Am I Pregnant? Symptoms and Testing After Unprotected Sex

Suspected Pregnancy

Hello, doctor.
I took emergency contraception around June 23, and my period came from June 29 to July 5.
However, I cannot confirm if July 6 was the last day of my period because I still had some brown discharge.
I had intercourse with my boyfriend on July 6 without a condom, and we had another encounter on July 14, during which he used a condom.
Although he did not ejaculate both times and the penetration was brief and not very deep, I washed up afterward.
I took pregnancy tests on July 20, July 24, July 31, and August 6, all of which showed one line.
I also had a blood test on August 4, but the results are not yet available.
As of August 6, I have not gotten my period this month.
Is it possible that I am pregnant, or am I just too anxious and stressed? Could the emergency contraception have caused an irregular ovulation? Additionally, I started experiencing some cold symptoms around August 5, feeling warm and having a sore throat.
Could these be early signs of pregnancy? Thank you for taking the time to respond.

Niming, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/08/06

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, a pregnancy test is usually accurate only after 12 days of conception.
The chances of pregnancy are low.
If your period does not arrive after another week, it is advisable to see a gynecologist.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2016/08/06

More Info

Based on your situation, it seems you have a lot of concerns regarding the possibility of pregnancy after engaging in unprotected sex, particularly after taking emergency contraception and experiencing some unusual symptoms. Let's break down your situation and address your questions.

Firstly, regarding the use of emergency contraception (EC) on June 23 and your subsequent menstrual cycle from June 29 to July 5, it's important to note that EC can indeed affect your menstrual cycle. After taking EC, some women experience changes in their cycle, including delayed periods, lighter or heavier bleeding, or even spotting. The presence of brown discharge after your period could be a result of hormonal fluctuations caused by the emergency contraceptive pill.
You mentioned having unprotected intercourse on July 6 and again on July 14, with the second instance involving a condom. While it's reassuring that your partner did not ejaculate during these encounters, it's important to remember that pre-ejaculate fluid can contain sperm, which poses a risk of pregnancy. However, since you used a condom during the second encounter, the risk is significantly reduced.

You have conducted multiple home pregnancy tests (HPTs) on July 20, 24, 31, and August 6, all of which returned negative results. Home pregnancy tests are generally reliable when used correctly, especially if taken after a missed period. Since you have had consistent negative results, this is a good indication that you are not pregnant. However, it’s worth noting that if you tested too early, it might not have detected a pregnancy if it were present.
The fact that your period has not arrived yet could be attributed to several factors, including stress, hormonal changes from the EC, or other health issues. Stress can significantly impact your menstrual cycle, leading to delayed or missed periods.
Regarding your symptoms of feeling warm, having a sore throat, and general malaise, these are not typical early signs of pregnancy. Common early pregnancy symptoms include nausea, breast tenderness, fatigue, and frequent urination. However, feeling unwell could be related to a viral infection or other non-pregnancy-related issues.

Since you mentioned that you had a blood test on August 4 and are awaiting results, this will provide a more definitive answer regarding your pregnancy status. Blood tests are more sensitive than home pregnancy tests and can detect pregnancy earlier.

In summary, based on the information you provided:
1. The negative home pregnancy tests are a strong indicator that you are not pregnant.

2. The delay in your period could be due to the emergency contraception or stress rather than pregnancy.

3. Your symptoms of feeling unwell are likely unrelated to pregnancy.

4. Await the results of your blood test for confirmation.

If your period does not arrive soon or if you continue to have concerns, it would be wise to consult with a healthcare provider for further evaluation. They can provide guidance and support tailored to your specific situation. Remember, maintaining open communication with your healthcare provider is key to addressing any ongoing concerns about your reproductive health.

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