What happens if a man takes a pregnancy test (and it comes positive)?

But medicine is not so black and white, and of course exceptions exist. “On rare occasions it is possible for a man to see a positive test reading, and while this may sound odd, the scientific basis for men obtaining a positive hCG test exists. Again not in the context of pregnancy, but in some medical conditions that enable the production of hCG,” she said, adding that it is most common among men with testicular tumors to have hCG produced as a byproduct of abnormal cell growth. There are exceptions for instances of other rare tumors seen in the liver, stomach, and lungs where hCG could also be produced.

Dr. Ashwini Rathod, Consultant Obstetrician, Gynecologist, and Infertility Specialist, Ankura Hospital for Women and Child, Pune explains that if a man takes a pregnancy test, it will almost always show negative because these tests are designed to detect the hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), which is produced during pregnancy. However, in very rare cases, a man’s test can come back positive. This doesn’t mean he is pregnant, but it can be a medical red flag.

What if the pregnancy test comes positive?

“Certain types of cancers, especially testicular cancer, can produce hCG as a marker. That’s why a positive pregnancy test in a man is sometimes considered a warning sign of a serious underlying health issue. It should never be ignored or taken lightly,” he shared.

According to him, if such a result occurs, immediate evaluation is necessary to rule out testicular tumors or other rare conditions. So, while the test is not meant for men, a positive result can point toward something important that needs quick medical attention.

Can a man’s pregnancy test come positive? (Source: Freepik)

Understanding certain lifestyle practices can help all men to maintain good reproductive health. He suggested the following:

Visit your doctor regularly: If you want to maintain your overall reproductive health, you should make an appointment with your doctor right away. Your doctor can keep a track of your health and take actions to prevent the issues beforehand.

Quit smoking, tobacco and limit alcohol: Smoking is toxic. Smoking is one of the prominent reasons that cause erectile dysfunction in men. Quitting can overcome this situation. Also, drinking excessive amounts of alcohol can affect your fertility too. Occasional drinking may be considered acceptable.

Practise good hygiene: This is one of the most basic rules to follow. Practise regular genital hygiene to prevent the accumulation of germs in your genitals that can potentially cause infections.

Manage lifestyle disorders: Obesity can affect fertility in several ways. Maintenance of a proper nutritional diet and right physical activity will ensure that the reproductive system is in good health. Exercise for at least 15-20 minutes daily and minimise stress as much as possible.

Prevent infections: Sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia and gonorrhea can cause infertility in men. This can be kept in check by limiting your number of sexual partners, using protection during intercourse and going for regular tests to screen for STIs.

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