What does a negative pregnancy test mean?

A negative pregnancy test means the test didn't detect the pregnancy hormone hCG in your urine. But that doesn't always mean you're not pregnant. A false negative pregnancy test can happen because you conceived later than you think, you didn't take the test correctly, your urine was diluted, or even because you're pregnant with multiples. If you have a late or missed period and a negative pregnancy test, talk to your healthcare provider, who can do a blood test to determine whether you're pregnant.

What does a negative pregnancy test mean?

A negative pregnancy might mean you're not pregnant. But, you could still be pregnant and get a negative test result because:

• The test was taken too soon. A home pregnancy test will be positive only if it detects the pregnancy hormone hCG. Some tests can detect hCG the first day you miss your period (or soon after).
• Your hormone levels were too low or diluted. For the most accurate result, take the test when you first get up in the morning. That's the time when your urine – and any hCG – is the most concentrated.
• You conceived later than you think. Don't time the test based on when you think you might have conceived. Sperm can live in the fallopian tubes for up to five days, so it's possible you conceived several days after having sex. It's also possible that you ovulated later than you think, and not enough days have passed since the time of conception to get a positive pregnancy test result.
• You didn't follow the test instructions correctly. Read the test instructions carefully. Make sure you didn't check the results too soon.
• The test expired or wasn't stored properly. Check the outside of the package for the expiration date and storage instructions.

If you suspect your pregnancy test result is a false negative, ask your doctor for a blood pregnancy test. These tests are more accurate than urine pregnancy tests.

Is it possible to have a negative pregnancy test but still be pregnant?

Yes, it's possible to be pregnant and have a negative pregnancy test result. In fact, some researchers estimate this happens with up to 5 percent of home pregnancy tests. It's called a "false negative" pregnancy test result.

Can twins cause a false negative pregnancy test?

Sometimes. Occasionally, extremely high levels of hCG prevent home pregnancy tests from being able to properly read the result, and the read ends up being negative. This is known as the "hook effect." This can happen if you're further along in your pregnancy or if you're carrying twins or triplets.

What if I have a positive pregnancy test and then test negative?

You could have had a false-positive pregnancy test, meaning your test result says you're pregnant when you're actually not. Although rare, this can happen if you experienced a pregnancy loss, or if you took a pregnancy test too soon after taking a fertility drug that contains hCG.

It's also possible that you are pregnant, and your second test was a false negative. If your at-home pregnancy test is positive, or you've gotten mixed results, make an appointment with your healthcare provider. They can do a blood test or ultrasound to confirm whether or not you're pregnant.

My period is late, but my pregnancy tests are negative. Could I still be pregnant?

If you continue to get a negative result on home pregnancy tests for more than a week after missing your period, it's very unlikely that you're pregnant. However, you can always check with your doctor to be sure.

Your ovaries normally release one egg every month or so, and if it's not fertilized, menstruation starts about 14 to 16 days after ovulation.

If you miss more than three periods in a row and pregnancy tests are all negative, see your doctor for a thorough evaluation. Women can stop having regular periods for many reasons, including diabetes, eating disorders, excessive exercise, stress, obesity, very low body fat, or some medications. Here are other common reasons:

• Thyroid disorder: An underactive or overactive thyroid can lead to missed periods. Symptoms of an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) include fatigue, weight gain, and a slow pulse. An overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) might cause nervousness, irritability, problems sleeping, a fast heartbeat, and weight loss. Your doctor can do a blood test to determine how well your thyroid is working, and thyroid conditions can usually be corrected with medication.
• Too much prolactin: You might miss a period (or more than one) if you're producing an abnormally high level of the hormone prolactin. Your body usually makes prolactin when you're breastfeeding, which is why menstruation generally stops during that time. This condition can usually be treated with medication.
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): This condition affects the hormones that release mature eggs. If you have PCOS, eggs remain in the ovaries, where they can't be fertilized. Symptoms often start with irregularities in your menstrual cycle.
• Perimenopause: As you approach menopause (a stage known as perimenopause), your periods become more erratic. This typically happens during your 40s, but some women experience perimenopause in their mid-30s.

If you're concerned about your cycle or your pregnancy test result, always reach out to your provider so they can help you figure out what's going on.