All about tests. (took it off Eva). Therapeutic effects of gonadotropic drugs. What does low hCG levels mean?

Chorionic gonadotropin is a peptide hormone that is essential for maintaining pregnancy. The synthesis of chorionic gonadotropin occurs in the syncytiotrophoblast - a part of a fertilized egg. Normally, it is synthesized only during pregnancy. In men and non-pregnant women, traces of it can be determined. But this does not prevent it from being used in the form of injections, both for men and women. The reason for this lies in the structural features and the period of action of the hormone.

The role of hCG in the body

The secretion of hCG begins from the moment the trophoblast of the embryo is formed. In the blood, it begins to be detected only 8-9 days after ovulation, when the embryo is implanted in the uterine cavity. The role of chorionic gonadotropin is to maintain the function of the corpus luteum of the ovaries. This is realized due to the peculiarities of the structure of the hormone.

There are also indications for men. The drug is used for the following diseases and conditions:

• hypogonadotropic hypogonadism;
• delayed puberty, which is associated with pituitary insufficiency;
• infertility associated with impaired sperm production;
• cryptorchidism, which is not associated with blockage of the canal through which the testicle descends.

The drug is used only in the form of injections, the form of release is in ampoules containing a lyophilisate - a dry powder. One ampoule can contain 1500 units. or 5000 units.

HCG tests

Also, the lyophilisate is used for the hCG test. A test with chorionic gonadotropin is necessary if it is not possible to establish the reason for the absence of ovulation, despite the fact that there is a sufficient amount in the body, but the activity of the corpus luteum is reduced.

The method of the test assumes that 1500 IU will be injected into the muscle once within five days. With a normal cycle duration, treatment is prescribed for 12-14 days. If the cycle is lost, then the administration of the drug begins any day. A positive test with gonadotropin affects the content of other hormones. There is a decrease in the concentration of estrogen and an increase in progesterone. With a positive test, the disappearance of the "pupil" symptom during a vaginal examination, an increase in basal temperature is noted.

With a positive result of the test, the appearance of bloody discharge is considered a few days after the cancellation of treatment. If hormonal changes do not occur, there is no bleeding, this is regarded as a negative result and is associated with primary damage to the ovary.

Contraindications for the use of chorionic gonadotropin preparations include the following conditions:

• increased individual sensitivity to any component of the drug;
• anomalies in the development of the genital organs, in which pregnancy is impossible;
• fibroids of the uterus that prevent pregnancy;
• suspicion of a hormone-sensitive tumor (cancer of the ovary, uterus, breast, trophoblastic tumors, in men - testicular cancer, prostate cancer);
• postmenopause.

A feature of hCG is the inadmissibility of use during pregnancy and lactation, despite the fact that the LH hormone needs support in the first phase of the cycle. In this case, it is recommended to immediately start taking progesterone preparations Duphaston or Utrozhestan.

Unwanted effects

During treatment with hCG, side effects rarely occur, which are manifested in the following:

1. On the part of the immune system, generalized rashes or a febrile condition are rarely observed.
2. At the injection site, a reaction resembling an allergy may occur, sometimes it is a rash, bruising, swelling, itching.
3. Metabolic disorders are typical for men. After the administration of high doses of the drug, sodium and water retention is observed. Gynecomastia sometimes develops.
4. The pathology of the cardiovascular system is characteristic of the female sex. Rarely, thromboembolism develops, which is associated with ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.
5. The digestive tract can react with nausea and diarrhea. In some cases, for completely unclear reasons, ascites appears. Most often, this side effect is observed with ovarian hyperstimulation.
6. From the genital organs may occur. At the same time, multiple cysts appear on them, prone to rupture. Some are worried about pain in the mammary glands, weight gain.

Chorionic gonadotropin preparations are not toxic. There are no signs of an overdose for them, but ovarian hyperstimulation can occur with the simultaneous administration of a very large dose.

Application methods

Depending on the goals pursued, the method of application and dosage of the medicine will change.

Therapy for women

Treatment with hCG drugs is included in the IVF protocols:

1. Preparation of follicles for puncture - it is necessary from 5000 units. up to 10,000 units after completion of FSH treatment.
2. with infertility, combined with a violation of the maturation of follicles. From 5,000 to 10,000 units are prescribed once per muscle.
3. Luteal phase support if the woman is on an active assisted reproductive technology protocol. At the same time, one to three injections of the drug are made at a dosage of 1000 units. or 3000 units. Each injection is given 3 days after the previous one.

