I've been on the Nuvaring for 2+ years and have had regular periods with it. I take out my ring on Tuesday, usually start my period by Thursday or Friday, and then put the ring back in the following Tuesday. Last Thursday(9/16) I started spotting - my ring isn't supposed to come out until Tuesday(9/21). It was pretty light and it happened both Thursday and Friday.

I took a home test and it read negative but I'm wondering if I took it too early - I haven't technically missed my period yet. When is the earliest I can take a test?

It's always best to take it after a missed period. Don't forget to use first morning urine.

It's always best to take it after a missed period. Don't forget to use first morning urine.

When I took the test on Thursday, it was about 6pm so I know it wasn't the "best" urine to use. I was just wondering if it was possible to get a false reading by not waiting until I actually missed my period... that's probably just wishful thinking though. We'll see what happens this week :)

6pm is not the best time to take it unless you were sleeping since approximately 8am. It takes time for the HCG hormone to accumulate in the urine.

By taking it in the afternoon or evening the urine is diluted with anything you drink. While you sleep the hormone accumulates without any dilution because you are not eating or drinking.


wondering if it was possible to get a false reading by not waiting until I actually missed my period....

Yes, it's very possible because there may not be enough hormone to be detected by the test this early.