Is it possible to get pregnant with polycystic disease? Polycystic ovary syndrome and pregnancy

It is not so much the simplicity of the analysis mechanism as its accuracy. The exact result of the test usually depends on a large number of factors that can affect it in different ways, so only a gynecologist can confirm the presence as reliably as possible. In many cases, the reliability of the rapid test depends on the quality of the purchased product, which may differ significantly from one manufacturer to another.

The pharmacy pregnancy test must be stored in proper conditions, and its expiration date must not expire.

When purchasing an express test at a pharmacy, you must independently check the date of its manufacture, since products with an expired expiration date are likely to show an incorrect result. It is also worth considering the fact that in a pathological pregnancy, the hCG test may be negative, since the chorion in pathology produces a rather small amount of hormones, compared to a healthy pregnancy.

How to do an express test correctly without errors

When conducting a test, all conditions must be carefully observed to correctly perform the procedure. For the study, you need fresh morning urine and dry, clean dishes, as well as compliance with the time intervals specified in the instructions. In addition, you should not waste extra time waiting for the appearance or disappearance.

A few minutes after the expiration of the specified period, the analysis result is already considered invalid.

Also, the result of an express pregnancy test can be influenced by a woman’s nutrition and the functional state of certain organs of the female body, and primarily the kidneys. If the day before the test a woman drank a lot of liquid or watermelon, the test result is due to too much urine. This is due to the fact that the test reacts to the concentration of hormones in the urine, which in this case will be underestimated.

If the result is negative, and there is no menstruation, you need to examine the urine for the presence of protein, since it can distort the accuracy of the analysis. It is also necessary to donate blood to test the level of the pregnancy hormone, since an initial ultrasound examination may sometimes not show the presence of a fetus.

There are several types of pregnancy tests, each of which has its own disadvantages and advantages. Meanwhile, a pregnancy test should not only be convenient, but also accurate.

Instructions

Absolutely all pregnancy tests work on the same principle: they determine the “pregnancy hormone” in a woman’s urine. It is called human chorionic hormone, or hCG, and begins to be produced from the first day of pregnancy. All tests contain reagents that can recognize this hormone. Therefore, the accuracy of the test is determined by its sensitivity. The sensitivity of the test is measured in special units - mIU/ml - milli international units in 1 milliliter.

There are three types of pregnancy tests: strip, cassette and inkjet tests. Strip tests, or test strips as they are also called, are the simplest option. They are a narrow strip of paper, one end of which is soaked in a reagent. The sensitivity of these tests is relatively low, so it is recommended to use them from the moment of delay. The inconvenience of using them is that the urine for the test needs to be collected in a container, and it will be better if the urine is morning, because it contains the highest concentration of hormones. A test strip is lowered into a fresh sample of urine to the specified level and left for the required time. Next, the strip is laid out on a dry horizontal surface, and after a few minutes the result is assessed. The holding time of the test in the urine sample and the time after which the result must be assessed are observed according to the instructions for the test. The disadvantage of such tests is that they are insensitive - they detect hCG at a concentration of 20 mIU/ml or higher, and this concentration is achieved at 2-3 weeks of pregnancy. In addition, these strips are often used because they can cross-react with other female sex hormones. But these tests are cheap, which makes them quite popular among consumers.

From the article you will learn about all types of pregnancy tests, their accuracy, and also learn how to use each of them.

Are your periods late? This is a reason to find out if you are in an “interesting situation.” The most accessible, and most importantly, anonymous way to detect conception is to conduct a home pregnancy test.

Or maybe you are looking forward to a positive result about conception? And here a simple device that can be purchased at any pharmacy will help you.

How to use a pregnancy test correctly? Determining pregnancy by test

Incorrect use of the strip can show an erroneous result in either the affirmative or negative direction. Therefore, be sure to carefully read the insert that comes in the box to carry out the procedure according to all the rules.

How does a home pregnancy test work? Any type of strip shows the amount of hCG - human chorionic gonadotropin - in a woman’s urine. This substance is produced by the placenta only after successful conception. Immediately from the moment of fertilization of the egg, the level of hCG increases rapidly, and approximately 14 days after conception it reaches the level at which it can be detected using a test strip.

A home pregnancy test has a number of advantages compared to going to the doctor:

complete confidentiality of the received data
simplicity of the procedure
answer accuracy within 100%
determination of conception at the earliest stages

IMPORTANT: Most tests are a strip that must be lowered into a container with urine to the desired level. Keep such a strip in the container for no more than 20 seconds.

Here are some tips on how to properly conduct the test at home:

Due to its concentration, it is the first morning urine that contains more of the necessary hormone for diagnosing pregnancy. Therefore, performing the procedure in the morning increases the accuracy of the test.
If you are impatient to find out the results in the afternoon or evening, use a more concentrated portion for the procedure - urine that has been in the bladder for more than 3 hours
Various tests require dipping into a container of urine, placing it under a stream of water, or using just a drop.
Read the instructions for the device you purchased to use it correctly
Some medications may change test results. Ask your doctor about the effects of certain medications. Although such information is correctly stated in the instructions for the device
You don't need a large container of urine, 30 ml is enough
Do not shake the urine before using the test, and do not place it in the refrigerator or other cold or warm place.
Carry out the procedure with fresh urine
Make sure that the containers that contain urine are sterile

Which is the best pregnancy test to buy?

