Could I Be Pregnant? Symptoms and Testing - Obstetrics and Gynecology

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Are you pregnant?


Hello, I had my period on May 15th last month.
This month, I used protection throughout, but there was one occasion on June 10th when I didn't use a condom and had unprotected intercourse.
It's now June 20th, and my period still hasn't arrived.
I took a pregnancy test two days ago, and it showed only one line.
However, I am experiencing breast and abdominal tenderness, as well as headaches.
Could I be pregnant?

Shishi, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/06/19

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology


Hello, the chances of pregnancy are low, but it is best to take preventive measures beforehand.
Do not rely on the safe period.
If your period is more than a week late, it is advisable to see a gynecologist.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2016/06/19

More Info


When considering the possibility of pregnancy, it is essential to evaluate various factors, including the timing of your menstrual cycle, any recent sexual activity, and the symptoms you are experiencing. Based on the information you provided, it appears that you had your last menstrual period on May 15, and you have been using protection during sexual intercourse, except for one instance on June 10 when you did not use a condom and there was internal ejaculation.
Given that your expected period is now overdue, it is understandable that you are concerned about the possibility of pregnancy. The symptoms you mentioned, such as breast tenderness, abdominal bloating, and headaches, can indeed be associated with early pregnancy. However, these symptoms can also be indicative of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or other hormonal changes in your body.

The first step in determining whether you might be pregnant is to consider the timing of your ovulation. If you have a regular menstrual cycle, ovulation typically occurs about 14 days before your next expected period. If you had unprotected intercourse around the time of ovulation, there is a higher chance of conception. However, since you mentioned that you have been using protection, the risk of pregnancy is lower, but not entirely eliminated, especially if there was any sperm exposure during the incident on June 10.

You mentioned that you took a pregnancy test a few days ago and received a negative result (one line). It is important to note that home pregnancy tests are most accurate when taken after a missed period. If you tested too early, it is possible that the hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), which is produced during pregnancy, was not at a detectable level yet. If your period does not arrive soon, it would be advisable to retest in a few days or consult with a healthcare provider for a more sensitive blood test.

In addition to the symptoms you are experiencing, it is also worth considering other factors that could affect your menstrual cycle, such as stress, changes in weight, or other health issues. Stress can significantly impact your hormonal balance and may lead to delayed periods or other symptoms that mimic pregnancy.

If your symptoms persist or worsen, or if you continue to experience unusual changes in your menstrual cycle, it would be prudent to schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider. They can perform a thorough evaluation, including a physical examination and possibly an ultrasound, to rule out any underlying conditions and provide you with the appropriate guidance.

In summary, while the symptoms you are experiencing could suggest pregnancy, the negative pregnancy test indicates that it is less likely. However, retesting after a few days or consulting with a healthcare provider would be the best course of action to clarify your situation and address any concerns you may have.

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