Am I Pregnant? Post-Intercourse Bleeding and Tests - Obstetrics and Gynecology

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Can I still get pregnant this way?


I got my period on May 14 and it ended on May 20.
I had unprotected intercourse on May 21, but I took emergency contraception within an hour.
On May 27, I experienced bleeding that resembled my period, lasting about 5 to 6 days.
I took a pregnancy test on May 28, which showed one line.
I visited a gynecologist on May 30, but nothing significant was found; it seemed to be ovulation bleeding.
An abdominal ultrasound was performed.
I took another pregnancy test on June 3, which also showed one line.
On June 10, I noticed a sudden discharge of brown fluid.
What could this be? Is there a chance I could be pregnant, or is something else going on?

Ting, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/06/10

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology


Hello, emergency contraceptive pills can sometimes cause irregular menstruation.
A single line on a pregnancy test usually indicates that you are not pregnant.
Wait for your period to see if it is normal.
If there is still abnormal bleeding, you should consult a gynecologist.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2016/06/10

More Info


Based on your description, it seems you are experiencing a series of symptoms and events that are causing confusion regarding your potential pregnancy status. Let's break down your situation and address your concerns about the possibility of being pregnant, the implications of post-intercourse bleeding, and the results of your pregnancy tests.

First, you mentioned that you had unprotected intercourse on May 21 and took emergency contraception within an hour. Emergency contraception (like Plan B) is designed to prevent pregnancy if taken shortly after unprotected sex. It is most effective when taken as soon as possible and can reduce the risk of pregnancy significantly. However, it is not 100% effective, and there is still a small chance of becoming pregnant.

You reported experiencing bleeding that resembled your menstrual period starting on May 27, lasting for about 5 to 6 days. This could be a withdrawal bleed from the emergency contraception, which is common. Emergency contraceptive pills can cause changes in your menstrual cycle, including earlier or later periods, lighter or heavier bleeding, and even spotting.
On May 28 and June 3, you took pregnancy tests, both of which returned negative results (one line). Pregnancy tests detect the hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) in your urine, which is typically only present if you are pregnant. Since both tests were negative and you had a bleeding episode, it is less likely that you are pregnant.
However, you also mentioned experiencing brown discharge on June 10. Brown discharge can occur for several reasons, including:
1. Old Blood: Brown discharge often indicates old blood that is being expelled from the body, which can happen at the end of a menstrual period or as a result of hormonal changes.

2. Ovulation: Some women experience spotting during ovulation, which can occur around the middle of their cycle.

3. Hormonal Fluctuations: Changes in hormone levels due to stress, changes in birth control, or other factors can lead to irregular bleeding or spotting.

4. Implantation Bleeding: If you were pregnant, some women experience light spotting when the fertilized egg implants into the uterine lining, but given your negative tests, this is less likely.

Given that you have had negative pregnancy tests and experienced what seems to be a normal menstrual cycle (albeit influenced by emergency contraception), it is unlikely that you are pregnant. However, if your symptoms persist or if you have further concerns, it would be advisable to consult with a healthcare provider. They can perform a blood test for pregnancy, which is more sensitive than urine tests, and conduct a thorough examination to rule out any other potential issues.

In summary, while the possibility of pregnancy cannot be completely ruled out, the combination of negative tests and your bleeding suggests that you are likely not pregnant. If you continue to experience unusual symptoms or have concerns about your menstrual cycle, seeking medical advice is the best course of action.

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