Treatment in men

The instruction for the drug does not contain the exact dosages for therapy in men. The dose is selected individually, depending on the response to the treatment:

1. With hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and dyspermia, therapy is prescribed using 1000-2000 units. the drug, which is administered 2-3 times a week. In infertile men, in whom the pathology is associated with impaired sperm maturation, treatment is supplemented with the introduction of follitropin 2-3 times a week. To obtain the results of therapy, the course must be carried out for at least three months. Hormone replacement therapy with testosterone is suspended during the use of hCG. After the normal picture is restored, small doses of hCG are left to maintain the function of the testicles.
2. With a delay in sexual development, which is associated with a dysfunction of the pituitary gland, 1500 units are used. 2-3 times a week. The duration of the course is at least six months.
3. For the treatment of cryptorchidism, the drug is used only if the pathology is not associated with anatomical obstruction of the inguinal canal. Treatment can be started from two years of age. Boys are injected with 250 units. 2 times per week. The course is 6 weeks. Children from 6 years old need 500-1000 units for one injection. The course is also 6 weeks, two injections per week. For boys after 6 years, the dose is increased to 1500 units. at the reception, injections are carried out twice a week. The treatment lasts 6 weeks.

If the expected effect in the treatment of cryptorchidism is not fully achieved, then the course can be repeated. But the lack of positive dynamics after using 10 doses of the drug is an indication for the cancellation of such treatment.

Preparation of the medicine

The drug is available in the form of a dry powder, which must be restored before chorionic gonadotropin is injected. Usually sodium chloride solution is used for this.

Before diluting hCG powder, the nurse be sure to check the expiration date and the exact name of the drug to avoid unnecessary reactions. For dilution, a sterile isotonic solution is drawn into another syringe. It is gently injected into an ampoule of powder. After that, the ampoule is shaken until the powder is completely dissolved. The resulting solution is drawn back into the syringe.

In a diluted form, the drug cannot be stored for a long time. The injection needs to be done soon. How to store dry powder is indicated on the package. This must be done in a refrigerator at a temperature not exceeding 15 degrees, protected from light.

special instructions

If hCG has been used to induce ovulation, then the chances of multiple pregnancies increase in this condition.

Before starting therapy, you need to make sure that there is no pathological secretion in other areas - in the thyroid gland, adrenal glands, pituitary gland.

Women who decide to get pregnant with IVF need to be mindful of the developmental possibilities. Especially if she already had a history. Chorionic gonadotropin therapy is not recommended for three months after the treatment of an ectopic pregnancy.

After hormone therapy with hCG drugs, the incidence of fetal malformations increases. But most scientists are of the opinion that this is due to the age of mothers who resort to IVF, a large number of embryos received.

The risk of developing ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome increases. This probability is especially high with the existing polycystic disease. To prevent this from happening, ultrasound is performed regularly and the size of maturing follicles is monitored. If a very large number of follicles have matured and signs of unwanted hyperstimulation appear, then chorionic gonadotropin preparations are not used in this cycle.

Hormonal drugs have the ability to increase the risk of thromboembolism. If such conditions have already been in the anamnesis, each repeated pregnancy increases the chances of a recurrence of this complication. Therefore, it is necessary to monitor the state of the blood coagulation system.

When treating men, it must be remembered that gonadotropin leads to an increase in androgens. Male sex hormones can worsen the course of epilepsy, migraines, and impaired renal, cardiac and vascular function.

In boys during puberty, hCG is used with caution. There is a possibility of premature puberty or early epiphyseal closure and short stature. Therefore, the condition of the skeleton is regularly monitored.

HCG-based drugs are capable of being excreted from the body for a long time. Therefore, a pregnancy test within 10 days after the end of the course can give a false positive result.

Chorionic gonadotropin, or hCG, is a hormone that is produced in a woman's body and plays an important role in the preparation, development and maintenance of pregnancy. If you have been tested for hCG, which revealed that the level of this hormone is below normal, this may indicate that the gestational age is less than expected. In addition, low levels of hCG occur with ectopic pregnancies and miscarriages. Despite this, try not to worry if the test results are below normal, since only a doctor can correctly interpret the identified indicators! In addition, chorionic gonadotropin preparations are used to treat infertility and increase the reproductive capacity of women. Treatment aimed at increasing the level of hCG should be carried out only under the supervision of a gynecologist who will prescribe medications for you. Remember that without the help of a doctor, it is impossible to effectively and safely increase the level of human chorionic gonadotropin.

