You can take a home pregnancy test typically around 12 to 15 days after ovulation or conception for a fairly accurate result. Some sensitive tests claim to detect pregnancy even earlier, as soon as 8 to 10 days after conception, but for the most reliable results, it is best to wait until the day of your missed period or a few days after. This is because the pregnancy hormone hCG, which the tests detect, only starts to be released after implantation of the fertilized egg into the uterine lining, usually 6 to 10 days after ovulation, and it takes time for hCG levels to rise enough to be detected in urine. If you test too early, there is a higher chance of a false negative result, meaning the test might show negative even if you are pregnant. Testing on the day your period is due or later increases accuracy, often above 99%. In summary:
- Earliest some tests can detect: about 8 to 10 days post-conception (implantation time).
- Typical reliable testing time: the day of your missed period (~14 days after ovulation).
- Testing sooner can result in false negatives due to low hCG levels.
This timing varies based on menstrual cycle length and ovulation timing, so knowing your cycle helps pinpoint the best time to test.
