Delayed Menstruation: Pregnancy Concerns and Ovarian Cysts

Menstruation has not occurred?

Hello Doctor: On March 3rd, I had sexual intercourse with my girlfriend.
During our first time, we used a condom, but I noticed some blood on it at the end.
My girlfriend mentioned that her period was about to start, as her menstrual cycle is quite irregular.
She requested that for the second time (the only time without a condom), I not use one, but it only lasted for a few thrusts because I was also worried about the possibility of pregnancy.
A few days later, she experienced some light bleeding.
On March 11th, we visited a gynecologist who diagnosed her with polycystic ovaries.
They did not perform a urine test, only a pelvic exam and an ultrasound.
The doctor explained the ultrasound images to her and mentioned that she had not ovulated and administered an injection.
On the evening of March 14th, 11 days after the sexual intercourse, we used a pregnancy test (a brand called Blanca), which showed a negative result.
Given this information, what is the likelihood of pregnancy? Her period is approximately 12 days late.
Thank you for your response.

kk, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/03/15

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

On March 3rd, I had sexual intercourse with my girlfriend.
During our first encounter, we used a condom, but I noticed some blood on it at the end.
My girlfriend mentioned that her period was about to start, as her menstrual cycle is quite irregular.
She requested that for our second encounter (the only time without a condom), we not use one, but it only lasted for a few thrusts because I was also concerned about the possibility of pregnancy.
A few days later, she experienced some light bleeding.
On March 11th, we visited a gynecologist.
The doctor mentioned that my girlfriend has polycystic ovaries but did not perform a urine test; only a pelvic exam and an ultrasound were conducted.
The doctor explained the ultrasound images to her and indicated that she had not ovulated and administered an injection.
On the evening of March 14th, 11 days after the sexual encounter, we used a pregnancy test (the Blanca test), which showed a negative result.
Given this information, what is the likelihood of pregnancy? Her period is approximately 12 days late.
Answer: The likelihood of pregnancy is low, but if you are still concerned, you can take another pregnancy test on March 21st.

Reply Date: 2017/03/15

More Info

Understanding delayed menstruation, particularly in the context of ovarian cysts and potential pregnancy, is crucial for both emotional and physical well-being. In your case, the situation involves a partner with irregular menstrual cycles and a diagnosis of ovarian cysts, which can complicate the understanding of fertility and pregnancy potential.

Firstly, it's important to note that irregular menstrual cycles can be caused by various factors, including hormonal imbalances, stress, lifestyle changes, and medical conditions such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) or ovarian cysts. In your girlfriend's case, the presence of ovarian cysts, particularly if they are functional cysts, can lead to irregular ovulation. This means that even if she has had unprotected intercourse, the chances of conception may be lower if she is not ovulating regularly.

Regarding the specific timeline you provided, if your girlfriend's period is delayed by 12 days, it is indeed a cause for concern, especially if her cycles are typically more regular. The fact that she had a negative pregnancy test 11 days after intercourse suggests that the likelihood of pregnancy is low, particularly if she has not experienced any other symptoms typically associated with early pregnancy, such as nausea or breast tenderness. However, it is essential to understand that home pregnancy tests are most accurate when taken after a missed period, and false negatives can occur, especially if the test is taken too early.

The bleeding you mentioned after using a condom could be attributed to several factors, including irritation or a potential early onset of her menstrual cycle. If she is experiencing light bleeding, it could also be a sign of an impending period, especially given her history of irregular cycles.

In terms of the ovarian cysts, they can sometimes cause changes in menstrual patterns. Functional cysts, which are the most common type, typically resolve on their own and may not significantly impact fertility. However, if the cysts are larger or if there are other complications, they may require monitoring or treatment. It is advisable for your girlfriend to follow up with her healthcare provider for further evaluation, especially if her menstrual irregularities continue or if she experiences pain.

In conclusion, while the chances of pregnancy appear low based on the information provided, it is essential for your girlfriend to monitor her menstrual cycle closely and consult with her healthcare provider for further assessment. If her period does not arrive soon, a follow-up pregnancy test or a visit to the doctor may be warranted to rule out any underlying issues. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, managing stress, and regular check-ups can help in managing her reproductive health and addressing any concerns related to ovarian cysts and menstrual irregularities.

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