Pregnancy can typically be confirmed by a urine test about 10 to 14 days after conception, which corresponds roughly to the time of a missed period. This is when the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), produced after implantation of the fertilized egg in the uterus, becomes detectable in urine
. Some highly sensitive pregnancy tests can detect hCG even earlier, as soon as 6 days before a missed period (about 7-9 days after ovulation), but testing too early may result in a false negative due to low hormone levels
. In summary:
- Earliest detection: around 6-8 days after ovulation (implantation time), with very sensitive tests
- Most reliable detection: from the first day of a missed period, about 10-14 days after conception
- If unsure of cycle timing, testing at least 21 days after unprotected sex is recommended for accuracy
For best results, it is advised to use the first morning urine and follow test instructions carefully. If the test is negative but pregnancy is still suspected, retesting a few days later or consulting a healthcare provider for a blood test is recommended
