The hormone also serves in aiding in the
development of gonads in the fetus and the production
of androgens by the testes
of a male fetus.
Levels of HCG can first be detected approximately 11 days following conception, in a blood test. One to three days later, HCG can be detected with a urine test. Some highly sensitive tests can detect HCG as early as a week following ovulation. Normal home pregnancy tests are not able to detect HCG in the blood until at least 12 to 14 days after ovulation.