are some caveats. Some aren’t able to accurately diagnose pregnancy when you’ve only recently missed a period. This can result in a false negative. 

If your test tells you that you’re not pregnant, but you have a feeling that you are, repeat the test a week later. 

Pregnancy tests may not be accurate if you’re on fertility drugs or certain medications.

If you’re showing signs of pregnancy, you should schedule an appointment with us so we can confirm the results. Then we can outline your plan of care. 

When You Take a Home Pregnancy Test Makes a Big Difference

The most accurate results—regardless of what the home pregnancy test claims—will be if you wait until the day after your first missed period. The reason behind this logic lies within how the fertilized egg produces hormones.

When the fertilized egg implants into your uterine lining, the placenta begins to form. The placenta produces a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG). This is what home pregnancy tests detect to determine if you’re pregnant. 

HCG increases rapidly when you first get pregnant. In fact, it can double every two days. Therefore, if you take the pregnancy test too early, you may not get reliable results. 

If you have an irregular period, this can also affect when you will get the most accurate results. 

There are a few other things that can affect the results. For example, some women check the test results too soon – give the test enough time to process, typically four minutes. Make sure you follow all the instructions on the package. You should also take your test when your urine is most concentrated, which is typically the first thing in the morning. 

Why We Want to See You After Your Home Pregnancy Test

First, we want to ensure that you are, in fact, pregnant, and you didn’t receive a false positive from the test. 

Second, we want to start you on a course of care. This can include establishing your due date, determining when to get an ultrasound, reviewing medications, and addressing any questions or  worries you may have. We’ll also discuss what to expect during your next visits. 

For your convenience, we’ve compiled a complete guide to your appointments for you to help you be an active partner in your healthcare.  

In addition, we want to be sure you have access to the information you need. 

Not Sure If You’re Pregnant? Let Us Provide the Quality Care You Deserve

It can be confusing. We know that you want answers quickly, and it’s often difficult to wait. When you’re stressed, it’s also easy to overlook something in the detailed instructions that come with home pregnancy tests.

But we want to be sure you get the most accurate results possible. That’s why our team of OBGYNs in Chapel Hill and Durham work with you as partners in your care to ensure you have reliable results you can count on. 

If you are pregnant, we recommend our Centering Pregnancy program that will provide more quality time with your provider and introduce you to a support system of others who have similar due dates to you so you can take this journey together. 

See Why Chapel Hill OBGYN Was Voted the Best in the Triangle

We didn’t go into medicine to seek awards. 

We just believe that you deserve the highest level of quality care. You deserve a health care team that will listen and help you live the healthiest life possible. 

That’s the heart of our purpose. 

We’re thrilled to be the recipient of multiple INDY “best of” awards.  We were selected: