Am I Pregnant? Irregular Periods and Testing

Am I pregnant?

Hello doctor, my menstrual cycle has been very irregular; sometimes it comes every month and a half, and sometimes it takes two months.
In January and February, it was consistently on the 23rd.
I had intercourse with my boyfriend on March 7, and we used a condom, but I'm not sure if it broke.
Since my friend got pregnant, I became anxious and bought a pregnancy test to check.
I tested on March 18 using morning urine, and it showed negative, but my period for March still hasn't come.
I'm still worried, so on April 16, I tried a different brand of pregnancy test, also using morning urine, and it also showed negative.
I don't have any vomiting symptoms, but I think I've gained weight recently, and my belly seems bigger.
Could my anxiety about not having my period mean that I'm pregnant and that's why my period hasn't come?

Xin Xin, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/04/20

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

What you need is not medical consultation but rather a remedial course in sexual education.
For such inquiries, it is recommended to refer to the National Health Administration's "Sexual Happiness e-Learning" or the Obstetrics and Gynecology Society's "Adolescent Contraceptive Guidance Consultation" at http://goo.gl/dc6PfW.

Hello, based on your description, the chances of pregnancy are not low.
However, it is not possible to determine whether you are pregnant based solely on subjective symptoms.
It is advisable to consult a physician to check for the reasons and to confirm whether you are pregnant.
Thank you! Wishing you peace and health.
Dr.
Zhang

Reply Date: 2016/04/20

More Info

Based on the information you've provided, it seems that you are experiencing irregular menstrual cycles, which can complicate the process of determining whether or not you are pregnant. Irregular periods can be influenced by various factors, including stress, hormonal imbalances, changes in weight, and lifestyle factors.
You mentioned that your menstrual cycle has been inconsistent, with periods sometimes occurring every month and other times taking longer to arrive. This irregularity can make it challenging to pinpoint ovulation and the timing of potential conception. In your case, you had unprotected intercourse on March 7, and subsequently, you took pregnancy tests on March 18 and April 16, both of which returned negative results.
It's important to note that home pregnancy tests are generally reliable, especially when using first-morning urine, which has the highest concentration of the hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin). However, if you tested too early, it is possible to receive a false negative result. Typically, hCG levels can be detected in urine about 10 days after conception, but this can vary depending on the individual and the timing of ovulation.

Given that your period did not arrive in March, it is understandable that you are feeling anxious about the possibility of being pregnant. Stress and anxiety can indeed affect your menstrual cycle, potentially delaying your period further. This phenomenon is often referred to as "stress-induced amenorrhea."
If you are still concerned about the possibility of pregnancy, it may be beneficial to wait a few more days and take another pregnancy test. If your period does not arrive within a week or two, or if you continue to experience symptoms that concern you, I recommend consulting with a healthcare provider. They can perform a blood test, which is more sensitive than urine tests and can provide a definitive answer regarding pregnancy.

Additionally, if you find that your menstrual cycles continue to be irregular, it may be worth discussing this with your doctor. They can help identify any underlying issues that may be contributing to the irregularity, such as hormonal imbalances or other health conditions.
In summary, while your negative pregnancy tests suggest that you are not pregnant, the irregularity of your menstrual cycle and the stress surrounding the situation could be contributing to the delay in your period. Monitoring your symptoms and consulting with a healthcare professional will provide you with the best course of action moving forward. Remember, it's essential to take care of your mental and physical health during this time.

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