The result of the pharmacy pregnancy test is usually quite reliable, provided it is done according to the instructions on the package and at the correct time, ie from the 1st day of the delayed menstrual period. However, to confirm the result, it is best to repeat the test 3 to 5 days after the first result.
Although the tests are quite reliable, there are often unexplained changes in the woman's menstrual cycle, which can cause several questions, especially when the pregnancy test is negative, but menstruation does not appear.
So we've put together some causes that can lead to a false negative, which happens when the woman is actually pregnant, but the test is negative. It is important to remember that the best way to confirm the suspicion of pregnancy is to go to the gynecologist to do a blood test and measure the levels of the bHCG hormone. Learn more about this test and how it is done.
1. The test was done very early
This is the main reason for a false negative and it happens when the woman suspects she is pregnant and therefore feels some symptoms that she believes are the first signs of a pregnancy, feeling the need to take the test as soon as possible.
However, the best way to guarantee the result is to wait for the delay of menstruation, and even to take the test a few days after that delay, so that the body has time to produce the hormone bHCG in sufficient quantity to be eliminated in the urine and detected by the test of pharmacy. Understand better how the pharmacy pregnancy test works.
2. The cycle of the woman is irregular
When the woman's menstrual cycle is irregular, there are also high chances of the pregnancy test giving negative. This is because the test was probably done before the menstrual delay and the woman is only with a later period than normal.
So the best way to ensure the outcome is true for a woman with irregular cycle is to take the test only 2 to 3 weeks after the supposed day of menstruation. See how the irregular cycle works.
3. It is an ectopic pregnancy
Ectopic pregnancy is a relatively rare condition in which the ovum after fertilization is implanted elsewhere than the uterus, usually in the fallopian tubes. In these cases, the body takes longer to produce the bHCG hormone, so the result may be negative even if fertilization has occurred.
This type of pregnancy is a medical emergency that should be stopped as soon as possible as it can cause serious damage to the woman's reproductive system. Some signs that may indicate a possible ectopic pregnancy include severe pain in the belly, nausea, vaginal bleeding or feeling of heaviness near the vagina, for example. If the woman has these signs, she should go to the hospital quickly to confirm the diagnosis and start the pregnancy. Here's how to identify a possible ectopic pregnancy.
4. The woman is breastfeeding
When the woman is breastfeeding, the body will regulate slowly over time, especially in the production of hormones. Thus, it is possible that the woman has a rather irregular cycle initially, even though she has always had a regular cycle.
For this reason, some women may find they are pregnant when menstruation delays. Thus, it is possible that the pregnancy test can give negative because menstruation is only delayed. Understand if you can get pregnant by breastfeeding.
5. The pregnancy test is out of date
Although it is a rarer cause, it is possible that the pregnancy test was sold out of time. When this happens, the reagent used to identify the presence of the bHCG hormone may be malfunctioning, giving a false negative result.
Therefore, it is very important to check the expiration date on the test carton before use. In addition, some tests may have been poorly stored and, even on time, may malfunction. For these reasons, whenever there is suspicion that the test is not giving a correct result, one should buy another at the pharmacy and repeat the test.
What can cause menstruation delay
When the test is done correctly, at the right time and until the test has been repeated, but the result remains negative and the menstruation continues without appearing, it is likely that, in fact, it is not pregnant. This is because there are many other factors that can cause delayed menstruation without being pregnant.
Some causes include:
- Excessive stress and anxiety;
- Practice intense physical exercise for a long time;
- Thyroid problems;
- Very restrictive diets.
Thus, if menstruation is delayed and there is no positive pregnancy test, it is best to consult the gynecologist to see if there is any other cause that may be causing this delay, initiating appropriate treatment.
Check out the 12 leading causes of delayed menstruation and what to do.
