Should i take a pregnancy test if only been 18 to 22 days?
While it is possible to detect pregnancy as early as 18 to 22 days after unprotected sex, it depends on various factors, including the sensitivity of the pregnancy test, the level of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in your urine or blood, and your individual menstrual cycle. Here's a breakdown of what you need to know:
1. Pregnancy Hormone (hCG):
After conception, your body starts producing the pregnancy hormone hCG, which is detectable in your urine and blood. The levels of hCG rise rapidly during early pregnancy, doubling approximately every 1.5 to 2 days.
2. Sensitivity of Pregnancy Tests:
Pregnancy tests have different levels of sensitivity, measured in milli-international units per milliliter (mIU/mL) of hCG. The more sensitive a test is, the earlier it can detect pregnancy. Some tests can detect hCG levels as low as 10-25 mIU/mL, while others may require higher levels.
3. Timing of the Test:
For most pregnancy tests, the best time to test is the first day of your missed period or a few days after. However, if you have irregular periods or are concerned about early pregnancy, you can take a test earlier.
4. First Response Pregnancy Test:
The First Response Early Result Pregnancy Test claims to detect pregnancy up to 6 days before your missed period (5 days before your expected period). This means it can potentially detect hCG levels as low as 6.3 mIU/mL, which is one of the lowest detection levels on the market.
5. Accuracy:
Pregnancy tests are generally very accurate, especially when used according to the instructions. However, it's important to note that false positives (indicating pregnancy when you're not) or false negatives (indicating no pregnancy when you are) can occur, particularly if the test is taken too early.
If you're concerned about pregnancy and have taken a test 18 to 22 days after unprotected sex, it's a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional. They can advise you on the appropriate steps to take, including confirming the results with a blood test or repeating the urine test a few days later for a more accurate result.