Can a UTI Cause a False Positive Pregnancy Test? Understanding the Link Between Infections and hCG Testing

Home pregnancy tests have become a common first step for women wondering if they’re expecting. They're affordable, easy to use, and deliver fast results. But what happens when you’re dealing with a urinary tract infection (UTI) and get a positive result—can the infection be misleading the test?

This blog explores whether a UTI can actually cause a false positive pregnancy test result. We’ll break down how pregnancy tests work, what a UTI is, how the two might interact, and what you should do if you’re unsure about your results. Let’s separate myth from fact to help you test with confidence.

How Pregnancy Tests Work

Understanding hCG: The Pregnancy Hormone

Pregnancy tests are designed to detect human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone produced shortly after a fertilized egg implants in the uterus. hCG levels typically start rising 6–12 days after ovulation and increase rapidly in early pregnancy.

How Urine-Based Pregnancy Tests Detect hCG

Most at-home pregnancy tests, including those from MomMed, use antibodies that bind to hCG in your urine. If hCG is present, the test line appears—usually within 3 to 5 minutes. A positive result means your body is producing hCG, which strongly indicates pregnancy.

What Defines a False Positive?

A false positive occurs when the test says you’re pregnant but you’re not. This can happen for various reasons—some related to hormones, others to the test itself or your health condition.

MomMed Pregnancy Test Strips are designed with high sensitivity (25 mIU/ml) and over 99% accuracy, reducing the chance of false positives when used correctly. Still, understanding what might influence results is important—especially during health conditions like a UTI.

 

What Is a UTI and Its Common Symptoms

Understanding Urinary Tract Infections

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection that occurs in any part of the urinary system—bladder, urethra, or kidneys. It’s usually caused by bacteria entering the urinary tract, often from the gastrointestinal tract.

Common Symptoms of a UTI

Women experiencing a UTI may notice:

• A burning sensation during urination
  
• Frequent urge to urinate (even when little comes out)
  
• Cloudy or strong-smelling urine
  
• Pelvic pain or pressure
  
• Occasionally, fever or blood in urine
  

Who Is Most at Risk?

UTIs are more common in women due to shorter urethras. Risk increases with:

• Sexual activity
  
• Pregnancy
  
• Certain types of birth control (e.g., diaphragms)
  
• Diabetes or other immune-related conditions

 

Can a UTI Cause a False Positive Pregnancy Test?

What the Science Says

Generally, a UTI should not cause a false positive on a pregnancy test. This is because:

• Pregnancy tests are designed to detect hCG, not bacteria or other UTI-related substances.
  
• The hCG hormone is not produced in response to infections.
  

Rare Exceptions

In rare, complicated UTIs—especially those involving blood, high protein levels, or severe inflammation—urine composition may change significantly. Some researchers suggest that such changes might interfere with test chemistry, but this is extremely uncommon.

The key takeaway: a typical UTI won’t produce or mimic hCG. If your test is positive, you are likely pregnant—but it’s always best to confirm.

Chemical vs. Biological Interference

False positives may arise from chemical reactions (like evaporation lines or faulty test design), not actual hCG detection. A UTI may cause cloudy or discolored urine, which could affect readability, but it doesn’t introduce hCG itself.

Other Conditions That May Cause a False Positive

While UTIs are an unlikely cause of a false positive pregnancy test, other factors can and do lead to misleading results. Let’s explore them in more detail:

Medications—Especially Fertility Drugs

One of the most common causes of a false positive is fertility treatment. Some medications, such as human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) injections like Novarel, Ovidrel, or Pregnyl, are used to trigger ovulation. These drugs introduce synthetic hCG into the body, which can be detected by pregnancy tests even if you're not actually pregnant. The hormone may remain in your system for up to 14 days, leading to a false positive if you test too early.

Recent Miscarriage or Abortion

After a miscarriage or abortion, hCG levels don’t drop to zero immediately. Depending on the individual and the duration of the pregnancy, it can take days to weeks for levels to return to baseline. Testing during this window may show a positive result despite the absence of an ongoing pregnancy.

Certain Medical Conditions

Although rare, some medical conditions can mimic hCG in the body. These include:

• Ovarian cysts or tumors, especially those involving trophoblastic tissue
  
• Pituitary gland disorders, which can occasionally produce small amounts of hCG
  
• Kidney disease, which affects urine filtration and may cause abnormal test readings
  

While uncommon, these cases highlight the importance of not relying solely on a home pregnancy test when the results are unexpected or confusing.

