I took three pregnancy tests and I can’t believe the results

I took three pregnancy tests and I can't believe the results

A few weeks ago, Samara wrote to us from Venezuela. She was very worried because she was two weeks late in her period and she said that it was not possible for her to be pregnant because her partner always uses a condom and in any case he ejaculated outside her vagina to be sure.

This system to prevent pregnancies was agreed upon by Samara and her boyfriend, since she is afraid of the side effects of contraceptive methods and, in any case, she is not interested in having children before the age of 30.

Samara specifically wanted to know if the pregnancy tests from pharmacies are reliable. In the WhatsApp conversation, she told us that a friend warned her that the only reliable tests are the blood tests done by laboratories. In the midst of her anguish, she ended up taking three pregnancy tests to be sure, all of which were positive. And perhaps, in the hope that one would give her a different result.

 

Recommendations on pregnancy tests

The truth is that both blood and urine pregnancy tests offer highly reliable results. More than 99% effective if they are performed 10 days after the sexual encounter where the contraceptive failed.

In general, when it comes to home pregnancy tests, to obtain a reliable result it is recommended to take into account:

• It is recommended to use the first urine of the morning, since it has the highest concentration of hormones, which in the case of pregnancy is human chorionic gonadotropin ( hCG ).
• Home tests have an optimal reading time (usually between 5 and 10 minutes), meaning that if the time indicated by the manufacturer is exceeded, the result may be altered.
• After the urine sample is placed, the test should be placed on a table or other horizontal surface while the result is being developed.
• Do it after 10 days after sexual intercourse to ensure that enough pregnancy hormone has been produced to be detected by the test.
• They do not need to be done on an empty stomach.

 

Which pregnancy test is better?

There are two main types and each has its own characteristics:

1.Urine tests: These detect the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin ( hCG ) in urine, which is produced at the beginning of pregnancy. These can be homemade, like those found in pharmacies. They are the easiest to use, fastest and cheapest.

2. Blood tests: These measure the levels of hCG in the blood. There are two types: Quantitative tests, which measure the exact amount of hCG , which can help determine gestational age and detect possible complications. And qualitative tests: These simply indicate whether or not there is hCG in the blood. Although they can detect pregnancy earlier than urine tests, they require a blood sample to be drawn using a prick and are more expensive.

 

Which pregnancy test is better? 

Both tests are reliable if performed correctly. The choice will depend on your needs and circumstances:

If you want an inexpensive test that will quickly clear up your doubts: A urine test is a good option.

If you need to know the number of weeks or if you suspect a very early pregnancy: A blood test is more recommended.

 

Additional considerations

If, knowing this about pregnancy tests, you, like Samara, do not trust the results, we recommend that you take a urine test and repeat it a week later with a test from another manufacturer.

Another option when faced with a doubtful result in a urine test is to confirm with a laboratory test.
In any case, if the result is positive and it was not what you expected, you can contact us and receive advice on your options in case of an unwanted pregnancy.

And if the result is negative and you are not interested in getting pregnant right now, you may want to consider a more effective and lower-cost birth control plan than the one you are currently using.

On the other hand, if the test result is negative and you want to get pregnant, in addition to not giving up in the attempt, consider opting for a pre- conception counseling consultation with your trusted medical provider.

And finally, if you had a positive result and were looking for a pregnancy, congratulations! A desired pregnancy is how conscious motherhood/fatherhood should begin, ensuring the love and responsibility that raising a new human being requires.

 

Do you want to know more about pregnancy tests or delayed menstruation? Let's talk, contact us via chat and we will answer your questions.