You can typically take a pregnancy test starting about 12-15 days after ovulation, which is usually around the time of your missed period if you have a regular 28-day cycle. Some early-detection tests can be used even sooner, as early as 4-5 days before your expected period, but testing this early may increase the risk of a false negative because the pregnancy hormone hCG may not have reached detectable levels yet. For the most reliable results, it is generally recommended to wait until the day of your missed period or a few days after it before testing. If you do not know when your period is due, waiting about 21 days after unprotected sex is advised to get an accurate result. Testing first thing in the morning can also improve accuracy since hCG levels are more concentrated in the urine then. In summary:
- Earliest reliable testing: around 12-15 days post ovulation or the day of missed period.
- Some sensitive tests: up to 4-5 days before missed period (with caution).
- If unsure of ovulation or period: wait 21 days after unprotected sex.
- Morning urine testing recommended.
This is because hCG hormone starts to be produced after implantation, approximately 6-10 days after ovulation, but needs time to build up to levels detected by tests.
