Am I Pregnant? Symptoms and Testing Results

Is it pregnancy?

I took emergency contraception (Ella) on June 27 after having unprotected intercourse on June 25.
Two days later, I experienced bleeding.
Does that mean my next period will come one month after that bleeding? I used condoms from July 1 to July 3 for safety checks.
From August 1 to August 6, I had some bleeding, but I'm not sure if it was my period; the flow was neither too much nor too little, and it lasted about six days.
Since then, I've been experiencing breast tenderness, and I'm unsure if it's due to my development or something else.
Starting from August 7 until now, August 13, my body temperature has been elevated, which made me think I might be pregnant.
However, on the morning of August 13, I took a urine pregnancy test (I hadn't gone to the bathroom overnight), and after waiting for about 20 minutes, there was only one clear line.
I haven't experienced nausea, my appetite is normal, and I don't have a cough or runny nose.
Could this be due to stress or excessive anxiety? Thank you for your help, doctor!

Niming, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/08/13

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

I did my homework on June 25 and took Ella on June 27.
I experienced bleeding two days later.
Does that mean my next period will come one month after that bleeding? I used condoms for safety during July 1-3, and I had some bleeding from August 1-6, but I'm not sure if it was my period; the flow was neither too much nor too little.
I have been bleeding for about six days, and since then, I have experienced breast tenderness.
I'm unsure if this is due to my development or something else.
From August 7 until now, August 13, my body temperature has been elevated, and I thought I might be pregnant.
However, on the morning of August 13, I took a urine test (I hadn't gone to the bathroom overnight) and waited for a long time—20 minutes—and there was a clear single line.
I haven't felt nauseous, my appetite is normal, and I don't have a cough or runny nose.
Could this be due to too much stress or excessive anxiety?
Answer: You used condoms for safety during July 1-3, had uncertain bleeding from August 1-6, and the urine test on August 13 showed a clear single line.
It could be due to too much stress or excessive anxiety.

Reply Date: 2017/08/13

More Info

Based on the information you've provided, it seems you are experiencing a complex situation regarding potential pregnancy and menstrual irregularities. Let’s break down your concerns and provide some clarity.

1. Understanding Your Cycle and Symptoms: You mentioned that you had unprotected intercourse and subsequently took Ella (an emergency contraceptive) on June 27. After taking emergency contraception, it is common for menstrual cycles to become irregular. The bleeding you experienced after taking Ella could be a side effect of the medication, which can cause changes in your menstrual cycle. Typically, your next period would be expected about a month after the bleeding you experienced following the use of Ella, but this can vary.

2. Interpreting Bleeding: The bleeding you experienced from August 1 to August 6 could be your period, but since you mentioned that it was not heavy, it could also be breakthrough bleeding, which can occur after taking emergency contraception. It’s important to note that the timing and nature of bleeding can vary significantly after taking such medications.

3. Pregnancy Testing: You conducted a urine pregnancy test on August 13, which showed a single line. Generally, a single line indicates a negative result, meaning that you are not pregnant. However, it’s crucial to consider the timing of the test. If you tested too early, it might not detect the pregnancy hormone (hCG) if conception occurred. For the most accurate results, it’s recommended to wait until at least the first day of your missed period to test again.

4. Symptoms of Pregnancy vs. Other Factors: You mentioned experiencing breast tenderness and elevated body temperature. Breast tenderness can be a symptom of both premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and early pregnancy. Similarly, elevated body temperature can be a sign of ovulation or pregnancy, but it can also be influenced by stress, hormonal fluctuations, or other factors. The absence of nausea and normal appetite further leans towards the possibility that you may not be pregnant.

5. Stress and Anxiety: It’s also worth noting that stress and anxiety can significantly impact your menstrual cycle and overall well-being. If you are feeling overwhelmed or anxious about the possibility of being pregnant, this could contribute to physical symptoms such as breast tenderness and changes in your menstrual cycle.

6. Next Steps: Given your situation, if your period does not arrive within a week or if you continue to have symptoms that concern you, it would be wise to consult with a healthcare provider. They can perform a blood test for pregnancy, which is more sensitive than urine tests, and provide further guidance based on your specific circumstances.

In summary, while your initial pregnancy test was negative, it’s essential to consider the timing of the test and the potential effects of emergency contraception on your menstrual cycle. If you have further concerns or if your symptoms persist, seeking medical advice is the best course of action. Remember to take care of your mental health as well, as stress can play a significant role in your physical symptoms.

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