Everything about the pregnancy test: How to use it correctly!

How does the pregnancy test work?

The various over-the-counter home pregnancy tests all work on the same principle. The test strip of the so-called urine or stick test contains antibodies that react with the hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) on contact. The pregnancy hormone normally only occurs when a fertilized egg cell has implanted itself and the hormone is formed via its outer cell layer, and later also via the developed placenta. hCG can be detected in the blood around six to nine days after fertilization, and it can only be detected in the urine after around 14 days.

How do I use the pregnancy test?

• Before you start, you should briefly consider whether you would rather be alone or have someone by your side. Depending on the circumstances, it might help to have your partner or a good friend with you.
• Read the leaflet carefully. Not only does it tell you how and when you can take the pregnancy test, but also how long you have to wait for the test results and how to read them. If the description is inaccurate and you do not understand it properly, you can ask the pharmacist. He will certainly help you and you will save yourself any ambiguity after the pregnancy test.
• You can do most pregnancy tests at any time of the day. The morning urine is best, however, because the concentration of any hCG that may be present is highest in this.
• You either hold the test strip directly in the urine stream or catch some of it in a clean container. Hold the test strip in the urine for a few seconds. Then it’s time to wait.
• Most pregnancy tests use a control field to show whether the pregnancy test generally worked or whether something went wrong during use. In a second field, the result field, you can read the test result.

When can I take a pregnancy test?

Most pregnancy tests can provide a reliable result on the first day of the missed period . If you don’t want to be patient, you can also use one of the so-called early tests . These pregnancy tests are more sensitive and can also measure small amounts of hCG in the urine. The early tests promise results up to seven days before the onset of the period , but these are often inaccurate. Therefore, just to be on the safe side, you should take another test a few days later or wait until your period is due to use a regular pregnancy test.

Pregnancy test: choice and differences

You may have noticed that some pregnancy tests are more expensive than others. Even if the principle is the same for all pregnancy tests, there are differences that are also reflected in the price.

• Accuracy of measurement: On the package you will find a note on how precisely the hCG concentration can be measured. The indication mlU/ml (milli international units per milliliter of urine) is decisive. The smaller the value in front of it, the more accurately the test can detect even small amounts of hCG.
• Additional functions: With the simple models, the result can be read using a discolored strip, plus or minus or something similar. But there are also digital pregnancy tests that show “pregnant” or “not pregnant” on a display. Some of the digital models offer additional options that show, for example, how many weeks pregnant you are.

How reliable are the results of a pregnancy test?

If done correctly, the manufacturers promise a security of 97 to 99 percent. However, it can still happen that you get an incorrect result. Make sure that the pregnancy test is properly sealed, has not expired and has been stored as described in the package insert. An incorrect result can also be caused by errors in handling, for example if urine accidentally gets on one of the two display fields. Possible wrong results are:

• A “false negative” result: If you get a “false negative” result, the test will not show you that you are pregnant, even though you are pregnant. The reason for this can be a too low concentration of hCG in the urine. Maybe you took the test too early or you drank a lot of liquid beforehand? Just try again in a few days.
• A “false positive” result: A “false positive” test result confirms you are pregnant even though you are not pregnant. This can happen when measuring hCG-like hormones such as follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) or luteinizing hormone (LH), which increase around ovulation. Another reason for a “false positive” result can be certain medications. A number of preparations contain hCG as an active ingredient, which accordingly affects the result. These include drugs that are intended to support fertility, but also some birth control pills, painkillers or antibiotics. However, such an incorrectly displayed result is very rare.

What happens after the pregnancy test?

The test is done and you have a result that I hope you are happy about. Or maybe you’re depressed or anxious because you haven’t planned a pregnancy yet. Try to stay calm and think through the next steps.

If the test did not confirm a pregnancy, just wait until your period starts. If you are more than a week overdue, repeat the test or visit your gynecologist directly. Of course, a negative test result can also cause a bad mood. If you’ve only recently started active family planning, don’t worry. For many couples, the desire to have children does not come true right from the start, but a thorough health check might give you clarity and a little more peace of mind.

You should have a gynecologist confirm a positive test result. There it is possible to do a blood test, which determines hCG directly in the blood and is therefore often more accurate. Even safer is the ultrasound examination during the initial examination , which, however, is only possible about four weeks after fertilization. Talk to your doctor about your worries and fears. He can not only advise you on how to proceed, but you will also find addresses and contact points that offer help there.