A missed period accompanied by pelvic pain can occur due to several common reasons, including hormonal imbalances, ovarian cysts, or stress. Although your home test was negative, a blood pregnancy test and a pelvic ultrasound by a doctor are the safest next steps to find the exact cause. Please avoid taking any strong prescription medications without a diagnosis. For temporary relief of mild discomfort, you can use over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen. However, please consult a healthcare provider promptly for a proper evaluation, and seek emergency care if you experience sudden, severe pain, dizziness, fever, or heavy bleeding.

To use a home pregnancy test, it is best to use your first morning urine, as it contains the highest concentration of the pregnancy hormone hCG. First, wash your hands. Depending on the kit, you will either hold the absorbent tip in your urine stream for a few seconds or dip it into urine collected in a clean cup. Place the test flat on a clean surface and wait the exact time specified in the instructions (usually 3 to 5 minutes). One line (the control) indicates a negative result, while two lines, even if one is faint, indicate a positive result. If positive, please schedule an appointment with your doctor.