Evaporation Lines and Testing Errors

Another common source of false positives is user error. If you leave a test out too long and read it past the instructed time window, evaporation lines can appear. These lines are usually colorless or gray and may be mistaken for a faint positive. Improper storage, expired tests, or not following instructions can also cause misleading results.

If you're tracking your fertility and need to time ovulation precisely—especially when trying to conceive or recovering from a health issue like a UTI—MomMed Ovulation Test Strips offer a reliable, science-backed solution. Used together with pregnancy tests, they give a complete picture of your reproductive cycle.

 

What to Do If You Have UTI Symptoms and a Positive Test

Step 1: Retake the Test

Start by taking a second test, preferably using first-morning urine, which contains the highest concentration of hCG. Choose a sensitive and reliable test for better accuracy. This helps eliminate the possibility of a one-off result caused by sample issues or improper usage.

Step 2: See Your Healthcare Provider

If you get another positive result, schedule an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible. A blood test can confirm whether hCG is truly present and at what level. Your provider may also order an ultrasound to check for signs of an intrauterine pregnancy, especially if you're having symptoms that could overlap between a UTI and early pregnancy, such as:

• Cramping or lower abdominal pain
  
• Frequent urination
  
• Mild spotting
  

Step 3: Treat the UTI Safely

If you are pregnant, treating your UTI becomes even more critical. UTIs in pregnancy can lead to complications like kidney infections or preterm labor if left untreated. Your doctor will prescribe pregnancy-safe antibiotics and monitor your progress. It’s important not to delay treatment out of fear—UTIs are common during pregnancy and very manageable with proper care.

Tips for Accurate Pregnancy Testing During a UTI

Wait Until the UTI Is Treated (If Possible)

If you suspect a UTI and don’t urgently need to test for pregnancy, it may be wise to wait until your infection is treated. This reduces the risk of urine contamination (from blood, protein, or bacteria), which might affect your ability to read the results accurately. However, if pregnancy is a real possibility—especially if you’ve missed a period—go ahead and test, but do so carefully.

Use First-Morning Urine

hCG is most concentrated in the first urine of the day. This is especially important if you’re still early in your potential pregnancy window or if you’re experiencing diluted urine from increased hydration (which is often recommended during a UTI). Using concentrated urine increases the sensitivity and accuracy of the test result.

Follow Instructions Carefully

No matter how many times you’ve taken a pregnancy test, it’s important to:

• Read the instructions each time (brands vary slightly)
  
• Use the correct amount of urine
  
• Wait only the recommended time before reading the result (usually 3–5 minutes)
  
• Discard the test after the time window closes to avoid misreading evaporation lines
  

Choose a High-Quality Test Kit

Not all pregnancy tests are created equal. Some are more prone to evaporation lines or have less clear indicators. Choosing a reputable test—especially if you’ll need to repeat it due to mixed signals from your health—is crucial.

For accuracy and consistency, MomMed Pregnancy Test Strips are a trusted option, especially for women dealing with complicating factors like UTIs. Their clear instructions and reliable sensitivity make them ideal for repeated testing at home without breaking the bank.

Consider a Blood Test for Extra Clarity

If you continue to feel unsure after multiple home tests—or if you’re experiencing conflicting symptoms (e.g., UTI symptoms but also nausea or breast tenderness)—ask your healthcare provider for a quantitative hCG blood test. This is the most accurate method to confirm or rule out pregnancy and can help guide your next steps in treatment or planning.

 

Conclusion

So, can a UTI cause a false positive pregnancy test? It’s highly unlikely. Typical UTIs do not produce hCG or interfere with pregnancy test results in a meaningful way. However, rare complications and incorrect usage may muddy the waters—so it’s always smart to confirm positive results and follow up with your doctor.

Using reliable, highly sensitive products like MomMed Pregnancy Test Strips ensures you’re starting with the best chance at accurate detection. And for those tracking ovulation before pregnancy, MomMed Ovulation Test Strips offer consistent, budget-friendly support throughout your cycle.

Whether you’re navigating a potential infection or just starting your conception journey, knowing the facts about your body—and your tests—empowers you to make confident, informed decisions.