Am I Pregnant? Symptoms and Testing Timing

Is it pregnancy?

Following the issue mentioned in #118958, on the night of February 12, I had intimate relations with my boyfriend.
However, since it was my first time, there was no penetration, and we used a condom.
After withdrawal, it seemed there was some contact.
Out of concern, I took emergency contraception within two hours.
My menstrual cycle is usually irregular, and I often experience hormonal fluctuations before my period.
I had some hormonal symptoms prior, but I can't quantify them.
After taking the medication, I noticed an increase in discharge with a strong odor, and today I feel slight pain in the area of my uterus.
What is the likelihood of pregnancy in this situation? Is there a connection between the discharge and this issue?
On February 15, I underwent surgery for a breast adenoma and took pain medication afterward.
Today is the seventh day post-surgery, and my expected period is tomorrow.
I feel some bloating and mild gas.
The medication packaging lists side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and headaches.
My breasts feel full like before my period, but they are not very painful, and I feel fatigued.
What could be the cause of these symptoms? Should I take a pregnancy test? When would be the best time to test? I am concerned and would like to ask for your advice.
Thank you.

Nìmíng, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/02/19

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

1.
On the night of February 12, I had intimate relations with my boyfriend.
However, since it was my first time, there was no penetration, and we used a condom.
After withdrawal, it seemed there was some contact.
I was worried, so I took emergency contraception within two hours.
My menstrual cycle is usually irregular, and I often experience hormonal fluctuations before my period.
I had some hormonal symptoms beforehand, but I’m not sure how to describe them.
After taking the medication, I noticed an increase in discharge with a strong odor, and today I feel a slight pain in my uterus.
What is the likelihood of pregnancy? Answer: The likelihood of pregnancy is low.
2.
Is there a correlation between the discharge and this issue? Answer: It could be related to inflammation.
3.
On February 15, I underwent surgery for a breast adenoma and took pain medication.
Today is the seventh day post-surgery, and my expected period is tomorrow.
I feel some bloating and a bit of gas, but the medication packaging lists side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, gastric cramps, and headaches.
My breasts feel full like before my period, but they don’t hurt much, and I feel fatigued.
What could be the cause of this? Should I take a pregnancy test? When is the best time to take a pregnancy test? Answer: Take a pregnancy test on March 1.

Reply Date: 2017/02/19

More Info

When it comes to determining whether you might be pregnant, understanding the timing of your menstrual cycle, the symptoms you are experiencing, and the results of pregnancy tests are crucial. Based on the information you've provided, let's break down your concerns and clarify the situation.

Understanding Your Symptoms
1. Timing of Intercourse and Emergency Contraception: You mentioned having intimate relations on February 12 and taking emergency contraception within two hours. Emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) are designed to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse. They are most effective when taken as soon as possible after the event, ideally within 72 hours. Since you took the pill promptly, this significantly reduces the likelihood of pregnancy.

2. Menstrual Cycle and Symptoms: Your expected period is tomorrow, and you are experiencing symptoms such as bloating, breast tenderness, and fatigue. These symptoms can be attributed to premenstrual syndrome (PMS), which is common in many women. PMS can cause a variety of symptoms, including mood swings, breast tenderness, bloating, and fatigue, which can sometimes mimic early pregnancy symptoms.

3. Discharge and Pain: The heavy discharge you experienced after taking the emergency contraceptive can be a side effect of the medication. ECPs can alter your menstrual cycle and cause changes in vaginal discharge. The slight pain you feel in your uterus could also be related to hormonal changes or the onset of your period.

Pregnancy Testing
1. When to Test: The best time to take a pregnancy test is after your missed period. Since your expected period is tomorrow, you could take a test the day after your period is due for the most accurate result. Testing too early can lead to false negatives, as the hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), which is detected by pregnancy tests, may not be at a detectable level yet.

2. Interpreting Test Results: If you decide to take a test tomorrow and it shows a negative result but your period does not arrive, it would be advisable to wait a few days and test again. If you continue to experience symptoms or have concerns, consulting with a healthcare provider is a good idea.

Conclusion
Given your situation, the likelihood of pregnancy seems low due to the timely use of emergency contraception. However, the symptoms you are experiencing could be attributed to hormonal fluctuations related to your menstrual cycle or the effects of the emergency contraceptive. If your period does not arrive as expected, or if you have any unusual symptoms, it would be wise to take a pregnancy test and consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation.

In summary, monitor your symptoms, wait until after your expected period to take a pregnancy test, and don't hesitate to reach out to a healthcare provider if you have any concerns or if your symptoms persist. Your health and peace of mind are important, and professional guidance can help clarify your situation.

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