how soon does hcg show in urine

hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) can typically be detected in urine about 5 to 7 days after conception. This corresponds roughly to the time of a missed menstrual period, around 10 to 14 days after conception or ovulation. Home pregnancy urine tests generally detect hCG starting from a concentration of about 20 to 25 mIU/mL. The hormone levels increase rapidly in early pregnancy, doubling approximately every 24 to 48 hours in the first weeks, which makes the test more likely to show positive as days progress. For best results, the first morning urine sample is preferred due to higher hCG concentration. Testing too early may result in a negative test even if pregnant, so waiting until the day of the expected period is generally recommended for more reliable results.