Pregnancy Concerns: Delayed Period and Negative Tests

Pregnancy test questions?

Hello, doctor.
After having sexual intercourse on October 19, I noticed that the condom slipped halfway but did not break.
Due to my concerns, I took emergency contraception on the same day and continued for three days.
On October 26, I experienced bleeding for three days (the amount was similar to the third day of my usual menstrual period).
My normal menstrual cycle is expected on December 9, but it has not arrived yet.
I have taken multiple pregnancy tests, all of which have shown a single negative line.
This past Monday, November 21, I visited a gynecologist for a test, which also came back negative.
The doctor performed an ultrasound and mentioned that my endometrial lining is sufficiently thick.
They prescribed me medication to induce menstruation, instructing me to take two pills every 12 hours.
I have one pill left.
I would like to ask if my stress and anxiety could be causing the delay in my period.
Should I consider the possibility of pregnancy to be ruled out at this point? Additionally, I would like to know if there is any chance of pregnancy if my hands came into contact with semen, but I washed my hands and dried them, and then later used toilet paper to wipe my genital area.
Thank you, doctor, for your assistance.

Huang, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/11/25

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, the chances of pregnancy are low, but it is always best to take preventive measures beforehand.
One should not rely on the safe period.
Generally, menstruation occurs 3-7 days after taking medication to induce menstruation.
If menstruation does not occur after more than a week, it is advisable to see a gynecologist.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2016/11/25

More Info

It sounds like you are experiencing a complex situation regarding your menstrual cycle and potential pregnancy concerns. Let's break down the key points and provide some clarity.

First, it’s important to note that a delayed period can be caused by various factors, including stress, hormonal imbalances, lifestyle changes, and medical conditions. In your case, you mentioned that you had unprotected intercourse on October 19, and although the condom slipped partially, you took emergency contraception (the morning-after pill) immediately afterward. This is a crucial step, as emergency contraception is designed to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse.

You experienced some bleeding on October 26, which could be a side effect of the emergency contraception. It's not uncommon for this type of medication to cause irregular bleeding or spotting, which can sometimes be mistaken for a period. However, since your expected menstrual period was due on December 9 and you have not had it yet, this could indicate a disruption in your cycle.

You have also taken multiple pregnancy tests, all of which have returned negative results. This is a strong indicator that you are not pregnant, especially since you visited a healthcare provider who confirmed this with a blood test and an ultrasound. The ultrasound showing a thickened endometrial lining could suggest that your body is preparing for a period, but it has not yet occurred.

Regarding your concern about stress and its impact on your menstrual cycle, it is well-documented that high levels of stress can affect hormonal balance and lead to delayed or missed periods. Stress can influence the hypothalamus, which regulates the hormones that control your menstrual cycle. If you are experiencing significant stress, such as from work or personal life, this could indeed be a contributing factor to your delayed period.

As for your question about the possibility of pregnancy from touching semen and then wiping yourself with toilet paper, the risk is extremely low. Sperm typically requires a direct route to the vagina to potentially fertilize an egg. Washing your hands and then using toilet paper to wipe would not create a viable path for sperm to reach the vagina. Therefore, you can be reassured that this scenario would not likely result in pregnancy.

In summary, based on the information you provided:
1. The negative pregnancy tests and the medical evaluations suggest that you are not pregnant.

2. The delay in your period is likely due to the effects of emergency contraception and possibly stress.

3. The risk of pregnancy from the scenario you described with your hands and toilet paper is negligible.

If your period does not arrive soon, or if you continue to experience unusual symptoms, it would be advisable to follow up with your healthcare provider. They may want to investigate further to rule out any underlying conditions that could be affecting your menstrual cycle. In the meantime, try to manage stress through relaxation techniques, exercise, or talking to someone about your concerns. Your health and well-being are important, and addressing stress can have a positive impact on your menstrual health.

Similar Q&A

Menstrual Delay: Understanding Causes When Pregnancy Tests Are Negative

Your period is 18 days late, and a pregnancy test has come back negative. You have taken medication to induce menstruation, but it has been 7 days and you still haven't gotten your period. What could be the issue?

Dr. Peng Yiguo reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
If your period is overdue and you have not used any contraception, the first thing to consider is whether you might be pregnant. A negative pregnancy test only indicates that the hormone levels may not be high enough to detect pregnancy at this time. Therefore, unless your period...

Understanding Pregnancy Test Accuracy and Menstrual Cycle Delays

1. Since you have taken two pregnancy tests on the 20th and 21st, and both results were negative, it is likely that the results are accurate, especially if the tests were used correctly and within the appropriate time frame. However, if your period does not arrive soon, it may be...

Dr. Zhong Wenzhen reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello: Generally, a urine pregnancy test may show positive results ten days after conception, while an ectopic pregnancy might yield a negative test result. Staying up late and stress can indeed affect ovulation. It is advisable to seek medical consultation for proper diagnosis a...

Understanding Pregnancy Test Results and Delayed Menstruation Concerns

If the last menstrual period was on May 31, and the subsequent periods were on June 26, July 21, and August 1, with several instances of sexual intercourse until August 7, during which condoms were used properly, the expected menstrual period for August would be around August 16....

Dr. Huang Yiwen reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello Miss Eric: I understand your situation. The likelihood of pregnancy is low because you used condoms throughout, and both pregnancy tests on August 18 and August 20 were negative. However, during this waiting period, it is still advisable to use contraception. If your period...

Understanding Pregnancy Tests: Delayed Period and Negative Results Explained

Hello Doctor, I would like to ask: ▪️ I had sexual intercourse on June 21 and July 7, both times using condoms. ▪️ My last menstrual period ended on June 11, and I have not had my period for 39 days as of July 20. I have gastrointestinal issues, experiencing diarrhea, and my slee...

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, the failure rate of contraception using condoms throughout the entire process is over 5%, which makes it less reliable compared to other methods. The situation mentioned is unlikely to affect the test results, so it is recommended that if your period does not arrive, it is...