Your Symptoms: Menstrual or Implantation Bleeding?

Is the probability high?

Hello, doctor.
I previously consulted you, but there is a new situation.
My girlfriend and I engaged in mutual touching of our private parts on January 21, February 26, and February 28.
I touched her through my underwear, and I ejaculated, but I'm concerned that there might be residual semen on my hands when I touched her through the underwear.
At that time, her underwear was damp with discharge.
The next day, on March 1, approximately 24 hours later, I took emergency contraception.
Her period started on March 6 and lasted until March 11, but the flow was not very heavy, and I'm not sure if it was her actual period.
Yesterday, on March 19, she had brown discharge, with one occurrence in the morning and another at noon.
Today, on March 20, there is deep red bleeding along with a little bit of light yellow fluid, and the bleeding has continued.
This morning, she felt a bit nauseous (not sure if it's due to staying up late the night before).
Given this situation, is this her period, or could it be implantation bleeding? What is the likelihood of pregnancy?

Xiao Sheng, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/03/20

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello doctor, I previously consulted you, but there is a new situation.
My girlfriend and I had mutual touching of our private parts on January 21, February 26, and February 28.
I touched her through my underwear, and I ejaculated, but I am concerned that there might be residual semen on my hands when I touched her through the underwear.
At that time, her underwear was damp with discharge.
The next day, on March 1, about 24 hours later, I took emergency contraception.
My period started on March 6 and lasted until March 11, but the flow was not very heavy, and I am not sure if it was actually my period.
Yesterday, on March 19, I noticed brown discharge, with one occurrence in the morning and another at noon.
Today, on March 20, there is deep red bleeding along with a little bit of light yellow fluid, and the bleeding has continued.
This morning, I felt a bit nauseous (not sure if it was due to staying up late the night before).
Could you please tell me if this situation indicates my period or implantation bleeding? Is the chance of pregnancy high?
Answer: This is likely ovulation bleeding, not menstruation or implantation bleeding, and the chance of pregnancy is low.

Reply Date: 2017/03/20

More Info

When evaluating your symptoms and concerns regarding potential pregnancy or menstrual irregularities, it's essential to consider several factors, including the timing of your menstrual cycle, the nature of the bleeding, and any associated symptoms.

Based on the timeline you provided, your last menstrual period started on March 6 and lasted until March 11. The bleeding you experienced on March 19, which was brownish in color, could be indicative of several possibilities. Brown discharge often represents older blood that has taken longer to exit the body, which can occur at the end of a menstrual period or during ovulation. However, the presence of deep red blood on March 20, along with a slight yellowish discharge, raises questions about whether this is a continuation of your menstrual cycle or something else entirely.

Given that you had intimate contact with your girlfriend and took emergency contraception (the morning-after pill) on March 1, it's important to note that this medication can affect your menstrual cycle. Emergency contraception can lead to changes in the timing and flow of your next period, sometimes causing lighter bleeding or spotting. The fact that you experienced bleeding shortly after taking the pill could be a side effect of the medication rather than a sign of pregnancy.

Implantation bleeding, which occurs when a fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining, typically happens around 6 to 12 days after conception. Since you took the emergency contraceptive pill, the likelihood of implantation bleeding is reduced because the pill works primarily by preventing ovulation or fertilization. However, if ovulation did occur and fertilization followed, it is possible, albeit less likely, that you could experience implantation bleeding.

The nausea you mentioned could be attributed to various factors, including anxiety, dietary changes, or even the hormonal fluctuations caused by the emergency contraceptive. If you are feeling persistently nauseous, it might be worth considering other potential causes, including stress or changes in your routine.

To summarize, the bleeding you are experiencing could be a result of the emergency contraception affecting your menstrual cycle, or it could be a continuation of your period. The chances of pregnancy are lower due to the timing of your actions and the use of emergency contraception. However, if your symptoms persist, worsen, or if you have any concerns about your health, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation. They may recommend a pregnancy test for confirmation and to rule out any other underlying issues.
In conclusion, while the symptoms you describe could be related to your menstrual cycle or the effects of emergency contraception, it is essential to monitor your symptoms closely. If you have any doubts or if your bleeding continues, seeking medical advice is the best course of action to ensure your health and peace of mind.

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