Pregnancy tests differ in the way urine is applied to the device, but the principle of operation is the same for all. Any device designed to diagnose conception measures the level of hCG in the urine
Depending on the type, the cost of tests also varies. We will tell you about the pros and cons of each type of device to make it easier for you when choosing at the pharmacy
The most common device is test strips, or strip test. They are a strip of paper with a mark up to which they must be lowered into a bowl with a portion of urine. The paper is impregnated with a special reagent, which will show one trait in the absence of pregnancy and 2 traits in the case of successful conception.

IMPORTANT: The first line is a test line and indicates that the device is working. If after the procedure not a single line appears, it means that you have a damaged test in your hands; it will not show the correct result.

This type of device also has disadvantages:

Compared to other tests, which need to be placed under a stream or use just a drop of urine, the strip test requires the use of utensils, which is not always convenient
The sensitivity of the device is lower than others, so only the morning portion of urine is best suited for it
The reagent of such a test is applied to paper, and the accuracy of its concentration may suffer, which is why test strips are considered the least reliable

Tablet tests have a higher responsiveness to hCG levels, which for some brands reaches 10 mIU. This is a test strip, which is placed in a special plastic tablet with 2 slots.

It is more convenient to use than a strip strip, since all the items needed for the procedure are included in the kit. Using the pipette that comes with the device, drop a drop of urine into one slot.

Literally after 2-3 minutes you will see the result in another window. The reagent with which the strip is impregnated in the area of the second window of the tablet will become colored if pregnancy is detected.

Advantages of a tablet device:

No need to use additional items to check
Aesthetic appearance
High sensitivity, which allows you to use the tablet before the strip strip
More reliable result compared to a test strip
Tablets are used by doctors for professional diagnostics

Jet test so named based on the principle of application. To get an answer, you need to place it under a stream of urine.

An inkjet device is more reliable than a strip or tablet, so it can be used at a very early stage of pregnancy. Thanks to its sensitivity, you will need any amount of urine, not necessarily the very first one in the morning.

IMPORTANT: The main advantage of the jet test is the ability to use it in almost any conditions, including if you are not at home, but away.

Such devices are incomparably more expensive than conventional strips, but they are easy to use, convenient, and accurate. The answer to an important question awaits you within 60 seconds after urine hits the strip.

Electronic tests for pregnancy - the most convenient to use, the most reliable, and also the most expensive. Externally, it is a plastic case with a liquid crystal screen, in which you will see the desired result.

The main advantage of such a test is that you will not have a reason to fantasize whether the second trait has manifested itself or is it just your imagination. An hourglass will be clearly indicated on the screen of the digital device, which represents the serviceability of the device. You can immerse the test in a container of urine or place it under a stream of water
If the answer is yes, after a minute a plus sign or the word “pregnant” will appear on the screen; if the answer is negative, a minus sign or “not pregnant” will appear on the screen.
No speculation, as in the case of a strip strip, can arise after receiving this data. Added to all the advantages of the device is its reusability.

IMPORTANT: To get a reliable result, use two or more pregnancy tests.

When to take a pregnancy test after conception?

The sensitivity of the test is measured in international units per ml (mIU/ml). The average responsiveness of tests is 20-25 mIU/ml. The lower this number, the earlier after conception pregnancy can be diagnosed.

Thus, devices with a mark of 10 mIU/ml have the highest responsiveness. With their help, you can find out about pregnancy already on the 7th day after conception, if, of course, you know the day of conception. At the same stage, a clinical analysis is performed to diagnose fertilization.

IMPORTANT: No home device will tell you the gestational age. All tests are aimed only at determining whether conception has occurred or not.

Test strips, the sensitivity of which reaches 20-25 mIU/ml, will show the correct result only 10-14 days after conception.

Video: How many weeks after intercourse can you take a pregnancy test?

From what day of delay can a pregnancy test be taken?

Even if you know the exact day of conception, it is best to carry out the home diagnostic procedure from the moment of the delay.

Strips with a responsiveness of 20-25 mIU/ml can be used from the first day of the delay. But even more responsive ones with a mark of 10 mIU/ml on the package can diagnose pregnancy even before the delay - already a week after the expected conception.

Why is there not a single line on the pregnancy test?

A test strip is a piece of paper soaked in a special substance that, when it comes into contact with urine, shows one or two pink, sometimes red lines.
Whatever the result, you will definitely see the first pink line. It appears, as a rule, already half a minute after contact with urine and means that the test is not defective and is suitable for diagnosis
The second line appears after about 3 minutes and indicates successful fertilization of the egg

If you do not see a single strip, this may mean the following:

The device has expired. Check on the packaging until what date this particular test is valid. If it is truly expired, purchase a new copy and repeat the procedure
The test is defective. This doesn't happen often, but it is still possible. To be on the safe side, buy strips from a different brand at the pharmacy and repeat the procedure.
You performed the diagnostic session incorrectly. The test may give a negative answer or show nothing at all if you keep the strip in the container for too little or too long

Pregnancy test after alcohol

A woman may drink alcohol without knowing that a fetus is developing inside her. A logical question arises: how does alcohol affect the amount of the hormone in the body and will the test lie if there was a feast the day before?
There is a misconception that ethanol, which is part of alcohol, can lead to a false result of the procedure
In fact, it does not affect the level of the “pregnancy hormone” in any way. And even if you drank alcohol the day before, the test will give a reliable answer if you carried it out according to all the rules

IMPORTANT: Despite all of the above, it should be borne in mind that alcohol is strictly prohibited by doctors during pregnancy, especially in the early stages when the embryo develops.

Can a pregnancy test detect a false pregnancy?

In rare cases, the test may show a false pregnancy when in fact no conception has occurred.

