A pregnancy test is most reliable when you wait long enough after intercourse for the pregnancy hormone to reach detectable levels. Here’s a practical guide to timing. Direct answer
- Best general timing: If you have a regular cycle and know your expected missed period, test on or just after the day your period is due. Many tests are most accurate at that point. If you don’t know when your period is due, wait about 2 weeks after unprotected sex, or use a test that is labeled as early-detection but be aware of a higher chance of a false negative if taken too soon.
Key timing guidelines
- Early detection tests: Some brands advertise detection a few days before a missed period. Read the product instructions carefully, and understand that these can have higher false negatives early on. If you get a negative result but your period is late, retest a few days later.
- General rule if period date is unknown: Aim for about 14–21 days after sex to minimize uncertainty, with 21 days after sex being a cautious benchmark in many guidelines. If you’re unsure, consider waiting until you’d typically expect your next period and then testing.
- If your cycle is irregular: Pregnancy tests can still work, but timing is trickier. In such cases, waiting about two weeks after the last unprotected sex or testing after a missed period can improve accuracy.
What to consider
- Symptoms are not a reliable indicator—pregnancy tests detect the hormone hCG, which may not be present in detectable amounts early on. If in doubt, a repeat test after a few days can clarify.
- If you have reason to believe you could be pregnant and you have no period yet, a test taken at least 14 days after intercourse is a reasonable balance between timely information and accuracy.
If you’d like, share a bit more about your typical cycle (if you know it, like average cycle length or when your last period started), and I can tailor a more precise timing recommendation.
