If you are trying to conceive or suspect you may be pregnant, taking a pregnancy test can give you the answers you are looking for.

However, with so many options available in the market and all the myths surrounding them, you might have a few questions before taking one.

In this article, we aim to answer the 10 most common pregnancy test questions to give you the information you need to take the test confidently.

1. When can I take a pregnancy test?

You can take a pregnancy test as early as six to eight days after ovulation. However, waiting until the first day of a missed period will give you the most accurate result.

If you test too early, you may get a false negative result as your body may not have produced enough hCG hormone to be detected.

2. How accurate are pregnancy tests?

Most pregnancy tests are over 99 percent accurate when taken on or after the first day of a missed period. However, the accuracy may vary depending on the brand and the sensitivity of the test.

It’s always best to follow the instructions carefully and take the test with the first urine of the day as it has the highest concentration of hCG hormone.

3. Can medications or medical conditions affect the result?

Some medications like fertility drugs or medical conditions like ovarian cysts, tumors, or some types of cancer may produce hCG hormone and give a false positive result. However, most common medications do not affect the test result.

If you are unsure, consult your healthcare provider.

4. What if my test shows a faint line?

A faint line usually indicates a positive result, even if it’s not as dark as the control line. If you are unsure, retake the test in a few days to allow the hCG levels to rise.

In some cases, a faint line could also be a result of an evaporation line, which happens when the urine evaporates and leaves a faint line. It’s important to read the test results within the recommended time frame and follow the instructions carefully.

5. What if my test shows an invalid result?

An invalid result means that the test did not work correctly, and you should retake the test with a new one. Make sure to follow the instructions carefully and use the first urine of the day for the most accurate result.

6. Can a pregnancy test detect a miscarriage?

No, a pregnancy test can only detect the hCG hormone produced by a viable pregnancy. After a miscarriage, it may take up to four weeks for the hCG levels to drop to normal.

7. Can I reuse a pregnancy test?

No, you should not reuse a pregnancy test. Once the test has been used, the chemicals have reacted, and reading the result after the recommended time frame may give inaccurate results. Use a new test for each attempt.

8. What if my periods are irregular?

If your periods are irregular, it may be difficult to know when to take a pregnancy test. In this case, you may want to wait at least three weeks after unprotected sex before taking the test to give the hCG levels enough time to rise.

Alternatively, you can track your ovulation with a fertility app or monitor your basal body temperature to estimate when to take the test.

9. Can pregnancy tests be used as birth control?

No, pregnancy tests are not a reliable form of birth control. They only detect the presence of hCG hormone but do not prevent pregnancy. Use contraception methods if you are not trying to conceive.

10. What if my test is negative but I still have pregnancy symptoms?

If your test is negative but you still have pregnancy symptoms like nausea, fatigue, or sore breasts, you may want to retake the test after a few days.

In some cases, the hCG levels may be too low to detect, and taking the test early may give a false negative result. If you continue to have symptoms and the test is negative, consult your healthcare provider to rule out any medical conditions.