Resolved question:
Hi -
My wife and I had intercourse 9 and 7 days ago towards the tail end of her ovulation. She took the first response hcg test yesterday and it came back negative. The test says it will detect a pregnancy 6 days before her next period which is in 3 days.
Is there a good chance she is not pregnant considering the test?
How long should you wait to take the first response hcg test after intercourse?
Thanks!
Submitted:
4 Days
Category:
OBGYN
Hello,
Thanks for your consult at DoctorSpring.com.
The First Test Response HCG kit claims to have the ability to detect pregnancy 6 days before a missed period. Hence, you have taken it in good time.
However, there is always a caveat there, also mentioned on the product.
This is, that the rule of 6 days before missed period, would not apply to all women who use the test.
This is because of two reasons -
1. The level of HCG secreted by each woman is different at different periods of conception.
2. The date of the period itself can fluctuate in each cycle.
Hence, to be on the safer side, I would ask you to wait until your wife misses her actual period, and then repeat the test.
As a safe bet, wait for a week and then take a pregnancy test.
That would be conclusive.
All the best.
Please feel free to ask for further clarifications.
Thank you Dr.
One clarifying questions - what is the range of days after intercourse HCG could potentially show in a women's system (ex: 7-12 days)?
Hi again,
The following sequence is observed -
After intercourse, male and female gametes meet, fertilization occurs.
Within 7 days, the fertilized egg reaches the uterine cavity and implants inside the uterus.
Then it starts secreting B HCG.
After 7 days of intercourse, anytime B HCG is present in the circulation if the woman is pregnant, initially in very small amounts and then within 10 - 12 days after intercourse, in quite significant quantity.
It can be reliably detected by a blood B HCG test.
Take care.