Attention: the information in this article is for informational purposes only. Talk to your healthcare professional before using any home remedies or medications.

Steps

What to do if hCG levels are below normal during pregnancy

Discuss the test results with your gynecologist. Low or low hCG levels during pregnancy quite often indicate serious problems, but you should not interpret the test results yourself - only a doctor can tell for sure if there is any reason for concern. If hCG readings make you anxious and anxious, discuss the test results with your gynecologist. Your doctor will likely ask if you have any symptoms that indicate a risk of spontaneous abortion, such as vaginal bleeding or cramps in the lower abdomen. Most likely, the doctor will prescribe you a second test to clarify the hCG values.

Take the analysis for the hCG level again. HCG levels are usually used for a general assessment of the condition of a pregnant woman, and the results of one analysis are not yet cause for concern. Most likely, the doctor will recommend that you retake the test after a couple of days in order to track the dynamics of the hCG level in the body.

Take an analysis showing the level of hCG more reliably. If you passed a urine test that showed a low or decreasing level of hCG, take a blood test for hCG - it will help to assess the level of this hormone more accurately. If the gestational age allows, the doctor may order a gynecological ultrasound to check the condition of the fetus. Even at a period of 5-6 weeks, ultrasound allows you to obtain more reliable information about the course of pregnancy than an analysis for hCG.

Never consume dietary supplements that are claimed to increase hCG levels. Chorionic gonadotropin is not a hormone that can be raised or lowered on its own. In order for the pregnancy to proceed without any complications, the body must maintain a delicate balance of a whole group of hormones, and the gynecologist will regularly check the indicators of this balance. Do not use products aimed at increasing hCG. These products have not been clinically proven to be safe, and uncontrolled use of these products can harm your baby.

Treatment with hCG drugs to increase reproductive function

1. Talk to your gynecologist about reproductive issues. Many women who are prescribed hCG drugs to increase fertility are previously treated with other means to improve reproductive function and take clotrifen drugs (Clostilbegit). For the treatment of infertility, doctors usually prescribe hCG drugs simultaneously with other drugs, including menotropins (Menopur, Pergonal) and urofollitropin (Alterpur, Bravell). When discussing your HCG treatment plan with your doctor, be sure to tell them about the following aspects of your health:

Pregnancy does not always occur at will. Sometimes a woman is forced to resort to drugs to conceive a child. Let's take a closer look at them.

Pregnancy- this is a special state of the female body, when an embryo is constantly growing and developing in its reproductive organs - fetus... It occurs as a result of the union of the sex cells of a woman and a man in the fallopian tube. As a result of this, a zygote is formed, which consists of 46 chromosomes. As for the sex of the unborn child, it will depend on the set of human sex chromosomes - this is “ XX" or " XY»Chromosomes.

The egg cell carries only the X chromosome, and the sperm - the X or Y chromosome, in the ratio 50 to 50... In such cases, the sex of the unborn child will be determined by the male chromosomes that are in the sperm. In the case of the advantage of the X chromosome, the child will be born a female, and in the case of the Y chromosome, a male.

The normal gestation period in a healthy woman is 9 months (about forty weeks), which are divided into three phases - three terms, during which certain changes occur in the female body. The fact of the presence of pregnancy is established by a number of specific signs.

In obstetrics, there are two types of pregnancy: pathological and physiological. Any normal pregnancy ends with a birth act, after which a child is born. In cases of multiple pregnancies, several babies.

In what ways can you get pregnant?

To achieve this goal, a wide variety of methods of egg fertilization are used, ranging from natural methods to taking certain pharmacological drugs or artificial insemination. It is about some of these drugs that will be discussed.

Some drugs help in conceiving a baby.

In spite of everything, women are forbidden to independently select any medicines and means in order to get pregnant. Any information about drugs is provided for reading and general information only. ITS in no way can be used as a guide to independent actions. Each moment of planning and implementing the conception of a child must be discussed and agreed with a personal gynecologist.

In the event that a girl who wants to become a mother cannot get pregnant naturally (through intercourse with a man), most often the doctor prescribes special drugs for her that are designed to stimulate the fertilization process, as well as for the further successful implantation of the ovum into the uterus.

Types of drugs that can help you get pregnant

Problems that prevent a woman from getting pregnant can be very diverse. Therefore, drugs that help to get pregnant are also divided into different types of purpose:

• drugs follicle-stimulating and luteinizing hormones (FSH and LH),
• drugs of progesterone and hCG.

The drugs are prescribed depending on the cause of infertility.