A fairly common situation when a device makes a mistake is that it has expired or is defective. If the test is damaged, initially defective or expired, you may well see a second line, even if you are not pregnant. This is why doctors recommend performing 2 or 3 procedures at once to ensure the result.
Often, women are so expecting to see a positive result that a faint hint of a second line is mistaken for evidence of pregnancy. If the procedure is carried out correctly, the second stripe should appear quite clearly
It turns out that the level of hCG can increase not only due to the attachment of the embryo to the uterus. It can also increase due to a cyst or tumor in the body. However, the test that detects an increase in hCG levels does not determine the cause of this and produces 2 strips on the device. Interestingly, even in men, the test can show a false pregnancy if their hCG level is increased due to a tumor
Today, hormonal drugs are known that contain hCG. They are taken for infertility. While taking these medications, the test can also diagnose fertilization even if it has not actually occurred.

Are pregnancy tests accurate?

On average, gynecologists estimate the accuracy of pregnancy tests to be 97%. The accuracy of the particular device you purchase depends on its type, as well as the brand. Depending on the brand and type of test, the price of the device in the pharmacy also varies.
As a rule, for the initial determination of pregnancy, girls and women choose the most affordable option - test strips. However, their accuracy leaves much to be desired. Many consumers complain about false results or the absence of any strips, which indicates the unsuitability of this device for diagnosing pregnancy
The most accurate means available are inkjet pregnancy tests. The most accurate ones are digital ones. After all, you can use an electronic device as many times as you like and be absolutely sure of the result it will show.

IMPORTANT: For the most reliable determination of pregnancy, gynecologists invite you for analysis.

What is the expiration date for pregnancy tests?

As for the expiration date of pregnancy tests, it is different for each brand. Please read the instrument's instructions for use carefully and ensure that your specific test is not expired.

As a rule, manufacturers indicate on the packaging the date of manufacture, as well as the period and storage conditions. By the way, a device that has been stored incorrectly can show the same false results as a test that has expired.

There are a few things to consider before undertaking a home fertilization test:

Do not forget that for various reasons the device can show a false result: both false positive and false negative. Stock up on several tests at once to be sure of the result.
Do not rule out the first symptoms of fertilization
Carry out the procedure in the morning
Use only fresh urine for the procedure.
The longer the pregnancy, the more accurate the results will be. Even the most responsive test will not show fertilization before the 7th day from the moment of conception
Do not use expired or visibly damaged appliances
Make sure that no foreign elements get into the dishes. The same applies to the strip itself: it must be dry and clean.
Carry out a home test according to all points of the instructions for it
Do not touch the area of the test strip that is saturated with reagent with your fingers.
The correct result is not affected by alcohol, medications (excluding hormonal drugs) and contraceptives, lactation, menopause, poor health

Video: How to use a pregnancy test correctly?

You don’t yet know that you’re expecting a baby, you don’t even think about it, and your body has already begun producing human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone secreted during pregnancy. It begins to be produced not just in the first days - in the first hours of pregnancy, its amount doubles daily, increasing several thousand times by 7-11 weeks, then gradually decreases until the day of birth. All home pregnancy tests are based on the determination of hCG in urine.

What tests are there?

Determination of hCG in urine is less sensitive, especially during ectopic pregnancy. In this case, the test may become positive a little later. If determining pregnancy in very early stages is very important for you, then you need to contact a medical institution, where they will do a more sensitive and accurate test by analyzing the content of hCG in the blood. For home use, test strips or test cassettes that determine the hormone content in urine are also quite suitable. In any case, they can give a very definite answer to the main question: yes or no?

Many companies produce home pregnancy tests; at the time of publication, the most expensive test that could be found in a pharmacy was offered by the German company Reckitt Benckiser Healthcare - for the jet test (you do not need to lower it into a container for collecting urine, just wet it) Evitest Supreme I'll have to post it 310 rub. 40 kopecks. At the other end of the scale is a test cassette "Know now optima" from the Canadian company "Salyuta" - good news will cost you only 30 rub. 50 kopecks.

How to do the analysis correctly?

In pharmacies you can find two types of tests: jet tests (as the name suggests, you can simply place them under a stream of urine) and test strips, which need to be placed in a container with urine. The instructions for use and development time are different for all tests, so carefully follow the instructions on the package.

” Please note that midstream tests (for use in a stream of urine) can also be used as a regular test (i.e., dipped into a container of urine). But test strips cannot be used in a stream of urine!

Urine should be collected in a clean glass, plastic or waxed container; no preservatives should be added. If the test or urine was stored in the refrigerator, it should be allowed to warm to room temperature before analysis, and frozen samples should be completely thawed, mixed thoroughly and warmed to room temperature (do not use a stove or microwave for this!)

How long should you save urine before taking a pregnancy test?

The concentration of hCG in urine is not constant throughout the day and depends on how often you urinate and how much fluid you drink. The most concentrated urine is the first one in the morning, and it is best to use it. But in principle, even if you are tested early, it is enough not to urinate for 4 hours before the test. The higher the level of hCG in the body, the shorter this time. If for any reason the test cannot be performed immediately after urine collection, the urine should be stored in the refrigerator (no more than 48 hours) or in the freezer (no more than 2 weeks) until the test is performed. When conducting the test for a very short period of time, it is important to take into account the amount of water you drank the day before.

” Let's assume that the urine already contains 10-15 mME/ml necessary for determination, when the test would show at least a weak, but second line. But if you drink half a liter of water in the morning, then hCG will simply be “lost” in the urine: its concentration is already 5 mME/ml and naturally, the test “does not see it”.

And although some tests say that you can do them at any time of the day, it is better to do them in the morning and not drink a lot of liquid.

