A urine test is typically the first step when confirming pregnancy. Most people use over-the-counter home pregnancy tests, which are fast, simple and reasonably accurate. But some might wonder whether conditions like a urinary tract infection affect a pregnancy test . This article will discuss exactly how pregnancy tests work, can a urine infection affect a pregnancy test ?, and what’s necessary to get an accurate result when someone is pregnant or suspected of being so.
Understanding Pregnancy Tests
Pregnancy tests function by identifying the presence of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) a hormone created when a fertilized egg integrates into the lining of the uterus.
This hormone can be detected in the urine or blood around 6-12 days after conception.
Which is why many tests suggest waiting until after a missed period for the most accurate result.
Most home pregnancy tests are sensitive enough to detect hCG at relatively low levels, but their sensitivity will differ.
Generally, the higher the concentration of hCG in the urine, the higher the test accuracy.
For this reason, it’s often recommended to take the test with first-morning urine.
When hCG levels are typically at their highest.
What is a Urine Infection (UTI), how does Urine Infection (UTI) happen?
Urinary tract️ infection:
A urinary tract infection (UTI), is a bacterial infection of any part of the urinary system the kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are very common, especially in women and during pregnancy.
Scientists discovered that pregnant people could be more susceptible to UTIs because of hormonal shifts that alter the urinary tract. Plus the weight that a growing uterus exerts on the bladder and urethra.
Some common symptoms of a UTI are:
An ongoing feeling of needing to urinate, with little urine output
A burning feeling or pain during urination
Urine that is cloudy, dark, or has a strong odor
Pain or pressure in the lower belly
Hematuria (in more serious cases)
UTIs are typically treatable with antibiotics, but they can progress to untreated, more complicated during pregnancy, potentially resulting in kidney infections or preterm labor.
How a UTI May Potentially Impact a Pregnancy Test
Now that we know how both pregnancy tests and UTIs function, let’s consider if and can a urine infection affect a pregnancy test ?
Diluted Urine
The way a UTI would most likely affect the result of a pregnancy test would be if the urine is too diluted. When an individual has a UTI, for instance, they are frequently advised to consume additional water to help eliminate bacteria from the urinary system.
Such increased fluid intake may cause more diluted urine and lower concentrations of hCG.
This means that hCG levels might be too low for a home pregnancy test to detect, often a source of false negative in home pregnancy test, especially taken in early pregnancy.
That’s why it’s always best to take a pregnancy test with first-morning urine, which is typically more concentrated.
For those with a UTI who are drinking extra fluids in an effort to stay hydrated, it’s best to wait until the next morning to take the test.
Symptoms That Overlap With Early Pregnancy
Some symptoms of a U.T.I., like frequent urination, mild pelvic discomfort and fatigue, can mimic early pregnancy symptoms.
In fact, frequent urination in the early stages is a common experience among many as the body adapts to hormonal shifts and extra blood flow to the kidneys.
Mild cramping and pelvic discomfort are also common as the body prepares itself to accommodate a growing fetus.
When they have a UTI and suspect that they could be pregnant, they may be well confused as to what is actually happening.
This could result in symptoms being misconstrued or perhaps even waiting too long to take a pregnancy test.
This includes when testing, as taking a pregnancy test too early or too late may affect the results.
Medications for a UTI
When a UTI is diagnosed, healthcare providers frequently write prescriptions for antibiotics like nitrofurantoin or trimethoprim to clear the infection.
Although these drugs do not usually affect hCG production directly or the accuracy of pregnancy tests, there are a few potential indirect effects to note.
Certain antibiotics especially ones prescribed for UTIs can affect the color or makeup of urine, which could affect the appearance of a pregnancy test.
For example, certain antibiotics can darken or cloud the urine, making it harder to read the test line.
This can create uncertainty regarding the result of the test, especially if it is interpreted beyond the waiting period stated in the instructions.
These medications don’t usually affect hCG detection, but it’s a good idea to let your healthcare provider know around this time, especially if you think you might be pregnant.
Certain antibiotics aren’t recommended during pregnancy, and your doctor may wish to conduct additional testing or change your treatment.
Underlying Health Conditions
In some instances, having recurrent UTIs or chronic urinary tract conditions may be related to other health issues, such as diabetes, that can also impact pregnancy test outcomes.
Diabetes can result in elevated blood sugar levels, which in turn can affect the kidneys and urinary system, potentially leading to symptoms such as frequent urination and cloudy urine.
When an individual has both diabetes and a UTI, the symptoms may become more complex, making it difficult to discern whether the frequent urination and other symptoms are from diabetes or UTI.
These would need to be treated separately to prevent complications in this case, both the diabetes and the UTI would need to be treated accordingly.
When to Take a Pregnancy Test for the Most Accurate Result
To prevent confusion and obtain the most accurate outcome possible, here are a few suggestions for taking a pregnancy test:
Wait for the right time: Wait to take the test until you’ve missed your period. It’s a false negative if you test too early.
Urine of the first morning: In the first-morning urine, this is the most concentrated urine of the day, which may help increase the accuracy of the test.
Follow directions carefully: Make sure you’re following the test’s directions exactly. Test misreads can be avoided by checking the result within the recommended time frame.
Take a second test if unsure: If the first test is unclear or negative, wait a few days and repeat the test. This allows your body more time to accumulate detectable amounts of hCG.
When to See a Doctor
If you’re concerned that a UTI is affecting your pregnancy test, it’s always best to speak with a health care provider.
They can administer a blood test, which is more sensitive than a urine test, to test hCG levels and provide you with a definitive answer.
If they are pregnant, those who suspect they might have a UTI should also seek medical treatment in order to avoid complications, especially during pregnancy.
Conclusion
Can a urine infection affect a pregnancy test ? :A urine infection (UTI) itself usually has no direct effect on the result of a pregnancy test.
But some things about the infection, like diluted urine, overlapping symptoms or medication use, could contribute to a false result or confusion when interpreting the test.
To get the most accurate result from a pregnancy test, it’s important to follow best practices like using first-morning urine and taking the test after your period is late.
And if you’re worried about the reliability of a pregnancy test or think you might have a UTI while pregnant, reach out to your health care provider without delay.
Fortunately, early intervention, and an effective treatment protocol, can help you manage not only your pregnancy, but also your urinary tract health successfully.