In general, for a normal healthy woman to get pregnant, you need to correctly perform three main conditions:

1) implementation of the ovulation process;

2) the sperm of the sexual partner must fertilize the egg;

3) the embryo should anchor well in the uterus.

Based on this, we can give the designation to the above drugs:

1) FSH and LH drugs help to get pregnant by stimulating the ovulation process. They are responsible for the growth of follicles on the ovaries;

2) HCG preparations help the largest follicle to maintain its volume and help bring the egg to the sperm, which is obliged to fertilize it;

3) Progesterone is necessary to prepare the inner layer of the uterus, to fix the embryo on it. Also, it helps to safely carry the fetus, without harming it.

Who needs the ovulation stimulation process?

If you have been interested in the question “Why can't you get pregnant?” For a long time, then for an answer you need to contact the clinic and undergo a special examination. It is advisable if your significant other does the same. This will help you quickly identify the root cause of your problem.

Most likely, your doctor will prescribe medications to stimulate ovulation.

Reasons why you will need to take them:

• if your attempts to get pregnant are unsuccessful, throughout the year;
• if you or your spouse is over 35-40 years old and you cannot get pregnant within six months.

If you are going to take certain pills that will help you get pregnant, first get tested for patency of your fallopian tubes. This process will help you avoid unwanted ectopic pregnancy.

FSH and LH medications that target ovulation

Under the influence FSH drug on the female ovary, sacs begin to grow rapidly on the surface of the ovary - follicles, in which 1 egg matures. In order to stimulate their growth, such medications:

• Puregon. It is included in the list of gonadotropic drugs, as it promotes the production of female sex hormones (FSH and LH) by the pituitary gland. Puregon helps the ovaries grow some of the follicles that are needed when ovulation occurs in the middle of the menstrual cycle. This drug is suitable for stimulating ovulation and for natural (natural) and artificial conception in the IVF program.
• Klostilbegit - these are pills that also help to conceive a child. It improves the production of hormones in the pituitary gland to stimulate follicular growth (FSH); and to stimulate the ovulation process (luteinizing hormone), for the release of the egg from the follicle, and prolactin - so that milk is produced in the mammary glands of the expectant mother. Judging by the instructions, these pills should not be taken more than 5 or 6 times in a lifetime. Otherwise, early ovarian depletion may occur. in such cases, pregnancy will definitely be impossible, because all the woman's eggs will be used up. The maturation of the egg is stimulated thanks to clostilbegyt from the 5th to the 9th day after the start of the menstrual cycle. These medicines are taken one at a time, once a day. If the ultrasound results showed that the endometrium is thinner than 8 mm, then this drug cannot be used to stimulate the ovulation process. Clostilbegit contributes to a negative effect on the growth of the endometrium. In cases where it is very thin, then it will be quite difficult for the embryo to gain a foothold in the uterus and it will be almost impossible to get pregnant.
• Menogon other. It compensates for the lack of sex hormones such as FSH and LH. This process, of course, is what increases the concentration of female hormones - estrogens. As a result, follicles, which are located on the ovaries, begin to grow intensively. As for the inner layer of the uterus (endometrium), it grows over time and begins to prepare for a possible pregnancy.

Menogon stimulates follicular growth

All gonadotropins that activate the pituitary gland (including puregon and menogon) should be taken on the 2nd day, after the onset of menstrual bleeding. Duration of admission is 10 days. Before you start taking such drugs and the course of treatment with them, you need to adjust with your doctor.

All these medications will help to get pregnant if the cause of infertility is precisely established. But you need to remember that they are selected individually for each woman, depending on her test results and ultrasound.

HCG drugs that help get pregnant

In case the results Ultrasound showed that the follicles have the required size, or have grown to 20-25 mm, then in order to achieve the goal of becoming a mother, the doctor prescribes special injections for the woman HCG - human chorionic gonadotropin. They are also hormonal medications that can help you get pregnant. HCG it is allowed to enter only a day after taking puregon, menogon, and other similar drugs. Preparations that contain the hCG hormone: "Pregnil", "Profazi", "Horagon", "Gonacor" and others.

Pregnyl contains hCG

Hormone preparations HCG are prescribed in one injection. Within a day after its introduction, ovulation begins to occur. In order for this drug to help well, it is advisable to have sex a day before the injection and after 24 hours after it.

Preparations containing progesterone

If you and your doctor are doing everything correctly, and you have undergone the necessary treatment with the above drugs, then in the future you will need to start taking drugs that contain progesterone. They help "fix" the pregnancy. The list of such substances includes "Duphaston" and many others progestin-only pills... They are prescribed only on an individual basis.