What mistakes should you avoid when taking a pregnancy test?

Do not touch the reaction zone of the test with your hands.

The test must not be exposed to moisture or dirt before analysis.

The test cannot be used after the expiration date.

Of course, you should not allow foreign substances to get into your urine sample!

Strictly follow the instructions included with the test.

Where should the second strip be located? Does its brightness matter?

On test strips of the simplest design, the top strip is a control strip, and the bottom strip indicates the presence of hCG. There are tests in which the control strip forms a minus sign “-”, and the second, in the presence of hCG, forms a plus sign “+” with it. In more complex test designs, each strip has its own window, and it is impossible to make a mistake.

” The brightness of the second strip does not matter; the fact of its presence is important.

The strip, regardless of the intensity of the color, must be located at some distance from the absorbent pad (or the edge of the window) and have clear edges. If instead of a clear line you see a pink spot, the test is invalid and it is better to repeat it in a few days.

Can pregnancy test readings change over time, say an hour after the test?

The positive result will not change: both stripes will remain colored as they were. On a negative result, a faint second line may appear after 10 minutes or more as water evaporates and dye is released (called an evaporation line). This, of course, does not mean that hCG suddenly appeared from somewhere. Therefore, results obtained later than 5-7 minutes are invalid. A negative result will not become positive either after 10 minutes or after an hour; the second strip should appear within the time indicated on the test package (usually 3-5 minutes). However, if you have any doubts, it is better to repeat the test after a few days.

Can alcohol, medications, etc. affect test results?

Alcohol, medications, lactation, menopause do not affect the test results. The only exception is medications containing hCG. After the last use of such medications, you must wait 10-14 days, otherwise the test result will be false positive. Two quantitative determinations of hCG can be done in the laboratory with an interval of 2-3 days: a noticeable increase in the level of hCG in the second analysis compared to the first indicates pregnancy, while a decrease in the level indicates that the hCG administered with the medicine is excreted from the body.

Increased hCG levels in men and non-pregnant women

A number of diseases also cause an increase in the level of human chorionic gonadotropin:

chorionic carcinoma, recurrence of chorionic carcinoma;

hydatidiform mole, relapse of hydatidiform mole;

seminoma;

testicular teratoma;

neoplasms of the gastrointestinal tract (including colorectal cancer);

neoplasms of the lungs, kidneys, uterus, etc.

As mentioned above, taking medications containing hCG also affects the test result. The result will also be inaccurateresearch conducted within 4-5 days after abortion.

Reduced hCG levels in pregnant women

A pregnant woman may have reduced levels human chorionic gonadotropin if there are problems with pregnancy. Of course, this cannot be determined quantitatively with home tests, but laboratory analysis can showalarming changes in hCG levels:

discrepancy with the gestational age,
extremely slow increase or no increase in concentration,
a progressive decrease in level, more than 50% of the norm.

This may be due to the following reasons:

ectopic pregnancy;

non-developing pregnancy;

threat of interruption (hormone levels decrease progressively by more than 50% of normal);

chronic placental insufficiency;

true post-term pregnancy;

antenatal fetal death (in the II-III trimesters).

Ectopic pregnancy

” Attention! A pregnancy test does not allow you to distinguish a normal pregnancy from a pathological one (for example, an ectopic one)!

If a woman has experienced frequent inflammatory processes in the area of the appendages (tubes and ovaries), partial obstruction of the tubes is possible. In this case, the advancing fertilized egg may implant in the tube, leading to the development of an ectopic (tubal) pregnancy. Considering that the study of hCG in the blood can be carried out within a few hours, it is possible to determine the presence of pregnancy at a very early stage (there is nowhere earlier!) and, by further monitoring the condition, to carry out surgical treatment of a developing ectopic pregnancy before the development of critical consequences. Sometimes it is even possible to save the fallopian tube.

Important to remember!

Each organism is individual. Conception does not always occur during sexual intercourse - it depends on the time of ovulation, the lifespan of the egg and the activity of sperm. The test may not always detect pregnancy, even if you use it as recommended by the manufacturer. If you have any doubts, be sure to contact your gynecologist!

Not long ago you had unprotected sexual intercourse, and you are seriously afraid of the possibility of a completely unplanned pregnancy, and the need to go to the doctor, and publicity, which is completely undesirable in your situation. You are tormented by doubts, and you fearfully count the days until the next menstruation begins. And then this day comes, but, oh, horror!, menstruation does not come. And it already seems to you that nausea haunts you in the morning, the usual actions of others cause irritation, and some smells are simply unbearable. The mammary glands seem heavy, and long lectures at the institute are problematic due to the frequent urge to urinate. All these sensations may be present during pregnancy, but it may also be that the problem of your well-being is completely different.

Often, many women, in the event of pregnancy, note only a delay in menstruation without any other changes in well-being.

But menstruation did not occur on the estimated day. For some, this is joy, but for others, it is necessary to maintain complete decency, at least until the first critical moment - a trip to the doctor.

To clarify the situation, there are simple, accessible, “home” methods that can relieve anxiety about an unwanted pregnancy and give you the opportunity to start living a fulfilling life, not overshadowed by unnecessary doubts.

And if the test result turns out to be threatening, home self-diagnosis will help you put aside false fear and shame and immediately consult a specialist doctor, having a preliminary diagnosis in hand.

Of course, no method provides a 100% guarantee, and a final conclusion can only be obtained after examination and additional examination, but there is a lot available to the available methods.

So, on the expected day, menstruation did not occur.

Then, in the evening, prepare a medical thermometer and a jar of cream and place them in a place that you can reach without rising high and, especially, without getting out of bed.

