Pregnancy tests detect the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which starts being produced around 6 to 8 days after ovulation when the fertilized egg implants in the uterus. The earliest you might get a positive result from a home pregnancy test is about 8 to 10 days after ovulation or conception, but this is relatively rare and depends on the sensitivity of the test and individual hormone levels

. More sensitive pregnancy tests on the market can detect pregnancy as early as 6 days before your missed period, which corresponds to roughly 7-9 days after ovulation

. However, testing this early can sometimes yield false negatives because hCG levels may not yet be high enough to detect. For the most accurate results, it is recommended to wait until the first day of your missed period or later

. Key points about early pregnancy testing:

• hCG production begins around 6-8 days post-ovulation after implantation

• Some tests can detect very low hCG levels as early as 6 days before a missed period, but accuracy improves closer to or after the missed period

• Testing with first morning urine is best because hCG concentration is highest then

• If you test early and get a negative result but still suspect pregnancy, wait a few days and test again

• False positives are rare, but faint early positives can sometimes occur and may not always indicate a viable pregnancy

In summary, while some pregnancy tests can detect pregnancy hormone as early as 6-8 days after ovulation, the most reliable time to take a pregnancy test is after you have missed your period, typically about 14 days after ovulation, to ensure accurate results