How Many Days Before Your Period Can You Take a HPT? Anytime of Day?

[Anonymous]

Hey Ladies,

My period is due on May 6, 2010. I had sex during my ovulation time and I am wondering if I could be pregnant. Will any regular HPT do, like a Target brand? What's the best time to test since it is before the period? Thanks!!

[Anonymous]

I would just take the test on the day of your missed period since if you take it before, there's a high chance of a false negative.

[Anonymous]

Some of the HPTs are more sensitive than others - so make sure you look at the box. You want one that says you can test up to 5 days before your expected period. Also, you definitely should test first thing in the morning - when your urine is the most concentrated. If you can't wait, I would start testing in the morning 5 days out. If it's positive, it's positive. If it's negative, keep testing up to the day of your period. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

OP Here, I just tested with a HPT that detects pregnancy 5 days before your period is due and it was negative...so I am guess I am not pregnant.

Thanks for the replies.

[Anonymous]

don't be too sure. it may be still too early to tell.

[Anonymous]

read the package insert. This far from your period there is a big chance the test is wrong. It's not 99% accurate til after you miss your period.

[Anonymous]

OP Here, I will report back if I don't my period on 5/6/10...it's gonna be a long wait, LOL.

Thanks for the help!!

Have a good weekend.

[Anonymous]

Good Luck OP

From the FRER inserts:

In clinical testing, FRER detected pregnancy hormone levels in 69% of women 4 days before their expected period, 83% 3 days before, 93% 2 days before and 93% 1 day before.

You tested awfully early. Good luck with the wait.

[Anonymous]

If it more accurate on or after your missed period. HCG does not enter your blood stream until after the embryo has implanted. There is a wide variation in how long it takes for this to happen. It will also take some time to get the HCG levels to a detectable level.

Counting from when you ovulated is more accurate. It CAN show a very faint positive after 10 or 11 days post ovulation, but this is not the case for most women. Wait several more days and test again. You have a better chance of a more accurate results.

[Anonymous]

OP here, the tomato lady showed up this morning.

I am fine with it since we just started TTC last month.

Thanks so much for all of your help.