In the morning, waking up, without getting out of bed, lubricate the tip of the thermometer with cream, insert it into the rectum to a depth of 2 cm and measure the temperature for 10 minutes.

If the temperature consistently exceeds 37 degrees for several days in a row, this indicates a possible pregnancy. But it only speaks in favor! The same increase in temperature can be observed with menstrual irregularities, when the corpus luteum in the ovary remains active for a long time. In this case, there will also be no menstruation, but you remember that, in addition to everything else, you also had unprotected sexual intercourse.

If on one of the days when your rectal temperature is measured it drops sharply below 37 degrees, expect the onset of menstruation.

You measure your temperature for 3-4 days, but it still remains above 37 degrees. Then you can use the test for early diagnosis of pregnancy.

Most tests on the market today detect pregnancy on the first day of your missed period, so you can skip the step of measuring rectal temperature.

The simplicity and ease of use of such a test allows you to get results without equipment or special skills. Minimal costs for purchasing the test in a pharmacy, saving time on conducting the examination, the objectivity of the test and its reliability up to 92-95%, and most importantly, anonymity and independence, when no prior medical consultation or doctor’s prescription is required, will allow you to timely, which is no less important for choosing a subsequent method of terminating the pregnancy, getting the result at home in a matter of minutes, and depending on this result, decide: see a doctor to terminate the pregnancy or continue enjoying life: either with or without pregnancy.

The most accurate and reliable information about the presence of short-term pregnancy can be obtained by determining the content of certain hormones and proteins in the examined women: progesterone, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), trophoblastic beta globulin, etc.

To diagnose early pregnancy at home, only the determination of hCG in urine is available. For this purpose, special test strips are used that make it possible to determine the presence of hCG in a woman’s urine. Please note, only the “fact of presence”, but not the pregnancy itself.

Of course, if you are gynecologically healthy, you had unprotected sexual intercourse and suddenly (just like that after it) your menstruation was delayed - the detection of hCG will with great certainty indicate that pregnancy has occurred.

But since hCG is produced by any type of trophoblastic tissue, in some cases this hormone may be present in the urine of non-pregnant women when they develop diseases such as hydatidiform mole and choriocarcinoma (including those originating from the ovaries), which are stages of malignant tumors that produce hCG. In this case, the pregnancy test may give a weakly positive (doubtful) result.

Also, ectopic secretion of hCG can be observed with tumors of the stomach and pancreas, but in this case the amount of secreted hCG is so small that it is difficult to determine when performing home pregnancy tests. It’s difficult, but it’s possible that it’s possible!

Remember also that hCG will be present in both uterine and ectopic (tubal) forms of pregnancy, which, with further development, leads to rupture of the fallopian tube, heavy intra-abdominal bleeding and, without urgent surgical treatment, death.

In an ectopic form of pregnancy, the test may also show a weakly positive result or, with all signs of pregnancy (nausea, reaction to smells, etc.), be positive only in 50% of cases. Therefore, in doubtful cases, it is recommended to repeat the test after a few days, because a developing pregnancy (and accordingly the placenta) increases the level of hCG in the blood every day, which, like all hormones circulating in the blood, inevitably ends up in the urine.

HCG in the blood doubles every two days. When the threshold level of hCG is reached, intrauterine pregnancy is detected by ultrasound. If there is no embryo in the uterine cavity, an ectopic pregnancy can be assumed.

However, let's return to the possibilities of diagnosing early pregnancy using home remedies..

In a normal pregnancy, hCG is produced by the normally developing placenta. In addition to hCG, other hormones are present in a woman’s body, in particular luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), etc.

All these hormones are classified as glycoproteins due to their almost identical structures. Like all glycoprotein hormones (LH, FSH, TSH), human chorionic gonadotropin produced by the placenta consists of two subunits, two parts - alpha and beta, and in biological and immunological properties it is very close to LH produced by the pituitary gland. Apart from very slight differences in the structure of these hormones, we can say that their alpha subunits are identical, and their beta subunits have a high level of homology (up to 80% for hCG and LH). Therefore, there is a significant immunological crossover between these hormones, which significantly complicates the determination of hCG.

At the same time (well, there must be some difference!), in the C-terminal region of the beta subunit of the hCG molecule there is a section of the amno acid sequence that has no homology with any of the gonadotropic hormones.

Antibodies have been obtained to this region of the hCG beta subunit (which has no homology) and to the hCG beta subunit itself (which has up to 80% homology with LH). Based on these antibodies, methods for determining the hormone in blood and urine have been proposed.

Currently on the domestic market there are test strips for diagnosing early pregnancy based on the determination of the beta subunit of hCG itself in urine. And since this subunit is partially homologous to LH, false positive results are possible during the test.

There are tests to determine the hCG region that does not have homology with LH. But they are not represented on the domestic market, because...

Pregnancy test

The effect of an early pregnancy test is based on the determination of a specific pregnancy hormone - human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which begins to be produced 1 day after implantation (attachment) of a fertilized egg to the wall of the uterus.

The maturation of the egg and its release from the ovary (ovulation) occurs approximately 14 days before the onset of menstruation in a 28-day menstrual cycle.

Fertilization of this egg is possible within about 3-4 days. According to various authors, fertilization periods can range from 12-24 hours to 7 days.

The survival of sperm in the female genital tract depends largely on the properties of the seminal fluid. Sperm motility lasts longer than their ability to fertilize.

