Pregnancy Chances: Delayed Period and Symptoms Explained

Is there a chance of becoming pregnant?

Hello, my girlfriend's period is over 13 days late.
Her expected menstrual period this month was from June 6 to June 13.
During this time, we had some genital friction, but both of us were wearing underwear.
Earlier this month, she experienced brown discharge before her expected period, and recently she has been experiencing lower abdominal pain, frequent urination, loss of appetite, and increased discharge, but no nausea or vomiting.
Today marks the 13th day of her missed period.
We used a home pregnancy test, but it was not with the first morning urine; it was about 4 hours after the first morning urine.
The test showed only one line.
Given this situation, what do you think the likelihood of pregnancy is? Thank you for your response.

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

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, a single line indicates that you are likely not pregnant, and the chances of pregnancy are low.
It is best to use contraception beforehand.
If your period does not arrive after another week, it is advisable to see a gynecologist.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2016/06/19

More Info

When considering the possibility of pregnancy, especially in the context of a delayed period and accompanying symptoms, it's important to analyze the situation carefully. Your girlfriend's menstrual cycle is already 13 days late, which is significant. The typical menstrual cycle ranges from 21 to 35 days, and a delay can often raise concerns about pregnancy.
In your case, you mentioned that there was some genital contact, albeit with clothing, which typically presents a lower risk for pregnancy compared to direct genital contact. However, it is still theoretically possible for sperm to be transferred through clothing, although the likelihood is significantly reduced.
The symptoms your girlfriend is experiencing—lower abdominal pain, increased urinary frequency, decreased appetite, and changes in discharge—can be indicative of several conditions, including pregnancy, but they can also be attributed to other factors such as hormonal changes, stress, or even an impending menstrual cycle. The presence of brown discharge could suggest old blood, which sometimes occurs at the beginning of a menstrual cycle or could be related to other factors such as ovulation or hormonal fluctuations.

Regarding the pregnancy test, it is crucial to note that the accuracy of home pregnancy tests can vary based on several factors, including the timing of the test and the concentration of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) in the urine. Testing with first-morning urine is generally recommended because it contains the highest concentration of hCG. Since the test was conducted approximately four hours after the first morning urine, it may not be as reliable.
Given that the test showed only one line, it suggests a negative result, but it is important to consider that testing too early can lead to false negatives. If your girlfriend's period does not start soon, it would be advisable for her to retest in a few days or consult a healthcare provider for a blood test, which can detect pregnancy earlier and with greater accuracy than urine tests.

In summary, while there is a possibility of pregnancy given the circumstances, the likelihood appears to be low based on the information provided, especially considering the negative pregnancy test result. However, the symptoms warrant further investigation. If the period remains absent and symptoms persist, seeking medical advice would be the best course of action to rule out pregnancy or other potential health issues.
In conclusion, while the chances of pregnancy exist, they may not be high in this scenario. Monitoring the situation closely and considering a follow-up test or consultation with a healthcare professional will provide clarity and peace of mind.

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