You can generally take a reliable pregnancy test about 12 to 16 days after ovulation. This timing allows enough time for the fertilized egg to implant in the uterus and for the pregnancy hormone hCG to build up to detectable levels in your urine. Some early detection tests may show results as soon as 10 to 14 days post-ovulation, but the accuracy improves the closer you get to the time of your missed period, typically around 14 days after ovulation. Testing too early may result in a false negative because hCG levels might still be too low to detect.

Why wait 12 to 16 days after ovulation?

• Implantation, which triggers hCG production, usually occurs about 7 to 10 days after ovulation.
• hCG levels gradually accumulate and become detectable in urine roughly 12 to 16 days post-ovulation.
• Testing earlier can cause false negatives due to insufficient hormone levels.

Early testing options

• Some early detection tests claim to work from 10 days post-ovulation but with less reliability.
• For the most accurate results, waiting at least until the first day of your missed period is advised, which is about 14 days or more after ovulation.

In summary, the soonest you can take a pregnancy test after ovulation with reasonable accuracy is about 12 days, but waiting until about 14 days or your missed period greatly increases the chance of an accurate result.