How to get pregnant on Duphaston?

If we talk about how this drug differs from similar ones, then we can say that Duphaston(dydrogesterone, dufastone) is a hormonal drug that practically does not have any serious side effects.

Duphaston is a tablet for oral use. Dydrogesterone, is the active substance of this drug, and progestogen- analogue of natural progesterone ... Duphaston has no androgenic, estrogenic and corticoid effect. He is not able to change thermogenesis, so the presence and course of ovulation can be calculated by monitoring measurements of the basal body temperature of a woman.

This hormonal substance does not affect the girl's metabolism. There are practically no side effects, except for rare bleeding. In cases of their appearance, it is necessary to increase the dose of dydrogesterone. Sometimes, in some women, there is an increased sensitivity to such a drug.

Before prescribing and taking it, as hormone replacement therapy, the doctor must conduct some research, and in the future, regular visits to mammographic examinations.

Indications and methods of using dyufaston

It only works effectively when taken internally. Selectively, it affects the progestin receptors located on the uterine lining. Duphaston does not affect follicle ovulation and does not have a masculinizing or virilizing effect.

After taking it, it is very quickly absorbed into the bloodstream from the gastrointestinal tract. The highest concentration of this drug is observed after two hours. And 72 hours after a single dose, dyufaston is completely excreted from the body.

Before using Duphaston, it is imperative to undergo consultation with a gynecologist. All data on this drug are provided for informational purposes only.

You need to start taking this drug if:

• the examination showed that the woman has a deficiency of endogenous progesterone - this is a failure of the luteal phase, endometriosis, habitual fetal loss or the threat of abortion, premenstrual syndrome or cycle disorders, dysmenorrhea and amenorrhea of ​​secondary origin).
• aesthetic hormone therapy is needed.

Schemes for the purpose of this drug are indicative. To obtain the maximum therapeutic effect from duphaston, it is necessary to take into account all the clinical signs of problems and the phases of the passage of the menstrual cycle. The daily dosage of this drug is divided into several doses, with large time intervals.

Methods for duphaston's reception, in different cases:

• with endometriosis it is recommended to use 10 mg of dydrogesterone two or three times a day, starting from the 5th to the 25th day of menstruation or without interruption.
• with the habitual loss of pregnancy and her breakup - an abortion. Can be taken only if there is a visible lack of endogenous progesterone.
• with infertility progesterone genesis - you need to use 20 mg per day in two doses, starting from the 11th and 25th day of the passing menstrual cycle. A similar course of treatment lasts from 3 to 6 months. In the event that a woman still succeeds in getting pregnant, then the course of treatment must also be carried out with the same course of treatment that is recommended for the usual loss of pregnancy. The dosage of dydrogesterone is allowed to adjust the cytological very accurate examination of the vaginal epithelium - this is colpocytology.
• with the usual not carrying, the treatment process begins when planning a pregnancy. In this case, the doctor prescribes 10 mg of the drug, 2 times a day, from the 11-25th day of menstruation. If the conception was successful, then the same therapy is carried out from the 20th week of pregnancy, the nose is gradually reduced. Clarification on the need to adjust the dosage of dydrogesterone is possible only after colpocytological examination.
• with threatened abortion patients are recommended to use 40 mg of dydrogesterone 1 time, in the form of the first dose, and then after 8 hours, 8 mg, for one week. After such a course of treatment, this dosage is gradually reduced. However, if signs that predict a possible threat of abortion recur, the dose must be increased again. Such a drug is allowed to be used up to the 20th week of pregnancy.
• with pre-local syndrome(contracted PMS) —from the 11th to the 25th day of the menstrual cycle, 10 mg each. The duration of therapy is 3-6 months.

All these diagnoses cannot be established independently by prescribing any course of treatment for oneself. This should only be done by a qualified specialist, after carrying out certain tests and your examination. such folk recipes:

1. A woman and a man need to drink 4 times a day, 2 tbsp. tablespoons of a decoction of plantain seeds, in a warm form. In order to prepare it, you need to take 1 tbsp. spoon seeds and cover them with one tablespoon of water. It is especially useful and effective in the autumn-winter period.
2. It is recommended to drink infusion of Adam's root 4 times a day. You need to cook it by taking 2 tbsp. spoons of this plant and cover them with 250 grams of boiling water.
3. Also, in this case, a sage decoction is a very effective natural preparation. In order to prepare it, you need 1 tea. pour a spoonful of this plant with a glass of warm water. You need to use it for 11 days, three times a day, 1 tablespoon each.