After fertilization, the egg moves through the fallopian tube into the uterine cavity. Transportation of the embryo towards the uterus continues for 5-6 days. Having reached the uterine cavity, the fertilized egg remains in a free state for some time and on the 6-7th day of the intrauterine period attaches (“sticks”) to the endometrial epithelium, after which it begins to actively penetrate the uterine mucosa (implanted).

From this moment, pregnancy begins to develop, which is reflected by the production of the pregnancy hormone - human chorionic gonadotropin.

Thus, a few days before the expected menstruation, traces of hCG appear in the body, which can be determined in urine using home methods from the 1st day of missed menstruation.

But in fact, during normal pregnancy, hCG begins to be produced by the primitive trophoblast much earlier, only its concentration in the body is so low that a home test cannot determine it. Of course, it is possible to find single molecules of the hormone, but the reliability of such a determination will be extremely low.

In medical institutions, hCG is determined in the blood, detecting pregnancy several days before the expected menstruation, because The sensitivity of the "blood" method is much higher.

If a woman has experienced frequent inflammation in the area of the appendages (tubes and ovaries), partial obstruction of the tubes is possible. In this case, the advancing fertilized egg may implant in the tube, leading to the development of an ectopic (tubal) pregnancy. Considering that the study of hCG in the blood can be carried out within a few hours, it is possible to determine the presence of pregnancy at a very early stage (there is nowhere earlier!) and, by further monitoring the condition, to carry out surgical treatment of a developing ectopic pregnancy before the development of critical consequences. Sometimes it is even possible to save the fallopian tube.

The reliability of a home test depends on various reasons:

The quality of the test itself. Products from different companies may vary significantly
Shelf life of the test, conditions and place of its storage. It is believed that in most cases the test can be trusted, provided that it is purchased at a pharmacy.
Pregnancy status. During a pregnancy on the verge of miscarriage, hCG will be produced much less than during a normally developing pregnancy.
Test conditions: the study must be carried out using the morning portion of urine, in which the maximum content of the hormone is observed; The test must be assessed within the time interval specified in the instructions.
Additional circumstances. The content of hCG in the urine is affected by your diet and the functional state of your kidneys.

If you drank a lot of liquid the night before, or ate watermelon, or are taking diuretics (diuretics), the concentration of hormones in your urine will be too low for the test to “not notice” them.
If you have protein in your urine (even if you don't know anything about it), the test may give an incorrect result.
If you were administered hCG for the purpose of inducing ovulation (drugs Profasi, Pregnil) or to maintain the luteal phase, then traces of this hormone may remain in your body for 10 days after the last dose of the drug, and, accordingly, the pregnancy test may give a false positive result.
Also, the level of hCG can be determined several weeks after a normal birth, cesarean section, spontaneous or medical abortion, and in other cases mentioned above.

As a result, you can get incorrect information, in both directions: there is no pregnancy, but the test seems to be positive. Or: there is a pregnancy, but the test is still negative. Both can be a source of great distress.

The following will help reduce the likelihood of test misinterpretation::

If a woman is sexually active and has unprotected sex, pregnancy is always possible
A delay in the next menstruation, especially a slight one, may be a sign of ovarian dysfunction, which periodically occurs in practically healthy women. Therefore, a delay in menstruation does not mean pregnancy.
Strictly follow the instructions included with the test
After completing the test, read the instructions again to make sure everything was done correctly
If a negative result is obtained, if menstruation has not occurred, it is recommended to repeat the test.
Remember that every body is individual. Conception does not always occur during sexual intercourse. This depends on the time of ovulation, the lifespan of the egg and the duration of sperm activity. Therefore, it is not always possible to determine pregnancy within the periods indicated above, as a result of which repeated research is required.
The concentration of hCG in the body begins to be produced by the developing placenta soon after conception and in the first weeks of pregnancy the level of hCG doubles daily, reaching a maximum at the end of the first trimester of pregnancy (90 days), and then gradually decreases until the day of birth. Based on this, in doubtful cases when diagnosing early pregnancy, perform the test 2-3 more times after 3-7 days.
Determination of hCG in urine is less sensitive, especially during ectopic pregnancy. In this case, the test may become positive a little later.

Test quality and...

Despite the external differences between the tests, they are based on the reaction of determining the beta subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin in the urine.

At the pharmacy you buy an envelope containing a strip strip with a reagent applied to it in the test and control areas. Some test strips are packaged with a moisture absorber bag (this is not used in testing). In addition, tests in a cassette, tests in a cassette with a cap, and tests in a cassette with a pipette are sold.

Using the morning urine sample, you carry out a test according to the attached instructions. If hCG is present in the urine, the reaction products reveal a clear colored line in the test zone, which suggests the presence of pregnancy. If the sample does not contain hCG, the line does not appear in the test zone.

To date, 6 domestic and 23 foreign manufacturers of test strips for determining pregnancy are registered with the Department of State Control of Medicines and Medical Equipment

