For those trying to get pregnant, the days after ovulation pass so slowly they seem like slow-motion scenes from a silent film from the 1920s. We get so impatient that we can barely wait 6 or 7 days after ovulation before taking test after test to check for even the slightest hint of HCG in the body. But the burning question is: how many days after can I safely do a pregnancy test and detect pregnancy?
In reality, there is no hard rule, as each body reacts differently to hormonal changes, especially during pregnancy. But in general, we can say that once the fertile window is past, the best time to start taking pregnancy tests is after the 16th day following ovulation and intercourse. This is because it depends on the length of the luteal phase for a delay to happen, and all women have a fixed luteal phase of approximately 14 days. This period is important to identify a missed period. However, since it’s a bit tricky to determine these 14 days exactly for women who don’t track their basal temperature1, we can say that at least 20 days after the most fertile day would be an acceptable time to detect HCG in the body if fertilization and implantation have occurred.
How many days after can I take a pregnancy test for regular cycles? Usually, regular cycles make it easier to identify missed periods. About 5 days after your missed period is a good timeframe to take the test2. In the vast majority of cases, HCG is easily detected if fertilization and implantation happened when expected. But if you opt for pregnancy tests with higher sensitivity, like the 10 mIU ones from the Famivita brand, you can detect HCG levels even up to 5 days before your period is due. You can buy it here in our online store.
For example, women with regular 30-day cycles would likely ovulate around the 15th or 16th day of the cycle, and the test could be taken on the 35th day if the period hasn’t arrived. However, it’s possible that even regular cycles may vary, and even testing after the recommended time, 5 days delayed, you still might not get a positive result yet. So it’s recommended to repeat the test in a week if your period still hasn’t come.
How Many Days After Can I Take a Pregnancy Test With Irregular Cycles?
For irregular cycles, the biggest challenge is finding a fixed day in your cycle to know when to take the pregnancy test. Unlike a regular cycle, ovulation does not have a set date and the phases change each month—hence the name irregular cycle. To better understand, just remember a woman has three stages during the menstrual cycle:
Proliferation: (ovulatory stimulation) phase when the follicles are growing
Fertile period: phase when the dominant follicle is released to be fertilized and can last about 7 days
Luteal phase: which in most cases is the same in all cycles
Ideally, you should consider the delay after the longest cycle length you’ve ever had. If your cycle has lasted up to 50 days, then you should use this maximum period before testing. If you track your basal body temperature, it will be easier to identify any variation or the right pattern to time a pregnancy test.
It’s important to remember that testing before the end of this luteal phase can cause a false negative and with it, frustration if you’re hoping to be pregnant. HCG is only present after the embryo implants, after the implantation phase, and even low levels of the hormone may leave women unsure, stuck with the question: how many days after can I take a pregnancy test?
The best answer is: wait for your body to show signs. If you have symptoms that are growing stronger, it can be worth it to take a test sometime after you’ve noticed fertile mucus3. In fact, this fertile mucus can make a difference in knowing when to take a pregnancy test. Right after this mucus ends, the luteal phase begins. Count 16 to 20 days, and then you can safely take a pregnancy test.
See also: Can I Take a Pregnancy Test Before My Period is Late?