In most cases, modern hormone therapy according to the above described scheme helps women to overcome the problem, the name of which is - "I can't get pregnant and give birth." With the help of modern medicine, the list of those women who have the opportunity to experience the real happiness of being a mother is increasing daily.

First, let's try to conduct a little experiment. Take a strip of filter paper about 10 cm long and about 1-1.5 cm wide (blotter paper, and even a piece of toilet paper, napkin or paper towel will work) and apply a bold dot at a distance of about 1 cm from the edge with a water-soluble black felt-tip pen or Rainbow ink or a horizontal bar. Now dip this end into the water so that the dot just marked just touches the surface of the water and hold. You will see how, under the action of capillary forces, the water rises along the paper strip, carrying the ink with it. Very soon you will notice that the black spot is spreading into three: red, blue and green. When the water reaches the end of the strip, pull it out of the water.
] The phenomenon of separation of a mixture into components when they move with a current of a solvent along a porous carrier was discovered about 100 years ago by the Russian scientist M.S. Color just on mixtures of dyes is what it calls chromatography, or color painting.
If for the experiment we take strips of the same paper of the same length (at the same temperature and humidity), you will notice that the colored spots are always located at the same height. This fact is used in test strips.
Human urine contains in dissolved form a huge amount of substances, including hormones. Most of these substances are colorless and, it would seem, chromatography is useless here - after all, we will not see spots on the strip. However, we can apply to those places where we expect to see the substances of interest to us, special developers, which give a noticeable bright color with the substance to be determined.
This is how tests are arranged not only for pregnancy, but also for other hormones, drugs, and the once popular test strips for nitrates in vegetables, and much more.
Pregnancy tests use immunochromatography - a type of chromatographic analysis based on the interaction of an analyte (usually of a protein nature) with antibodies to it. According to the same principle of antigen-antibody interaction, the body's immune system works, hence the name.
The determined substance is human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) - a glycopeptide hormone secreted by the placenta during pregnancy. The appearance and rapid increase in the concentration of hCG in the body (and in particular, in the urine) of a woman makes it a fairly reliable sign of pregnancy.
Usually on the 7-10th day after fertilization, the hCG concentration reaches 25 mIU / ml (international units per ml) and doubles every 2-3 days, reaching a maximum between the 8th and 11th weeks of pregnancy, and then decreases to almost zero by the beginning of the 3rd trimester.
25 mIU / ml is the minimum concentration of hCG determined using immunochromatographic tests.
The test strip contains a conjugate (loose connection) of anti-hCG antibodies with a dye. When the urine sample moves along the absorbent strip, the conjugate binds to the hCG and forms an antigen-antibody complex. In the zone of positive reaction ("pregnant strip"), the complex binds to anti-hCG antibodies. This releases the dye and forms a reddish-pink streak.
If hCG is absent in the sample, no streak is clearly formed.
In the meantime, the urine moves further, bypasses the zone of positive reaction and reaches the zone of negative reaction ("control strip"). There, unbound antibody-dye conjugate binds to the reagents of the control strip, the dye is released and a second (control) strip of the same red-pink color is formed.
All reactions occur within 3-5, at least 7 minutes.
In low-quality tests, the dye can be cleaved from the conjugate before the entire antibody-hCG-dye complex reaches the reaction zones, forming blurry spots. They are most often mistaken for a "false positive" result. True false positive results are much less common and are caused by very specific reasons. Also, a weak second streak can appear if you "overexpose" the test, ie. read the readings not after the 5 minutes indicated on the package, but later. Such a line arises as a result of the evaporation of water from the surface of the dough, from which the conjugates are destroyed and the dye is released. So you shouldn't wait 10 minutes instead of 5 to “be sure”.
Since not every woman can accurately follow all the instructions and correctly interpret the test results, doctors, especially the old school, are not inclined to trust the tests.
WHAT DEFINES A PREGNANCY TEST?
The pregnancy test determines human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone secreted by the placenta from the moment the embryo is implanted into the uterine wall throughout pregnancy. The reliability of this test is very high - there is no placenta, no hCG. HCG can be determined both in blood (in the laboratory) and in urine (in the laboratory and at home).
WHAT DAY AFTER OVULATION IS IT POSSIBLE TO PERFORM THE TEST?
