False-Negative Pregnancy Tests
At Your Options Medical, we have found that when many of our patients have a negative pregnancy test result, they assume they are not pregnant. However, this is not always the case. False negative pregnancy tests do occur. Here is how it works:
A urine pregnancy test detects the hormone called hCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin). This is the hormone your body produces during pregnancy. When urine is being tested for the presence of this hCG hormone and a woman is pregnant, the result of the pregnancy test should read positive. However, there are a few reasons a pregnancy test can give a false test result including the following:
- In early pregnancy, the hCG hormone levels may be too low for a pregnancy test to detect. The earliest time to test for an accurate result is 7-10 days after a missed period.
- The best time of day to take a pregnancy test is first thing in the morning when a woman’s urine is highly concentrated. Because urine may be less concentrated later in the day, the test may not be able to detect the hCG hormone.
- If you have had a negative pregnancy test, but are experiencing pregnancy-like symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, tiredness, loss of appetite, etc. it is always best to contact your doctor to access for causes unrelated to pregnancy.
- There is always the possibility of human error when performing home pregnancy tests. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Most pregnancy tests require you to let the test set for 3-5 minutes. If the test is left beyond the recommended set time, this could produce a false test result.
- If you had a tubal ligation (i.e. tubes tied), are experiencing pregnancy-like symptoms, and test negative on a pregnancy test, contact your medical doctor to assess for causes unrelated to pregnancy.
If you think you might be pregnant because you have missed your period, know that there are other reasons besides pregnancy. To learn more, check out our blog.
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If you think you might be pregnant, Your Options Medical can offer you pregnancy testing, ultrasound, and pregnancy options counseling at no cost to you and insurance is not required.
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I have done both blood and scan text still negative and feel cold early morning and weak everyday what would be the course
Hi Chichi,
Thank you for reaching out to Your Options Medical.
I cannot diagnose you. Typically, we recommend the best time to take a pregnancy test is one week after you are due to start your period. Also, the best time to test is first thing in the morning. If the test reads negative, we recommend testing again in about one week. If you’ve already done this and had a blood test, you could recommend another blood test from your doctor. If pregnancy tests continue to be negative, seek medical attention to have symptoms evaluated.
At Your Options Medical, we provide free telehealth calls with a nurse, pregnancy testing, ultrasound, and pregnancy options counseling. To schedule your confidential appointment, please call or text 508-251-9022.
Thank you, again for reaching out and please do not hesitate to contact us in the future if we can be of any further help.
Best Regards,
Gladys, RN
I took like 3 pregnancy tests and they were negative but I’ve been having pregnancy symptoms and when I went to the doctor for a test they said I wasn’t pregnant and I’ve missed my period
Hi Britney,
Thank you for reaching out to Your Options Medical.
There are several reasons a woman may miss her period: stress, diet change, weight gain or loss, medication, etc.
Typically, we recommend the best time to take a pregnancy test is one week after you are due to start your period. Also, the best time to test is first thing in the morning. If the test reads negative, we recommend testing again in about one week. You may want to consider requesting a blood pregnancy test from your primary care physician or OB/GYN as these tests are more accurate at detecting pregnancy than urine tests. This way if pregnancy is ruled out, your doctor can further assess your symptoms. If symptoms persist and pregnancy tests continue to be negative, seek medical attention.
At Your Options Medical, we provide free telehealth calls with a nurse, pregnancy testing, ultrasound, and pregnancy options counseling. To schedule your confidential appointment, please call or text 508-251-9022.
Thank you, again for reaching out and please do not hesitate to contact us in the future if we can be of any further help.
Best Regards,
Gladys, RN
Hi I did a pregnancy test came bk negative but I thought I cud see a very faint lie had my blood done at hosp to cheak my level of HG and it came bk negive but I feel very sick and tiered cud I still be pregnant but very very early to tell
Hi Sarah,
Thank you for reaching out to Your Options Medical.
It is possible that you could be pregnant but very early. Typically the blood tests can detect even very early pregnancy.
