If you are physically able to conceive, there is always the possibility of becoming pregnant after engaging in heterosexual sex. Even if you use contraception, the effectiveness has its limits. Don’t be shy! If you can successfully buy condoms or get a prescription for birth control, purchasing and taking a pregnancy test shouldn’t be any different. After all, there’s only one way to find out!
How does a pregnancy test work?
A pregnancy test detects the presence of a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) in your urine or blood. HCG is only produced if you’re pregnant. When a fertilized egg attaches to the lining of your uterus, this hormone is released.
You can take a pregnancy test in the comfort of your own home. This method is colloquially known as “peeing on a stick.” A chemical strip on the test stick detects the presence of HCG in your urine. There are inexpensive tests available in any pharmacy, drugstore, grocery store, or convenience store. Most home pregnancy tests cost anywhere from $8 to $15. Every pregnancy test is a little different. Make sure to read all of the instructions first and then follow the directions carefully. Some may require you to urinate in a container and dip the pregnancy test stick into it. For others, the pregnancy test stick must be held directly in a stream of urine. Typically you can get your results within a couple of minutes. An at-home pregnancy test has up to a 99% accuracy rate when it is used properly.
Another option would be to take a blood test at a clinic or medical office. A sample of your blood will be drawn and analyzed for the presence of HCG. Sometimes, healthcare providers use a test that measures the exact levels of HCG in the blood. This analysis has a much greater sensitivity to even low amounts of HCG. Problems with the pregnancy can be identified if there is a drastic change in HCG levels. IIt may be more reassuring to be tested in a professional setting, but keep in mind that it will be far more expensive than an at-home test. Additionally, it takes longer to receive your results.
When should I take a pregnancy test?
You will get the most reliable results if you take a pregnancy test after you’ve missed your next period. If your periods are irregular or you have reason to believe you’re pregnant, wait until at least 14 days after having sex to take a test. You will not have measurable amounts of HCG in your blood or urine until then. At-home tests will vary, so take the test at the optimal time for that specific one. If you prefer to get your blood tested you must also consider the time delay to schedule an appointment with a physician. Depending on your insurance, you may even be required to see your primary care provider (PCP) before being referred to an obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN). You must wait an average of 21.7 days for your first appointment with a PCP. For an appointment with an OB-GYN the wait time, on average, is 23.7 days if you are a new patient.
How do I interpret the results?
A positive result indicates that you’re pregnant. There are measurable amounts of HCG in your blood or urine. A negative result means that the test could not detect HCG in your blood or urine. This most likely means that you are not pregnant. Otherwise, you may have failed to follow the instructions on an at-home test. Did you take the test too soon? Did you check the expiration date? Did you dilute the urine by taking too many fluids before testing? There is no harm in testing yourself again!
However, there may be other factors that interfere with an accurate result.
Some medications may be responsible for a false-negative result:
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Promethazine, used to treat certain allergies
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Antihistamines
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Parkinson’s disease medication
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Sleeping tablets
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Some antipsychotics, including chlorpromazine
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Opioids, for instance, methadone
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Tranquilizers
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Anticonvulsants, including epilepsy treatments
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Infertility medication
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Diuretics
There are also extraneous causes for a false-positive result:
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Ovarian cysts
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Recent pregnancies
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An early miscarriage soon after a fertilized egg implanted
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An ectopic pregnancy
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Gestational trophoblastic tumors
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Menopause
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A deficiency of immunoglobulin A (IgA), an important antibody of the immune system
What are my next steps?
Should you test positive, get in touch with a healthcare provider. If you used an at-home test, you may consider taking the test again to confirm your results before scheduling an appointment. Make sure to communicate your intentions — do you want to proceed with the pregnancy or terminate the pregnancy? Take as much time as you need to make your decision. From there, your healthcare provider will be able to provide you with the appropriate options and resources.
Featured Image: Laura Alejo
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