A possible pregnancy can be a source of anxiety or excitement. Buying a home test can help you figure out if you're expecting a baby or not. New technologies make it possible to identify the presence of a fertilized egg even before "skipping" menstruation. Typically these tests are sensitive to chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone that is released when a fertilized egg has implanted itself on the uterine walls. The stage of the menstrual cycle you are in and your financial possibilities determine the type of test you should buy.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Choosing the Right Pregnancy Test
Step 1. Count the number of days until your next period
Determine which stage of the cycle you are in and what the sensitivity of the test should be. Have you passed the expected date of your period or not? Some manufacturers claim that their tests are able to recognize gestation 5 days before expected menstruation, but scientific studies have shown that only a few models can do this correctly. False negatives are always possible when testing before the expected date of menstruation. The accuracy of the tests reaches 90% when they are performed at least one week after the date of the first day of the expected menstrual cycle.
Step 2. Understand how the test works
Manufacturers rank these home tests based on their sensitivity to chorionic gonadotropin. If you have decided to test early, choose a test stick that can detect a few international milliunits of hCG per milliliter of urine. This value should be indicated in the unit of measurement mlU / ml. For example, a test that detects 20 mlU / ml is more sensitive than one that detects 50 mlU / ml. For this reason, when performing a test early, choose one with a low value of mlU / ml.
Step 3. Decide whether to take a digital or traditional model
The former are easier to read because they say "pregnant" or "not pregnant". Others are even able to estimate the number of weeks of pregnancy. These tests are more expensive than traditional ones which come with a strip on which one or two colored lines appear. Usually the presence of one line indicates that you are not pregnant, while the appearance of two lines indicates a positive test.
Consider buying a digital model as an alternative solution, in case you can't interpret the results of the traditional one
Part 2 of 2: Purchase the Pregnancy Test
Step 1. Find a reseller
Now that you know the type of test you need, you need to understand where you can buy it. Pharmacies, parapharmacies and some supermarkets sell this type of product. If you feel comfortable, you can buy one at your neighborhood pharmacy. If not, consider going to a store further away. Online retailers ship discreetly packaged goods directly to your home. If you can't afford to buy a test or are feeling too embarrassed, go to a family counseling center to take a free exam.
Step 2. Compare prices
Cost is important - go to stores near your home or do some research online to check prices. Pregnancy tests have variable costs; if you have the time, it's worth taking some time to make comparisons. In particular, if you plan to buy more than one, it's perfectly legitimate to check prices. Furthermore, "generic" products are often made by the same pharmaceutical company that markets the branded ones, so the quality should be identical.
Step 3. Decide how many tests to buy
Depending on your needs and budget, consider purchasing at least 2 at a time. While the chances are high that the former has no problems, some tests have flaws. Many women who undergo the exam early buy more than one, to check the result as the expected date of menstruation approaches. Also, if you are hoping to have a baby and want to get tested every day or every week, you can buy "family packs" at a discounted price.
Step 4. Check the expiration date on the package before purchasing
Verify that the test is still valid; if the expiration date is near, take another product. It is essential that the test has not expired. If you bought one that you haven't used in time, throw it away.
Step 5. Buy the pregnancy test
If you feel comfortable buying one at the pharmacy counter, simply go to the store and arrange. Alternatively, large supermarkets with automatic checkouts are a perfect solution to ensure your privacy. Just slide the product on the optical reader and pay. There is no need for the cashier to know what you are buying; however, remember that you have no reason to be ashamed to buy a pregnancy test, regardless of your age and marital status.
If you feel very uncomfortable or worry that people will see what you buy, ask a friend to buy the test for you. If you are not going to be with her in the shop, remember to give her all the necessary information so that she can pick the right model. You can also make an appointment with the gynecologist and then get tested
Advice
- If you are around the time you should have been menstruating, traditional tests should be fine.
- If you are trying to get pregnant and you know when you are ovulating, digital tests can tell you whether or not you are expecting a baby 5-6 days before your expected period.
- If you are unsure of the test result, take a picture or take the stick to your doctor so he can help you interpret it.
