Menstrual Irregularities and Pregnancy Concerns

Menstrual issues and pregnancy status?

Hello Dr.
Huang, I am the girl who previously asked about #128563.
I still haven't gotten my period as of September 27, but I have been experiencing brown discharge every day.
I usually have discharge before and after my period, but in September, it has been continuous without any blood.

1.
I am really worried that I might be pregnant.
I have researched a lot of information, and the likelihood of pregnancy from a finger that has touched semen and then inserted into the vagina seems very low.
Additionally, sperm exposed to air would have already died, especially considering the minimal amount of semen that was involved...

2.
I have looked up early pregnancy symptoms, such as nausea and vomiting.
I have experienced similar symptoms before during my periods, and I usually feel this way in the mornings.
This time, I have had some nausea, but it is not frequent.
Is this normal? Also, I do not have many other early pregnancy symptoms, so I should not be pregnant, right?
3.
I have repeatedly checked for premenstrual symptoms, and I have some, but I still have not gotten my period, only discharge.
Why is this happening? Could the brown discharge be considered my period? Should I continue to wait?
4.
What is the actual likelihood of becoming pregnant from fingering with semen?
5.
Could the changes in my menstrual cycle be due to stress and constant worry, causing my period to be delayed?

A-Hua, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/09/27

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

1.
I haven't gotten my period since September 27, but I have been experiencing brown discharge every day.
In the past, I would have discharge before and after my period, but in September, there has only been discharge without any blood.
I'm really worried that I might be pregnant.
I've researched a lot of information, and the probability of getting pregnant from inserting a finger that has come into contact with semen into the vagina seems quite low, especially since sperm exposed to air would have already died, not to mention the very small amount of semen that was on my finger...
Answer: The probability of getting pregnant from inserting a finger that has semen on it into the vagina is not negligible, especially if there was even a small amount of semen involved.
While some sperm may die when exposed to air, it doesn't eliminate the risk entirely.
2.
I have looked up early pregnancy symptoms, and I have experienced nausea and vomiting.
I have had similar symptoms before my period in the past, and I usually experience them in the morning.
This time, I have had them, but not frequently.
Is this normal? Also, I don't have many other early pregnancy symptoms, so I should probably not be pregnant, right? Answer: It's best to take a pregnancy test.
3.
I have repeatedly checked for signs of my period, and I have had some symptoms, but I still haven't gotten my period, only discharge.
Why is this happening? Could the brown discharge already be considered my period? Should I continue to wait? Answer: It's advisable to take a pregnancy test.
If the result is negative, the brown discharge may be considered your period.
4.
What is the actual probability of getting pregnant from masturbating with fingers that have come into contact with semen? Answer: The probability of getting pregnant from this scenario depends on how and when the masturbation occurs.
5.
Could the changes in my menstrual cycle be due to significant stress and constant worry, causing my period to be delayed? Answer: Yes, it is possible that significant stress and ongoing worry could lead to a delayed menstrual cycle.

Reply Date: 2017/09/27

More Info

Understanding menstrual irregularities and pregnancy concerns can be quite complex, especially for women who are trying to conceive or are experiencing unusual symptoms. Let's address your questions step by step.

1. Concerns About Pregnancy: You mentioned that you are worried about the possibility of being pregnant due to the circumstances surrounding the exposure to semen. It's important to note that while the risk of pregnancy from such exposure is low, it is not zero. Sperm can survive for a short period outside the body, but the likelihood of conception from the scenario you described is minimal. If you are concerned about pregnancy, the most reliable way to confirm or rule it out is to take a home pregnancy test. These tests are designed to detect the hormone hCG, which is produced during pregnancy, and they can provide accurate results if taken after a missed period.

2. Early Pregnancy Symptoms: You mentioned experiencing nausea and vomiting, which can be early signs of pregnancy. However, these symptoms can also occur due to other factors, such as stress, anxiety, or gastrointestinal issues. If you have a history of experiencing these symptoms before your period, it may not necessarily indicate pregnancy. The absence of other common early pregnancy symptoms does not rule out the possibility of being pregnant, but it can provide some reassurance if you are not experiencing them.

3. Understanding Brown Discharge: The brown discharge you are experiencing could be old blood that is being expelled from your body, which is not uncommon before or after a menstrual period. It is possible that this discharge is a sign of your menstrual cycle preparing to start, or it could be a result of hormonal fluctuations. If the discharge continues without a full menstrual flow, it may be worth consulting with a healthcare provider to rule out any underlying issues.

4. Pregnancy Risk from Finger Exposure: The likelihood of becoming pregnant from finger exposure to semen is very low, especially if the semen has been exposed to air and has dried. For pregnancy to occur, sperm must be deposited directly into the vagina, and even then, many factors influence whether conception will happen.

5. Impact of Stress on Menstrual Cycle: Stress can significantly affect your menstrual cycle. High levels of stress can lead to hormonal imbalances, which may result in delayed periods or irregular bleeding. If you are feeling anxious about your situation, it could be contributing to the changes in your menstrual cycle. It is essential to manage stress through relaxation techniques, exercise, or talking to a professional if needed.

In conclusion, while your concerns are valid, it is crucial to approach them with a clear understanding of the facts. If you continue to experience irregularities in your menstrual cycle or have persistent concerns about pregnancy, I recommend scheduling an appointment with a healthcare provider. They can offer personalized advice, perform necessary tests, and help you understand your reproductive health better. Remember, open communication with your healthcare provider is key to addressing any concerns you may have.

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