Can I Be Pregnant Despite Negative Pregnancy Test?

Posted on Mon, 7 Apr 2014

Question: I am getting all neg pregnancy tests. Including many on the low sensitivity first response early test. I am 40 days late and I am a healthy 23 year old woman with regular periods. I also always used condoms and had sex only 2 times before the first missed period. I am not trying to conceive. I have no symptoms at all. No cramps either. have also been under a lot of stress lately because of a move across state and financial issues. Could I still be pregnant?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson (2 hours later)

Brief Answer: not likely Detailed Answer: HI, thanks for using healthcare magic It is very unlikely that you are pregnant. The early sensitivity tests can pick up low levels of the HCG hormone which is produced during pregnancy. The normal pregnancy tests can normally detect this hormone by day 11 to 14 of pregnancy so the early detection kits can often pick up the hormone prior to this (exact days can vary according to test). If you done repeated tests, at least 11 to 14 days since possible conception, then the tests are likely accurate and you are not pregnant Different factors can delay periods including any emotional or physical stress or illness. They do this by altering hormonal levels. Other factors that can delay the period are: (1)inadequate diet (2)abnormal levels of thyroid hormone (3)abnormal levels of prolactin (a hormone released in the brain) (4)polycystic ovarian syndrome (a condition involving delayed periods, cysts in the ovaries) (5)extreme physical activity In light of the stress you are under, it is likely that this is the cause of the delay. You should continue using your form of contraception. The period normally restarts either on its own or with medication supplied by your doctor. I hope this helps,feel free to ask any other questions

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar