Taking a pregnancy test is most reliable when done after you’ve missed your period. Direct answer

• Best timing: On or about the day you miss your period, or the day after. Waiting until the period is missed reduces the chance of a false negative. If your cycle is regular, testing 1 week after a missed period is very reliable. If your cycle is irregular, testing about 2–3 weeks after unprotected sex (or 21 days after you last had sex without contraception) is often recommended to improve accuracy.

Key notes

• Early tests exist and can detect lower levels of hCG, but they’re more likely to give a false negative if done before the period is missed. For the most accurate result, wait until after a missed period.

• If you get a negative result but still suspect pregnancy (or if your period doesn’t start), retest a few days later or after a week.

• If your periods are irregular, you may need to wait longer or consider testing 21 days after unprotected sex as a practical target.

What to expect

• Most home tests measure hCG in urine; levels rise after conception and become detectable once enough hCG is present.

• Read and follow the test instructions carefully, and use the first-morning urine for the highest concentration if you’re testing earlier.

If you’d like, I can tailor timing guidance to your cycle details (average cycle length, usual due-date range, and when you had unprotected sex).