Pregnancy: General Pregnancy And Pregnancy Prevention Questions/Concerns / Question
Published: March 17, 2004
Dear TeenHealthFX,
How long after you have sex will you be able to get an accurate answer from a home pregnancy test?
Signed: How Long For Accurate Answer From Home Pregnancy Test?
Dear How Long For Accurate Answer From Home Pregnancy Test?,
It really has nothing to do with when you last had sex (although that matters!) as it does when your last period was, how long your cycle is and your ovulation schedule. Most home pregnancy test instruction kits recommend waiting until 8 - 11 days after ovulation or after the first day of your missed period.
Home Pregnancy tests can be very accurate, however if you think you are pregnant or have had unprotected sex, call a local teen health center or Planned Parenthood ASAP. If you go to the teen health center within 72 hours, you may be able to get a prescription for emergency contraception that could prevent pregnancy.
Even if you are not pregnant, but still sexually active, it is important that you go to a teen health center or Planned Parenthood. The professionals and doctors at the center can discuss safer sex (condom use and a second method of birth control like Depo-Provera or birth control pills) to prevent unplanned pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. Also, a teen health center can see you without your parent's permission and on a low/no cost basis.
If you live in Northern New Jersey, please call the Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health at (973) 971.6475. If you live outside of Northern New Jersey, call your local Planned Parenthood.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
In the 