In principle, a positive result can be obtained as early as the 7th day after ovulation. The embryo implantation takes 6-12 days, usually about 10 days. So it makes sense to wait 10-12 days after ovulation, but even in this case, there are often false negative results (i.e., there is a pregnancy, but the test is negative).
WHAT DO FALSE POSITIVE AND FALSE NEGATIVE TEST RESULTS MEAN?
A false positive is when the test shows two stripes in the absence of pregnancy. This happens when a woman takes drugs containing hCG, as well as with trophoblastic tumors. After a spontaneous miscarriage or early abortion or removal of an ectopic pregnancy, hCG remains in the body for some time, and the test gives false-positive results (i.e. there is no pregnancy, but the test is still positive).
As in the case of taking medications containing hCG, in order to obtain reliable results, it is necessary to make two quantitative determinations of hCG with an interval of 2-3 days. A decrease in hCG levels indicates that there is no pregnancy.
Thus, false positives are relatively rare as opposed to false negatives. The latter are obtained when the gestational age is still too small and the hCG level is too low to be detected by the test (or the test itself is not sensitive enough).
WHAT IS THE RELIABILITY OF PREGNANCY TESTS WHEN USING ON THE FIRST DAY OF A MONTHLY DELAY?
Tests from different manufacturers have different sensitivity, most of them are designed to be used from the 1st day of delay in menstruation. In 90% ± 5% of cases, by this time the embryo is already implanted into the wall of the uterus and begins to produce hCG. However, in 10% of cases, implantation has not yet occurred.
With a delay of 1 week, implantation occurs already in 97% ± 3% of cases. However, in practice, the reliability of tests is limited by their sensitivity, so the actual reliability is somewhat lower.
Since the hCG level doubles every 2-3 days, a recommendation follows: in case of a negative result, if menstruation does not start, repeat the test after a few days.
HOW LONG SHOULD I DRINK URINE BEFORE THE TEST?
It depends on the time elapsed since ovulation. The most concentrated urine is the first morning urine and is best used. But in principle, if you are testing early, it is enough not to urinate for 4 hours before the test. The higher the level of hCG in your body, the shorter this time. If, for any reason, the test cannot be performed immediately after urine collection, the urine should be stored in the refrigerator (no more than 48 hours) or in the freezer (no more than 2 weeks) before the test.
HOW TO PERFORM ANALYSIS CORRECTLY?
Follow the instructions on the dough packaging. Midstream tests (for use in a stream of urine) can also be used as a normal test (ie dipped in a container of urine), but then all the advantages of the midstream design are lost.
But test strips in a stream of urine CANNOT be used! The urine should be collected in a clean glass, plastic or waxed container; no preservatives should be added. If the test or urine has been stored in the refrigerator, it should be allowed to warm to room temperature before analysis, and frozen samples should be completely thawed, mixed thoroughly and warmed to room temperature (do not use a stove or microwave for this!).
WHAT MISTAKES TO AVOID WHEN TAKING THE TEST?
Do not touch the reaction zone of the dough with your hands. The test must be free from moisture or dirt prior to analysis. The test cannot be used after the expiration date. Of course, no foreign matter should be allowed to enter the urine sample. Violation of these rules leads to unreliable results.
WHERE SHOULD THE SECOND STRIP BE LOCATED? DOES ITS BRIGHTNESS MATTER?
On test strips of the simplest design, the upper strip is the control one, and the presence of hCG is shown by the lower one. There are tests in which the control strip forms a minus sign "-", and the second, in the presence of hCG, forms a plus sign "+" with it. In more complex test designs, each strip has its own window, and it is impossible to make a mistake. The brightness of the second strip does not matter, the very fact of its presence is important.
The strip, regardless of the intensity of the color, should be located at some distance from the absorbent pad (or the edge of the window) and have clear edges. If instead of a clear line you see a pink spot, the test is invalid. However, if in doubt, it is better to repeat the test in a few days.
CAN THE TEST READINGS CHANGE AFTER ANY TIME, LET'S SAY AN HOUR AFTER ANALYSIS?
A positive result will not change: both stripes were colored and will remain. A negative result after 10 minutes or more may show a weak second streak as a result of the evaporation of water and the release of the dye (the so-called evaporation line). This, of course, does not mean that hCG suddenly appeared from somewhere.
THEREFORE, THE RESULTS OBTAINED LATER THAN 5-7 MINUTES ARE NOT VALID !!!
A negative result will not become positive either after 10 minutes or after an hour, the second strip should appear within the time indicated on the test package (usually 3-5 minutes). However, if in doubt, it is best to repeat the test a few days later.
CAN ALCOHOL, MEDICINES, ETC. INFLUENCE THE TEST RESULT? Alcohol, medications (and even birth control pills), lactation, menopause, etc. do not affect test results. The only exception is drugs containing hCG (rot, prophasi, etc.). After the last intake of such drugs, you must wait 10-14 days, otherwise the test result will be false positive.
