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When Can I Take A Pregnancy Test And How Accurate Will It Be?
Hi, I was on the birth control pill for an extended period of time and just recently went off about to months ago. My last period was from July 12th-16th 2012. I was sexually active three times following that period. I was two days late on my next period, projected date august 2nd, when I had unprotected sex, august 4th. I then took the morning after pill within approximately 12 hours. It has been two days since then, approximately 5 days late on period and two days of morning after pill with no spotting or bleeding. When can I take a pregnancy test and how accurate will it be?
Tue, 24 Jan 2017
Hallow Dear,
You have multiple issues for discussion. Let me solve them one by one.
1. Pregnancy test on urine is reliable after a week of the missed period; earlier, it may report false negative results. Alternatively, you may opt for Blood test for Beta hCG 10 days after the last unprotected sexual relations.
2. Morning after contraceptive pill is very effective when taken within 72 hours of the unprotected sex; you have taken it within 12 hours. So you are protected against the pregnancy due to that intercourse.
3. These pills have some after effects:
a. Few days after the pills, some vaginal bleeding occurs which is mistaken as menses. It is normal and does not need any medical attention.
b. The period following the morning after pill may get delayed by few days to about a week's period. Wait for a week after missed period before you take any action.
If the pregnancy tests reveal that you are not pregnant and still if you do not get period even a week after the missed period, please report to your Gynaecologist.
Dr. Nishikant Shrotri
You have multiple issues for discussion. Let me solve them one by one.
1. Pregnancy test on urine is reliable after a week of the missed period; earlier, it may report false negative results. Alternatively, you may opt for Blood test for Beta hCG 10 days after the last unprotected sexual relations.
2. Morning after contraceptive pill is very effective when taken within 72 hours of the unprotected sex; you have taken it within 12 hours. So you are protected against the pregnancy due to that intercourse.
3. These pills have some after effects:
a. Few days after the pills, some vaginal bleeding occurs which is mistaken as menses. It is normal and does not need any medical attention.
b. The period following the morning after pill may get delayed by few days to about a week's period. Wait for a week after missed period before you take any action.
If the pregnancy tests reveal that you are not pregnant and still if you do not get period even a week after the missed period, please report to your Gynaecologist.
Dr. Nishikant Shrotri
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