Domestic producers
Test name	Manufacturer
One-stage test "hCG-express-ICA"	"Progressive Bio-Medical Technologies, Ltd."
HCG-ICA-EACS strip	"EAKS"
Set of reagents "BIOCARDHCG"	"Dialat Ltd"
HCG-ICA-RECIPI strip	"Recipi"
HCG-ICA-VERA strip	"FACTOR-MED"
HCG-ICA-EACS strip	"PHARMA-TEST"
Foreign manufacturers
Test "Seratec Test" and "Seratec Direct Test"	SERATEC Ges. f.Biotechnologie (Germany)
BEE-SURE-S	Syntron Bioresearch, Inc. (USA)
"EVE"	MILTOM Inc. (USA)
Diagnostic system "BBtest"	Veda. Lab. France (France)
"Frautest"	HumanGmbH (Germany)
Home test "Uni-GoldtmHCGStrip"	Trinity Biotech plc (Ireland)
Touo test cassette, Touo test strip	Sahkale (Türkiye)
"Clearblue"	Unipas Ltd. (Great Britain)
Pregnancy test	Biotech Atlantic TRP Inc (USA)
Test system Dipstrip-Atalev	Atalev (1992) Ltd (Israel)
Quick Stick test system	Phamatech (USA)
Test "Ministrip" ("Gravitest hCG")	International Newtech Development Inc. (Canada)
LifeSign 1	Princeton BioMeditech Corporation (USA)
B-Control (mod. Standard, Comfort, Deluxe)	Little Doctor International (S) Pte Ltd (Republic of Singapore)
"BEE-SURE"	DRG International Inc. (USA)
Inital Pregnancy Gold Gel Reagent	W.H.P.M. BIORESEARCH & TECHNOLOGY CO. LND (China)
Reagent kits for rapid diagnosis of pregnancy	HumanGmbH (Germany)
"Clear TestTM"	Avalos Resources Ltd (USA)
HCG strip	KAT Medical (Pty) Ltd (South Africa)
"QUIK SURE"	Bulgaria
"KNOW NOW" "KNOW NOW PLUS"	LEB International (LLC) (USA)
"BB-test"	Laboratoire Innotech International (France)
"Babycheck-1"	Veda Lab (France)

According to the Department of State Control of Medicines and Medical Equipment, medical products of transnational corporations with production branches in different countries are registered by the Russian Ministry of Health at the place of production, therefore, for example, Babycheck-1 test strips (manufacturer VedaLab) can be both French and American made.

The sensitivity of these tests makes it possible to detect hCG in concentrations of 100 IU, which, according to manufacturers, should provide diagnosis of pregnancy from the first day of expected but not occurring menstruation. Testing can be done at any time (but it is recommended to use the first morning urine, as this is where the concentration of hCG is highest).

However, it must be remembered that all test strips for express diagnosis of early pregnancy, available on the domestic market, detect human chorionic gonadotropin, which can be detected not only in the presence of pregnancy, as mentioned above, but also in other cases. Therefore, women planning to carry a pregnancy need to consult a specialist as soon as possible after the test.

Those wishing to terminate a pregnancy should consult a doctor as early as possible. Up to 42 days of delay in menstruation, it is possible to perform a medical abortion (you take a pill and menstruation occurs), which significantly reduces the frequency of complications observed during a mini-abortion (by vacuum aspiration) or a conventional abortion (by curettage of the uterine cavity), and also allows maintain decency in front of others, due to the absence of the need for hospitalization.

However, the pill must be taken under the supervision of a doctor. Each method has its own specific indications and contraindications, and taking the pill, especially to terminate a pregnancy, is no exception.

For those who like to self-medicate: taking such a pill can cause incomplete abortion, which is very fraught with its consequences. You will definitely have to see a doctor, but only with big problems for yourself personally. Maybe it went well for some people, but it doesn’t happen once in a while. It's not worth the risk.

…prices

The cheapest test strips on the Russian market are domestically produced pregnancy test strips. On average, their price ranges from 12 to 15 rubles. The products of some foreign manufacturers are in the same price category, which means they are also available to the average consumer.

The most expensive tests on the Russian market are the British ClearBlue tests (from 180 to 218 rubles). As pharmacy workers testify, their prices are dictated by the high quality of their products. These tests are more sensitive than other test strips that require only morning urine, provide results in one minute and can be used at any time of the day. In addition, the packaging is a sealed case, inside which the test strip is placed. But there are other opinions about the products of this manufacturer: “Tests from the British company Clearblue are much more expensive than Frautest, but they are not much different in quality” (c)

Among Western manufacturers, the leading company in popularity is Vedalab, which produces “Babycheck-1” test strips (France). However, its accuracy does not exceed 50-60%. It is believed that the quality of the German tests "Frautest" (Germany) is better.

The highest accuracy (up to 80%) is obtained by tests in a cassette with a cap. The cap allows the hCG to give a more accurate reaction. But: tests in a cassette with a cap are usually more expensive.

Domestic test strips are significantly inferior to German and American ones. It is believed that in Russia there is only one worthy manufacturer - “Progressive Bio-Medical Technologies” (test strips “Be Sure”). (c)

A pregnancy test is an easy way to determine pregnancy today. With its help, you can find out about the onset of pregnancy even before the delay begins, because today tests are offered with varying degrees of sensitivity. To obtain a reliable result, you need to understand all the intricacies of home rapid pregnancy diagnostics.

What is a pregnancy test?

A few weeks after conception, the body begins to secrete a hormone - human chorionic gonadotropin or hCG. This occurs after the embryo attaches to the uterus. With each subsequent day, the content of hCG in the blood and urine increases, reaching a maximum value by 8-9 weeks.

Sensitivity to this hormone is the basis for determining pregnancy using a test. Its onset is signaled by two strips impregnated with a special substance. One of them turns bright red after contact with any liquid, and the second only when immersed in urine, which contains a certain level of hCG.

Probability of correct result

The accuracy of the information obtained when using a pregnancy test is 97.5%. At the same time, the result is affected by compliance with the instructions for its use and following certain rules.

When can I do a pregnancy test?

As a rule, manufacturers of pregnancy tests recommend that they be carried out no earlier than the first day of the delay. This is due to the fact that hCG is not yet detectable in urine. With a regular menstrual cycle, a mature egg is released in the middle. If the cycle is 30 days, then this will be day 15. Fertilization occurs only over the next two days. The egg that has merged with the sperm moves to the place of attachment in the uterus for another 5 days.

