1. How does a pregnancy test work?

Pregnancy tests are an easy, accurate way to find out if you’re pregnant — collect your urine in a cup and dip a testing stick into the liquid or you just pee on a stick (follow instructions given in the pack). They’re not expensive and available at most drug and grocery stores.

2. How accurate are pregnancy tests?

Pregnancy tests are quite accurate when used correctly. The pregnancy tests you get at the pharmacy work 99 out of 100 times. They’re as accurate as a urine pregnancy test that you’d get at a doctor’s office.

Pregnancy tests work by checking your urine for a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG). Your body makes this hormone only if you’re pregnant. HCG is released when a fertilized egg attaches to the lining of your uterus. That is when pregnancy begins. If your pregnancy test results are positive, that means you're pregnant. If negative, it means you’re not pregnant. However, taking it after your missed period reduces the chance of getting a false-negative.

If it’s expired or if not used the correct way, a pregnancy test will be less accurate. Remember to always check the expiration date on the package, and carefully read the instructions that come with the pregnancy test.

3. How soon can I take a pregnancy test?

It is recommended that you can take a pregnancy test any time after your period is late. If you miss your period or you think you might be pregnant, it’s a good idea to take a pregnancy test as soon as possible.  
Why? The earlier you know you’re pregnant, the sooner you can start getting the care you need and thinking about your options.
Many pregnancy tests say they are accurate a few days before a missed period, but the results are usually less accurate if used at that time. Read the information given on your pregnancy test to find out the best time to take the test and how accurate it’ll be.

Sometimes a pregnancy test is able to find pregnancy hormones in your urine as early as 10 days after unprotected sex. But as these results aren’t very reliable, you may get a false positive or false negative test result.

If your periods are irregular, or you don’t get periods at all, it is advisable to take a pregnancy test 3 weeks after sex for accurate results.
 

4. Where can I get a pregnancy test?

You can buy a pregnancy test at your local pharmacy. Also from your nurse or doctor, community clinic, or FPA Sri Lanka Clinic. Sometimes a blood test is used to test for pregnancy.

5. If my pregnancy test is positive, what should I do?

If you take a pregnancy test after you miss your period and the result is positive, that means you’re pregnant. If you want, you can always repeat the test to be sure. 

You may want to go to a nurse or doctor, or FPA Sri Lanka Clinic to get a follow-up test. They are there to help you get the care you need. 
 

Learn about Pregnancy