When should I take a pregnancy test after artificial insemination?

Implantation after an artificial insemination procedure can take between 6 and 12 days. For this reason, it is recommended to take a blood pregnancy test (which detects the beta-hCG hormone) 14 days after insemination. In case of urine tests, you need a longer waiting period because their detection limit is higher.

Why Wait 14 Days to Take a Pregnancy Test?

If the test is taken too early, there is a risk of obtaining a false negative, as hCG levels may be too low to be detected.

Additionally, it is important to consider that in artificial insemination treatments, the hormone used to induce ovulation is hCG. If the test is taken too soon, it could result in a false positive, as the test may detect residual levels of the hormone administered during the treatment instead of the levels produced by an ongoing pregnancy.

What Types of Pregnancy Tests Are There?

There are two types of pregnancy tests: Urine tests and blood tests. Both detect the presence of hCG, a hormone produced by the body during pregnancy.

• Blood tests: Performed in a clinical setting, they measure the exact amount of hCG in the patient’s blood. They are very precise and can detect lower levels of hCG compared to urine tests.
• Urine tests: Available in pharmacies and can be taken at home. They detect the presence of hCG in urine, but do not measure its exact concentration. Their sensitivity is lower, so it is advisable to wait until after a missed menstruation to ensure accuracy.

What to Do After Taking a Home Urine Test?

• If the result is positive, schedule a medical appointment to confirm the pregnancy and start prenatal care.
• If the result is negative, wait a few days and repeat the test if menstruation has not started yet.