Therefore, hCG will begin to be released approximately on the 22nd day of the cycle, and at first in small quantities. At this time, only a blood test can determine its presence. It will appear in urine a little later. With an irregular cycle, a woman herself can determine the day of ovulation using special tests and measurements. To this day, another 12 are added, and then you can take a blood test for the level of hCG, and it will begin to be detected in the urine approximately 15 days after the expected ovulation.

Types of pregnancy tests

In pharmacies you can find a wide range of pregnancy tests, differing in price and stated level of sensitivity. Each manufacturer promises the most accurate result, so you should understand how they differ from each other:

Strip test or a paper strip known to many, on which there is a layer with antibodies to hCG. They react with the hormone contained in the urine, which leads to the appearance of a second stripe. Such tests are the most popular and are distinguished by their low cost. But they make mistakes more often than other types, are not very convenient to use, and also show pregnancy only after a delay. To diagnose pregnancy using a strip test, you need to take a clean container and collect a small amount of urine into it. The tip of the dough is lowered there to the designated level and held for 10 seconds. The result becomes noticeable within 3 to 10 minutes. In this case, the higher the concentration of hCG in the urine, the faster the second strip will appear.

Jet pregnancy test It is convenient because it does not require collecting urine in a container. It should only be placed under a stream of urine, which is convenient when used outside the home. The tip with the filter is under the stream for 10 seconds, and the result will become noticeable within 1-10 minutes. Such tests are expensive, but they are accurate and easy to use.

Tablet test It is a box with two windows. According to the principle of operation, it is similar to the strip test, but is considered more reliable and, accordingly, higher in price. It comes with a pipette and a container for collecting urine. A little urine is dripped from a pipette into one window, and the result is displayed in the second. You can evaluate it within 10 minutes.

Electronic or digital test for pregnancy is by far the most modern. The tip of the test with a filter is placed in the urine and you need to wait until it is soaked. The result is assessed after 3 minutes. In this case, the window will show “+” or the inscription “pregnansy”. Electronic tests are considered the most sensitive, and they are also the most expensive. Manufacturers even create reusable models.

Pregnancy test before delay

Today you can find ultra-sensitive tests in pharmacies. They show pregnancy even before the delay occurs. They indicate a sensitivity level of 25 mUI, indicating the corresponding hCG content in the urine at which the second strip appears. Such tests can be done 4 days before the delay. If a lower level of sensitivity is indicated, it is not advisable to carry it out before the delay.

How to take a pregnancy test?

Before using a pregnancy test, you must carefully study the instructions, as they differ depending on the type. For the result to be reliable, you must adhere to the following rules:

The tests usually do not indicate the time of the test, but gynecologists recommend doing it in the morning after waking up: night urine contains the highest concentration of the hCG hormone, and in the early stages only at this time of day the result can be noticeable.
Information content can be affected by taking diuretics, as well as a large volume of fluid consumed.
If, after a delay, the test does not show pregnancy, and menstruation still does not occur, it should be repeated after a few days. This is especially true for women with irregular cycles.
The cheaper the test, the lower the cost of the reagent used in it, therefore, the higher the likelihood of error.
The most common test strips are those that are dipped into a container of urine. It is important here that the test is placed only up to the specified level, maintained no more than the recommended time, and the result is assessed after the time allotted in the instructions. This will help reduce the likelihood of an incorrect result.
The test result is described in the instructions for it. One strip is colored in any case, since it is a control, and the second only when pregnancy occurs, that is, for a positive result, 2 bright red stripes must appear.

Why is there a weak second line on the test?

If there is a second line on the test, but it is faint, this may indicate a low concentration of hCG in the urine. The reasons may be:

threat of interruption;
short gestational age;
ectopic or non-developing pregnancy.

This result is considered positive, but it is best to do a control test after a few days.

Sometimes a faint second line can indicate a false positive result.

False positive pregnancy test - how to understand?

It happens that a woman strictly follows the instructions, but the test shows the wrong result. Reasons for a false positive test:

Ovarian dysfunction.
Taking medications with hCG prescribed for infertility.
Use for two months after an abortion or miscarriage.
Hydatidiform mole and chorionic carcinoma, which are hormone-producing tumors.
Expiration date of the test.

Can the test not show pregnancy?

Reasons why home express diagnostics do not show a second line during pregnancy:

too short a period;
threat of interruption;
ectopic or non-developing pregnancy;
endocrine dysfunction;
failure to follow the instructions for using the test;
kidney diseases;
stale urine or urine collected during the day;
a large amount of fluid drunk, leading to a low concentration of hCG.

Is it possible to take a pregnancy test in the evening?

You can take a pregnancy test at any time of the day, but the reliability of the result still depends on this: as mentioned above, the highest concentration of hCG in the body of a pregnant woman is observed in the morning after waking up. Therefore, when performing diagnostics in the evening, you can get a false negative result.

This is especially often observed up to two weeks after conception, when the hCG level has not yet reached the value required for diagnosis. But at the same time, in the urine accumulated overnight, its concentration is such that the test determines its presence. In the future, as the level of the hormone increases, it will be detected by the test at any time of the day.

Can the test detect an ectopic pregnancy?

In an ectopic pregnancy, the fertilized egg often implants in the fallopian tube instead of the uterus. But at the same time, the hCG hormone is produced. The peculiarity in this case is that it grows very slowly or its level does not increase at all over time.

The test will show a positive result after a delay, but the second strip will most likely appear faintly. Only a gynecologist can diagnose an ectopic pregnancy.