
How Pregnancy Tests Determine Pregnancy
Once the fertilized egg is attached to the uterus, it starts to secrete a hormone called HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin). This hormone starts to appear in the urine one week after the expected menstruation. Thus, you can find out if you are pregnant with a urine pregnancy test that you can do yourself at home. In earlier periods, the result can be determined by a blood test in the laboratory.
Are There Types of Home Pregnancy Tests
There are many types of pregnancy test, but in general most of them work the same way. You either hold the tip of the test strip in the urine while you urinate or you dip the test strip into the container into which you urinate and wait 5-10 seconds. Within a few minutes, a plus or minus sign or a color change will appear with the words pregnant or not pregnant. Sometimes a special liquid or powder is added to your urine and pregnancy is said to be positive or negative depending on the color change. Each test may vary slightly in its application, so be sure to read the instructions carefully before taking it and then proceed with the application.
When to do it
Most tests can now be done from the first day of a delayed period. But it is better to wait a week to get an accurate result.
What is the Accuracy Rate
Most tests are 99% accurate. However, this rate is valid one week after the menstrual delay. If you need to find out earlier, you should have a blood test.
Can it give a false positive result
In rare cases, you may have a positive test result when you are not pregnant. False positives can also occur if there is blood or protein in the urine, certain diuretics and overdue or damaged tests.
Can it give a false negative result
Yes, this possibility is more common. A negative test result even though you are pregnant. False positives can occur if you have tested early, if you have left your urine for more than 15 minutes, or if you drank a lot of water before the test. It is best to test with the first urine in the morning. If the test is negative, you should repeat the test after a week.
What to do after the test
If your home pregnancy test is positive, that is, if you think you are pregnant, make an appointment with your doctor. A blood test and a gynecological examination are necessary to confirm this. Also, the sooner your pregnancy is detected, the sooner you can start taking care of it.
If your test is negative but your menstruation has not started after two weeks, you should see your doctor again. Many conditions such as illness, stress, excessive exercise and hormonal disorders can cause a delay in menstruation. Your doctor will regulate your periods.