Patient's question:
Currently, the general situation is:On the 5th to 10th of last month, I had my period. Later, I had contact with my boyfriend, but it was external ejaculation! Today is the 11th, and my period hasn't arrived this month yet! Also, my lower abdomen has been frequently swollen and painful lately! I don't know if I might be pregnant... Please help me! Thank you!!
First follow-up question: Can a pregnancy test detect pregnancy now?
Doctor's answer:
The working principle of early pregnancy test strips for self-testing is to detect HCG levels, which refers to the level of human chorionic gonadotropin. This hormone is produced by the placenta and generally appears in the urine a few days after pregnancy. However, due to its small amount, it is not easily detectable at first and becomes more apparent only after 10 to 14 days. (HCG levels can also be measured through blood tests, and the results are more accurate). Although many early pregnancy test strips indicate that women can perform pregnancy self-testing one day after missing their normal menstrual period, in reality, not all pregnant women release HCG hormone at the same speed and quantity—it varies from person to person. "Prematurely conducting a urine test may result in a false negative reaction," said an obstetrician and gynecologist. Therefore, it is best to wait two weeks after the menstrual period is delayed before performing pregnancy self-testing, as the results will be more reliable.