It is possible to make two quantitative determinations of hCG in the laboratory with an interval of 2-3 days: a noticeable increase in the level of hCG in the second analysis compared to the first indicates pregnancy, while a decrease in the level indicates that the hCG administered with the drug is excreted from the body.
ATTENTION! A PREGNANCY TEST DOES NOT Distinguish a Normal from a Pathological (eg, ectopic) pregnancy. 2) Pregnancy tests can be wrong! Manufacturers of rapid pregnancy tests unanimously promise 99 percent reliability of the results of their products. However, in reality, everything is somewhat different. As you know, home pregnancy tests can be purchased at any pharmacy. Their principle of action is based on the content in the urine of the "pregnancy hormone" - chorionic gonadotropin. In just a few minutes, the strip reacts to the level of concentration and gives the result in the form of one or two strips.
In most cases, the data from such a test can be trusted. However, women who have been struggling for a long time to achieve the desired pregnancy know that the test can show false positive results. It's not hard to guess what joy they felt at the sight of the long-awaited second strip! And what pain and disappointment a visit to the doctor brought them when it was discovered that in fact there was no pregnancy.
If a miscarriage is threatened, the test may suddenly turn negative. It happens that it is a negative result that becomes the first sign of an interrupted pregnancy. Poor quality test. If a year ago gynecologists trusted the test results for almost 100%, now they prefer to examine the patient and do an ultrasound. There is one more option: not a single strip is colored during the test. This means that the test is defective.
First. When performing a pregnancy test, errors are possible. First, the test starts working, at the earliest, 10-12 days from the day of conception. This usually means - from the day the delay started. Therefore, doing a test on days 15, 20, 27 of the cycle is absurd. Although sometimes it is impatient that the first test is done the next morning after intercourse ... So the test done during the last cycle is free to show what he pleases - it's still a wrong result. Wait for a delay. In addition, if intercourse occurred, for example, on the fifth day of a 30-day cycle, then the probability of conception is extremely small (although, of course, there is). Nevertheless, after 12 days, that is, on the 17th day of the cycle, the test will still give a negative result - and this will be true. Due to minor flaws in the methodology (which is very clearly stated in the insert for each test), due to the peculiarities of production, storage, transportation, etc. many tests really start working without errors only starting from 8-10 days of delay. Therefore, if you have a delay, and the test on the second day shows nothing, do not be too lazy to do it again in a week, or even better - donate blood for hCG. No other hormones, foods, stresses, etc. the test result is not affected. Therefore, one should not be deceived, for example, by what the test did against the background of a delay, immediately after intercourse - that sperm gave a false result ... It is unlikely that the test is more likely to be right. False negative results can only be in women with kidney disease, renal failure, arterial hypertension, vegetative-vascular dystonia, heart failure, atherosclerosis of the aorta, renal arteries and other diseases in which blood circulation in the kidneys is impaired. However, after a few days, these women will also test positive. In their thirst for a positive answer, many women observe the behavior of the test, not for 5 minutes, as indicated in the instructions, but for two hours! And really, finally, they guess some barely visible strip ... Alas, this is not a result, but the influence of external factors, which in 2 hours will do something that cannot be foreseen by a single instruction. Fifth. The tests are for urine only. Neither in the blood, nor in the saliva, hCG is not determined with their help. In any suspicious case, as well as if a very accurate and very early diagnosis of both the presence of hCG and its concentration in the blood is required, a venous blood test is performed. It is carried out in almost any gynecological institution for one day. The accuracy of this analysis is much higher than the tests, because more subtle methods of detecting the hormone are used. Therefore, if the presence or absence of pregnancy is a matter of life and death for you, not the third time for tests, immediately go for an analysis. Blood analysis for hCG is used not only to diagnose the presence of pregnancy, as such, but also to track the course of pregnancy and even for establishing the POSSIBILITY (but not necessarily) of an ectopic pregnancy. There are special tables of the concentration of hCG in the blood at each stage of pregnancy, and with an ectopic hCG level is approximately 2/3 of these figures. Therefore, by the way, the test can give a negative result, although the pregnancy develops in the tube.