Timing of pregnancy test with irregular periods

[eric_california]

Hello,

I am wondering about the minimum time post-intercourse that a home pregnancy test could be expected to give accurate results (in the case of irregular periods).

In the past on these message boards, I have read 10-14 days post-risk as the gold standard. The following page says at least 14 days: http://www.scarleteen.com/article/pregn ... ancy_tests

However, this page says 3 weeks are necessary for accuracte results: http://www.scarleteen.com/the_pregnancy ... _irregular

I hope this question does not violate the pregnancy question policy. I am trying to use the other resources but they have somewhat conflicting information, so I would greatly appreciate clarification. Thank you.

[Sam W]

Hi eric,

The appropriate amount of time to be taken after intercourse depends on the directions for the specific test that a person bought, so the way to know when to test is for the person testing to check the directions and determine how long after the incident they need to wait.

[eric_california]

Unfortunately I have read the instructions and it only lists the accuracy in terms of number of days from a woman’s period (e.g., 4 days before expected period, day after missed period, etc.). Because my girlfriend’s periods are irregular (they may not come for 6 months), this way of calculating has no value for us.

We are trying to figure out the number of days to wait after intercourse for an average home pregnancy test. I have seen both 14 days and 3 weeks listed on Scarleteen.

[Heather]

Personally, I’d go ahead and wait three weeks. Or, you can get a couple tests, test at 2 and redo at 3 if she still hasn’t had a period by then.