Negative Pregnancy Test: Causes, Accuracy, and What to Do Next

What is a Negative Pregnancy Test?

A pregnancy test is done to check the presence of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) hormone, which is produced by the body once the sperm fertilises the egg. The hormone is present in both urine and blood, and is measured for both. A negative pregnancy test does not simply mean the absence of this hormone. Rather, it can also mean that the level of hCG is too low to be detected.

In short, the negative test can mean two things:

• Either that you are not pregnant
• Or that it is too early in your cycle for the hormone to show up

Common Reasons for a Negative Pregnancy Test

A negative pregnancy test can be caused by several factors, some of which include:

1. Testing Too Early:

One of the most common reasons for a negative pregnancy test is testing too early. The pregnancy hormone levels (hCG) rise only after embryo implantation, usually 6-12 days post-ovulation. If you are testing within or before this timeline, then your pregnancy results have a higher chance of coming back negative. Hence, wait until after your first missed period for accurate results.

2. Diluted Urine:

Sometimes, urine diluted by too much water or fluids does not have enough concentration of hCG to show up. This can happen when you are not using morning urine for the test.

3. Expired or Faulty Test:

A faulty or expired home testing kit may also be unable to detect hCG properly. Besides this, the type of storage in which these kits are stored can also reduce their accuracy. So before buying a pregnancy kit, make sure:

• To always check the date of manufacturing and expiry.
• Once bought, store it in a cool, dry place.

4. Irregular Cycles or Late Ovulation:

Sometimes, irregular cycles or late ovulation due to any underlying condition like PCOD can also delay the rise in hCG levels. This means, when testing in the regular suggested timeline, your result can come back as negative even when you are pregnant.

5. Medications or Medical Conditions:

Some medications or medical conditions can mimic pregnancy symptoms, leading to a negative pregnancy test. These may include:

• Fertility medicines
• Thyroid-related health issues
• PCOS or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
• Rare Hormonal or medical conditions.

When Should You Take Another Pregnancy Test?

A negative pregnancy test can be confusing and sometimes frustrating when you continue to experience pregnancy symptoms. Timing is a crucial factor when doing a pregnancy test because the hCG hormone takes time to gradually increase in blood and urine in the early stages. Even if the conception has occurred successfully, testing too early can show a false negative. So to avoid this unnecessary stress, simply follow these guidelines for a retest:

• Retest after 2-3 days : We suggest that a pregnancy retest should be done only after 2 to 3 days of the last test. This is because pregnancy hormones take at least 48 to 72 hours to double. So waiting for 2 to 3 days gives you enough concentration of hCG in your urine to be detected.
• Best accuracy at 10-14 days after ovulation : It takes almost 10 to 14 days for your body post-ovulation to show hCG markers in the blood. So, it is suggested to test only after this time to avoid disappointment or confusion.
• If your period is more than 7 days late : If your period is more than 7 days late in your cycle and still showing a negative pregnancy test, then it can be due to underlying conditions such as stress, hormonal imbalances or irregular cycles. In such cases, it is suggested to consult with a doctor and go for a blood test.

What To Do After a Negative Pregnancy Test?

What you do after a negative pregnancy test will depend on what you want to achieve with such a test. Such as:

• If You’re Trying to Conceive : If you are actively trying to get pregnant and still getting a negative result, the best approach for you will be tracking your ovulation cycle. You can use apps, predictor kits, or temperature readers to identify your fertility window and time intercourse just around it. If you have been trying for over a year or 6 months (if your age is above 35) and still facing failures, then consult a gynaecologist or specialist to check for infertility issues.
• If You Suspect Pregnancy Despite a Negative Test : As mentioned earlier, sometimes the home pregnancy test kits show false negatives. But how do you understand if it's a false negative? The simple answer is to monitor your body symptoms. If you are showing symptoms such as missed period, breast tenderness, or morning sickness, then consult your doctor for a blood test confirmation.
• If Tests Remain Negative : Some medical conditions, such as thyroid issues, PCOS, or hormonal imbalances, can mimic pregnancy symptoms, leading to a continuous negative pregnancy test. Seek medical help immediately for such conditions.

Emotional Impact of a Negative Test

A negative pregnancy test can cause a great deal of emotional damage to couples who are actively trying to start their family. With every negative test result, the patience drops, while the stress and frustration levels increase. It even affects the self-confidence of some couples and creates tension in relationships, making one wonder if they have infertility issues. Take steps to set aside your suspicions by consulting a fertility specialist and seeking the right solutions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is confirmed that a negative pregnancy test is not always an indicator of the absence of pregnancy. It can simply mean that your hormone levels are too low to show up this early. Hence, remember that false negatives are quite common, even with the best pregnancy kits. So just wait for a few more days for a retest, or just seek medical help for a blood test for early detection. But even if it shows negative results after multiple confirmatory tests, remember that it is not the end. With advancements like IVF, IUI, ICSI, etc., couples can still have a chance to embrace parenthood.