If you've recently had unprotected sex, it's common to wonder when you should test for pregnancy.

Pregnancy tests work by detecting the presence of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)—a hormone that people with female reproductive systems produce after conception and implantation. It can take up to two weeks after unprotected sex for your body to produce enough hCG for the test to detect the hormone properly. Most pregnancy tests are accurate around 10-14 days after unprotected sex or when you miss your period. However, some tests claim to be able to detect pregnancy a few days before your expected period.

It's best to follow the instructions on the specific test you're using and consult with a healthcare professional if you're unsure.