Typically, we recommend the best time to take a pregnancy test is one week after you are due to start your period. Also, the best time to test is first thing in the morning. If the test reads negative, we recommend testing again in about one week. If symptoms persist and pregnancy tests continue to be negative, seek medical attention.
At Your Options Medical, we provide free telehealth calls with a nurse, pregnancy testing, ultrasound, and pregnancy options counseling. To schedule your confidential appointment, please call or text 508-251-9022.
Thank you, again for reaching out and please do not hesitate to contact us in the future if we can be of any further help.
Best Regards,
Gladys, RN
Hi, I was suppose to get my period yesterday and never did. I took a test and it was negative. I have also had sore nipples, feeling bloated and gassy for the past week. Could I be pregnant? Should I wait for more symptoms and take another test in a couple days?
Hi Crystal,
Thank you for reaching out to Your Options Medical.
To answer your question, yes it is possible you might be pregnant. Typically, we recommend the best time to take a pregnancy test is one week after you are due to start your period. Also, the best time to test is first thing in the morning. If the test reads negative, we recommend testing again in about one week. If pregnancy tests continue to be negative and symptoms persist, you may want to consider requesting a blood pregnancy test from your primary care physician or OB/GYN as these tests are more accurate at detecting pregnancy than urine tests. This way if pregnancy is ruled out, your doctor can further assess your symptoms.
At Your Options Medical, we provide free telehealth calls with a nurse, pregnancy testing, ultrasound, and pregnancy options counseling. To schedule your confidential appointment, please call or text 508-251-9022.
Thank you, again for reaching out and please do not hesitate to contact us in the future if we can be of any further help.
Best Regards,
Gladys, RN
Hello! I took the morning after pill last December 14 (which I read that can be the cause of a late period). I tested today (January 12, 2023) and it came out negative but I am now 9 days delayed. What does this mean?
Hi Maki,
Thank you for reaching out to Your Options Medical!
I cannot diagnose you. There are several reasons for a delayed period: stress, weigh gain or loss, medication (including the morning after pill). At this point, you may want to contact your doctor that way if pregnancy is ruled out, your doctor can further assess your symptoms.
At Your Options Medical, we provide free telehealth calls with a nurse, pregnancy testing, ultrasound, and pregnancy options counseling. To schedule your confidential appointment, please call or text 508-251-9022.
Thank you, again for reaching out and please do not hesitate to contact us in the future if we can be of any further help.
Best Regards,
Gladys, RN
Hello! I am now 10 days late on my period and I have taken two pregnancy tests, one couple days right after my period became late and the other a week after my missed period. Both of them say negative but I am having extremely sore breasts and way more sensitive nipples. I do experience cramping as well. Could I be pregnant?
Hi Katherine,
Thank you for reaching out to Your Options Medical.
To answer your question: yes, it is possible that you might be pregnant. At this point, you may want to consider requesting a blood pregnancy test from your primary care physician or OB/GYN as these tests are more accurate at detecting pregnancy than urine tests. This way if pregnancy is ruled out, your doctor can further assess your symptoms. If symptoms persist and pregnancy tests continue to be negative, seek medical attention.
At Your Options Medical, we provide free telehealth calls with a nurse, pregnancy testing, ultrasound, and pregnancy options counseling. To schedule your confidential appointment, please call or text 508-251-9022.
Thank you, again for reaching out and please do not hesitate to contact us in the future if we can be of any further help.
Best Regards,
Gladys, RN
Good Day
I tested positive for pregnancy on Saturday (while on my periods) and then tested twice negatively on Monday (still on my periods and experiencing pregnancy symptoms). I am so confused and sad at the same time.. I’ve booked an appointment with my gynecologist for tomorrow (Tuesday). I am so emotional and confused
Hi Dee,
Thank you for reaching out to Your Options Medical.
At this point, you may want to consider requesting a blood pregnancy test from your primary care physician or OB/GYN as these tests are more accurate at detecting pregnancy than urine tests. This way if pregnancy is ruled out, your doctor can further assess your symptoms. If symptoms persist and pregnancy tests continue to be negative, seek medical attention.
