Pregnancy Test Timing: When Can You Get an Accurate Result?

It is not possible for a pregnancy test to show a positive result just two weeks after unprotected sex. The earliest that a pregnancy test can detect the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which is produced by the developing placenta, is about 10-14 days after fertilization. This means that it would take at least 24-28 days after unprotected sex for a pregnancy test to show a positive result.

If you are concerned that you may be pregnant, it is best to wait until at least 28 days after unprotected sex before taking a pregnancy test. If you get a negative result and you still think you may be pregnant, you can take another test a few days later. If you continue to get negative results and you are still concerned, it is best to talk to your doctor.