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Most at-home pregnancy tests are reliable about 14 days after sex (or about the time of your missed period). But the exact timing depends on ovulation, implantation, and the sensitivity of the test.
In this article, we’ll break down the best times to take a pregnancy test and what the next steps are if your test comes back positive.
Worried about pregnancy? See if emergency contraception is still an option.
How soon after sex can you take a pregnancy test?
You cannot get an accurate result the day after sex. Pregnancy tests work by detecting hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), a hormone that only arises after implantation, which usually happens 6-12 days after ovulation. That’s why timing matters.
Can I take a pregnancy test 1 day after sex?
No. A pregnancy test cannot detect pregnancy the day after sex. Implantation hasn’t happened yet, so there is no hCG to measure.
Can I take a pregnancy test 1 week after sex?
Sometimes. About 7 to 10 days after sex, early-detection tests may show a positive result, but many pregnancies won’t be detectable yet. If your test is negative, retest in a few days.
Can I take a pregnancy test 2 weeks after sex?
Yes. Most at-home tests are accurate about 14 days after sex. At this point, enough hCG has usually built up to give a reliable result, especially if you’ve missed your period.
Can I take a pregnancy test 3 weeks after sex?Yes. Nearly all home pregnancy tests will be accurate at this point. If your test is still negative but your period hasn’t arrived, consider checking in with a health care provider.
How accurate are pregnancy tests by timing?
To help you better understand the best times to take a pregnancy test, take a look at this chart:
Need answers fast? Hey Jane can connect you with a provider about pregnancy testing and birth control. See if you’re eligible.
How does a pregnancy test work?
Pregnancy tests detect HCG, a hormone produced after implantation. The presence of hCG tells you if you’re pregnant. The rate at which it increases can give health care providers insight into pregnancy development.
Which hormones are tested?
Pregnancy tests look at hCG, which increases as the placenta produces it. It can be present at very low levels when you’re not pregnant.
How soon will a pregnancy test be positive?
At-home tests can detect pregnancy as early as two weeks after unprotected sex, or around the time of a missed period, when hCG levels are high enough to register.
What if you had unprotected sex and are worried now?
If you’ve had unprotected sex in the past few days and f it’s too soon to test, using emergency contraception (EC) is likely your best bet for preventing pregnancy.
Timing matters here, too:
- Plan B One-Step (levonorgestrel): Up to three days after sex.
- Ella (ulipristal acetate): Up to five days after sex (more effective than Plan B if you’re closer to ovulation).
- Copper IUD: Up to five days after sex, and the most effective form of EC.
Not sure which option is right for you? See if Hey Jane can help with EC in your state.
Birth control moving forward
After EC, you can start or resume regular contraception, depending on which method you took:
- Levonorgestrel: Start or resume any method immediately. Use backup for seven days if needed.
- Uilipristal (Ella): Wait five days before starting hormonal contraception. Use condoms or abstain until then.
- Copper IUD: Provides immediate ongoing contraception once placed.
What if my pregnancy test is negative but I still don’t get my period?
A negative test could mean:
- It’s too early—your hCG isn’t detectable yet.
- Your cycle is irregular due to stress, illness, or hormonal changes.
- You aren’t pregnant, but another health issue is delaying your period.
If your period is more than a week late, retest or check in with a health care provider.
FAQs
Can I take a pregnancy test before my missed period?
Yes. Some early-detection tests can detect pregnancy six to eight days after ovulation. But results are more reliable after your missed period.
How soon after unprotected sex can a blood test detect pregnancy?
Blood tests are more sensitive than urine tests. They may detect hCG as early as 7 to 10 days after sex.
Is 14 days after sex too early to test?
No. Two weeks after sex is the earliest reliable time for at-home tests.
Can stress delay a positive pregnancy test result?
No. Stress doesn’t affect the accuracy of a pregnancy test, but it may delay your period, which can affect timing.
Do certain medications affect pregnancy test results?
Most medications—including antibiotics, pain relievers, or birth control pills—don’t affect results. Fertility medications containing hCG can cause false positives.
Can you get a false negative pregnancy test?
Yes. Testing too early, using diluted urine, or not following the instructions can cause false negatives. Retest if your period is late.
How accurate are dollar store pregnancy tests?
Very accurate. Low-cost tests work just as well as name brands when used correctly.
Can a pregnancy test tell you how far along you are?
No. Home tests only confirm hCG presence. Use a pregnancy calculator or speak with a health care provider for your gestational age.
Should I test in the morning or at night?
Morning urine is best because it’s the most concentrated. If testing later in the day, wait three hours since your last pee or retest for confirmation.
What are the very early signs of pregnancy?
- Missed period, nausea, breast tenderness, heightened smell, and food aversions are early signs of pregnancy.
Will a pregnancy test work if I’m on the pill?
Yes. Birth control pills will not interfere with the results of a pregnancy test.
What if I don’t want to be pregnant?
If you receive a positive result on your at-home pregnancy test, take a moment to think about what this means for you—and it is ok if you don’t know yet.
Considering continuing the pregnancy
If there’s a chance you might want to continue the pregnancy, now is a great time to focus on health and lifestyle:
- Stopping smoking and limiting alcohol.
- Start or continue a prenatal vitamin (crucial for healthy development).
- Prioritize self-care and nutrition.
Keep in mind that there’s never a bad time to start healthy habits. Stopping smoking, for example, reduces your risk for cancer and other health issues.
Not considering continuing the pregnancy
If you are not planning to continue the pregnancy, you have safe and time-sensitive options:
- Abortion care: Access can vary by state, so timing matters.
- Hey Jane: Get abortion pills delivered discreetly to your door.
- Costs: Find out how much abortion care costs in your state. Check out our state guide on costs here.
Looking for more abortion care resources? Check out our list here.
When to see a provider
Consider seeking professional help if:
- Your tests are negative, but your period is late.
- You have irregular cycles and aren’t sure when you ovulated.
- You want to discuss birth control or pregnancy options.
Your health care provider can perform exams and lab work to confirm a pregnancy and help guide you with the next steps if needed.
Want to take action?
Join the Un-Whisper Network
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