At Your Options Medical, we provide free telehealth calls with a nurse, pregnancy testing, ultrasound, and pregnancy options counseling. To schedule your confidential appointment, please call or text 508-251-9022.
Thank you, again for reaching out and please do not hesitate to contact us in the future if we can be of any further help.
Best Regards,
Gladys, RN
Hi. I had a tubal ligation 20 years ago. I’m 44 and normally have Period cycle of 28 days. I am now 2 days late and did a pregnancy test yesterday and it was negative. It was only a cheap brand. I just domy know what’s going on?
Hi Louise,
Thank you for reaching out to Your Options Medical.
There are several reasons women experience a missed / delayed period including stress, weight gain and loss, menopause, medication, etc.
Typically, we recommend the best time to take a pregnancy test is one week after you are due to start your period. Also, the best time to test is first thing in the morning. If the test reads negative, we recommend testing again in about one week. You may want to consider requesting a blood pregnancy test from your primary care physician or OB/GYN as these tests are more accurate at detecting pregnancy than urine tests. This way if pregnancy is ruled out, your doctor can further assess your symptoms. If symptoms persist and pregnancy tests continue to be negative, seek medical attention.
At Your Options Medical, we provide free telehealth calls with a nurse, pregnancy testing, ultrasound, and pregnancy options counseling. To schedule your confidential appointment, please call or text 508-251-9022.
Thank you, again for reaching out and please do not hesitate to contact us in the future if we can be of any further help.
Best Regards,
Gladys, RN
Hi. I had a tubal ligation 20 years ago. My cycle is normally bang on 28 days. I was due to start my period on 17th Jan 2023 and it didn’t come. I am now 2 days late. I did a pregnancy test yesterday (1 day after missed period) only a cheap brand and it came back negative. I have a back ache and period like symptoms but no period. I just don’t know what to think! Is it possible I could still be pregnant with a negative test. I know tubal ligation failure is rare but have read it happens. Many thanks!
Hi Louise,
Thank you for reaching out to Your Options Medical.
There are several reasons women experience a missed / delayed period including stress, weight gain and loss, menopause, medication, etc.
Typically, we recommend the best time to take a pregnancy test is one week after you are due to start your period. Also, the best time to test is first thing in the morning. If the test reads negative, we recommend testing again in about one week. You may want to consider requesting a blood pregnancy test from your primary care physician or OB/GYN as these tests are more accurate at detecting pregnancy than urine tests. This way if pregnancy is ruled out, your doctor can further assess your symptoms. If symptoms persist and pregnancy tests continue to be negative, seek medical attention.
At Your Options Medical, we provide free telehealth calls with a nurse, pregnancy testing, ultrasound, and pregnancy options counseling. To schedule your confidential appointment, please call or text 508-251-9022.
Thank you, again for reaching out and please do not hesitate to contact us in the future if we can be of any further help.
Best Regards,
Gladys, RN
Hi, iv had the bar in my arm but it expired in October. I have done so many pregnancy tests and could see faint lines on so many of them with a couple negatives aswell. I can’t get into the dr for another 2 weeks. Any ideas why I could be getting faint negatives?
Also have been having a lot of pregnancy symptoms
Hi Mia,
Thank you for reaching out to Your Options Medical.
To answer your question, it is possible you could be pregnant but may simply be very early on in the pregnancy. At this point, you may want to consider requesting a blood pregnancy test from your primary care physician or OB/GYN as these tests are more accurate at detecting pregnancy than urine tests. This way if pregnancy is ruled out, your doctor can further assess your symptoms. If symptoms persist and pregnancy tests continue to be negative, seek medical attention.
At Your Options Medical, we provide free telehealth calls with a nurse, pregnancy testing, ultrasound, and pregnancy options counseling. To schedule your confidential appointment, please call or text 508-251-9022.
Thank you, again for reaching out and please do not hesitate to contact us in the future if we can be of any further help.
Best Regards,
Gladys, RN