Could Early Menstrual Cessation Indicate Pregnancy or Other Issues?

Menstruation stops after ejaculation during the menstrual period?

Hello doctor, my girlfriend and I had unprotected intercourse on the fourth day of her menstrual period, and she experienced some bleeding in the morning, but her period stopped by the evening.
My girlfriend has a history of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and hasn't had her period for a while.
This time, she got her period, which might be related to a previous incident where a condom broke, and she took emergency contraception.
However, she mentioned that her periods usually last for 7 days.
Is it possible that she could be pregnant, or could this be a symptom of something else?

Andy, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/11/19

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, the chances of pregnancy are low; it may just be that your menstrual period has stopped.
It is always best to take preventive measures beforehand and not to 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: 2016/11/19

More Info

Early menstrual cessation can indeed indicate pregnancy, but it can also be a sign of other underlying issues, especially in the context of your girlfriend's history of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Let's break down the situation and explore the possibilities.

1. Pregnancy Possibility: If your girlfriend had unprotected intercourse (even if it was on the fourth day of her period), there is a possibility of pregnancy, particularly if she has irregular cycles due to PCOS. The fact that she experienced bleeding after intercourse could be implantation bleeding, which occurs when a fertilized egg attaches to the lining of the uterus. However, this is typically light and occurs around the time a period would be expected. If her menstrual cycle has been irregular, it may be difficult to determine if this bleeding is related to her menstrual cycle or an early sign of pregnancy.

2. Impact of Emergency Contraception: You mentioned that your girlfriend took emergency contraception (the "morning-after pill"). This medication can cause changes in her menstrual cycle, including earlier or later onset of menstruation, lighter or heavier bleeding, and even spotting. It is not uncommon for women to experience changes in their cycle after taking emergency contraception, which could explain the early cessation of her period.

3. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): PCOS can lead to irregular menstrual cycles, making it challenging to predict ovulation and menstruation. Women with PCOS may experience lighter periods or even missed periods altogether. The hormonal imbalances associated with PCOS can also affect the lining of the uterus, which may lead to unusual bleeding patterns. If your girlfriend has not had a period for a while and then experienced one, it could be a sign of her condition rather than pregnancy.

4. Other Potential Issues: Besides pregnancy and the effects of emergency contraception, other factors could lead to early menstrual cessation, such as stress, significant weight changes, hormonal imbalances, or other medical conditions. If your girlfriend is experiencing any unusual symptoms, such as severe pain, excessive bleeding, or other concerning signs, it would be wise for her to consult a healthcare provider for further evaluation.

5. Next Steps: If pregnancy is suspected, the most reliable way to confirm it would be to take a home pregnancy test. These tests are most accurate when taken after a missed period. If the test is positive, it would be advisable for her to schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider for further evaluation and prenatal care. If the test is negative and her menstrual irregularities continue, she should also seek medical advice to address her PCOS and any other concerns.

In conclusion, while early menstrual cessation can indicate pregnancy, it is essential to consider the context of her health history, including PCOS and the use of emergency contraception. Monitoring her symptoms and consulting a healthcare provider will provide the best course of action to understand her situation fully.

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