Menstrual Changes After Contraception: Your Questions Answered

Menstruation after contraception

Your menstrual period started on August 25, but prior to August, you had not menstruated for about six months due to mental health issues.
On September 17, there was some unprotected genital rubbing, with the glans penis partially entering the vaginal opening, but it lasted less than two minutes and there was no ejaculation.
On the evening of September 18, you took emergency contraception.
Your period arrived on September 25, which was lighter than usual and lasted for five days.

On October 1, you experienced some nausea and felt more fatigued than usual.
You are wondering if this could indicate pregnancy.
Since your period arrived on September 25, it is likely that the encounter on September 17 did not result in pregnancy.

You are correct that ovulation typically occurs around 14 days after the first day of your menstrual period, which would be around September 8 in your case.
After your period ended on September 29, you had protected intercourse on October 1 (lasting less than five minutes) without ejaculation.
This encounter is considered low-risk for pregnancy due to the use of a condom.

In summary, based on the timeline and events described, it is unlikely that you are pregnant.
However, if you continue to have concerns or experience unusual symptoms, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation.

Xiao, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/10/03

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

1.
Menstruation started on September 25, but prior to August, there was a period of about six months without menstruation due to mental health issues.
On September 17, there was unprotected genital rubbing, with the glans partially entering the vulva for less than two minutes without ejaculation.
The morning after, on September 18, a morning-after pill was taken, and menstruation occurred on September 25.
The girlfriend's menstrual flow is generally light and lasted for five days.
On October 1, there was some nausea and increased fatigue in the evening.
Is pregnancy possible? Answer: Since menstruation occurred on September 25, pregnancy is not possible.
2.
If menstruation started on September 25, does that mean the encounter on September 17 did not result in conception? Answer: Correct.
3.
Should ovulation be calculated as the 14th day from the first day of menstruation? Answer: Generally, yes.
4.
Menstruation ended on September 29, and on October 1, there was a brief protected sexual encounter (less than five minutes) without ejaculation.
Is this considered safe? Answer: Yes, it is considered safe.
5.
Is there a possibility of pregnancy from the encounter on October 1? Answer: It is unlikely to result in pregnancy.

Reply Date: 2017/10/03

More Info

Understanding menstrual changes after starting or stopping contraception can be quite complex, especially when considering factors such as stress, hormonal fluctuations, and the timing of sexual activity. Let's break down your situation step by step.

First, it’s important to note that menstrual cycles can be irregular for various reasons, including stress, hormonal changes, and the use of contraceptives. In your case, you mentioned that you hadn’t had a period for about six months due to mental health issues. This absence of menstruation is known as amenorrhea, which can be caused by stress, significant weight changes, or hormonal imbalances.

On August 25, you experienced your period, which is a positive sign that your body is beginning to regulate itself again. Following that, on September 17, you had a brief encounter where penetration occurred, albeit without ejaculation. The fact that you took emergency contraception (the "morning-after pill") on September 18 is crucial. This medication is designed to prevent ovulation or fertilization if taken shortly after unprotected intercourse.

You mentioned that your period arrived on September 25, which is a strong indication that you likely did not conceive from the encounter on September 17. The timing of your menstrual cycle is also important here. If we consider that ovulation typically occurs around 14 days before the start of your next period, and given that your period started on September 25, it is likely that you ovulated around September 11. Therefore, the encounter on September 17 would have been after your ovulation window, making it less likely for conception to occur.

Regarding your question about the safety of the encounter on October 1, where you used a condom and did not ejaculate, this is generally considered a safe practice. Condoms are effective in preventing pregnancy when used correctly, and since you did not ejaculate, the risk of pregnancy is further reduced. However, no contraceptive method is 100% effective, so there is always a small risk.

As for your symptoms of nausea and fatigue on October 1, these could be related to a variety of factors, including hormonal changes from your recent menstrual cycle, stress, or even side effects from the emergency contraception you took. Emergency contraceptive pills can sometimes cause temporary side effects such as nausea, fatigue, and changes in your menstrual cycle.

To summarize:
1. Your period on September 25 suggests that you likely did not conceive from the encounter on September 17.

2. The timing of your menstrual cycle indicates that you were likely not ovulating during the encounter on September 17.

3. The encounter on October 1, where you used a condom and did not ejaculate, is considered safe and poses a low risk of pregnancy.

4. Your symptoms of nausea and fatigue could be related to hormonal changes or side effects from the emergency contraception.

If you have ongoing concerns about your menstrual cycle, potential pregnancy, or any symptoms you are experiencing, it would be wise to consult with a healthcare provider. They can provide personalized advice and may suggest further evaluation if necessary.

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