Could I Be Pregnant? Pregnancy Testing and Menstrual Irregularities

Is it possible to be pregnant?

Hello doctor, I had sexual intercourse on September 9th.
We used a condom, but there was a moment when he pulled out and then came back in briefly.
Since then, we haven't had any sexual relations.
My menstrual cycle is irregular; my periods were on September 23 and October 25, but I didn't have one in November.
I got my period again in December.
At the end of December, I took a pregnancy test, which clearly showed one line.
I haven't had my period in January yet, but I feel like my period is about to come, with breast pain and occasional abdominal discomfort.
Is it possible that I've delayed my period just because I've been anxious and thinking about it a lot? I visited a gynecologist on January 24, and the doctor confirmed that I am not pregnant after a pregnancy test, but they didn't perform an ultrasound and only prescribed medication to induce my period.
Is there still a possibility of being pregnant? Could it be possible to be 3 or 4 months pregnant and still not test positive? I've read online about cases where women had their periods and were told they weren't pregnant at a small clinic, but later found out they were pregnant when they went to a larger hospital.
So now I'm a bit anxious.

Mo, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/01/28

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

In September, there was sexual intercourse "with a condom, but after ejaculation outside, there was a brief re-entry." Since then, there has been no further sexual activity.
My menstrual cycle is irregular; I had my period on September 23 and October 25, but I did not have it in November.
It returned in December, and I took a pregnancy test at the end of December, which clearly showed one line.
I have not had my period in January, but I feel like it is about to come, with breast pain and occasional abdominal discomfort.
Could this delay be due to my anxiety from overthinking?
Answer: I visited a gynecologist on January 24, who performed a pregnancy test and confirmed that I am not pregnant.
However, they did not perform an ultrasound and only prescribed medication to induce my period.
Is there still a possibility of being pregnant?
Answer: There is no possibility of pregnancy.
Could it be that I am 3 to 4 months along and still not testing positive?
Answer: No, that is not possible.

Note: I have seen online that some people have had their periods and went to a gynecologist who said they were not pregnant, but later found out they were pregnant after going to a larger hospital.
This makes me a bit anxious.

Reply Date: 2018/01/28

More Info

It sounds like you're experiencing a lot of anxiety regarding your potential pregnancy, especially given the irregularities in your menstrual cycle and the recent sexual activity. Let's break down your concerns and clarify some important points regarding pregnancy testing and menstrual irregularities.

Firstly, it's essential to understand how pregnancy tests work. Most home pregnancy tests detect the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which is produced shortly after a fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining. Typically, this hormone can be detected in urine about 14 days after conception, which is usually around the time of a missed period. If you took a pregnancy test and it showed a single line, it generally indicates that you are not pregnant. However, if you are testing too early, there is a possibility that the hormone levels are not high enough to be detected.

Regarding your menstrual irregularities, it's not uncommon for women to experience fluctuations in their menstrual cycle due to various factors, including stress, hormonal imbalances, changes in weight, and lifestyle factors. Stress, in particular, can significantly impact your menstrual cycle, potentially causing delays or missed periods. The symptoms you mentioned, such as breast tenderness and abdominal discomfort, can also be associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or other hormonal changes rather than pregnancy.

You mentioned that you had a sexual encounter in September where a condom was used, and there was some withdrawal before ejaculation. While this method can reduce the risk of pregnancy, it is not foolproof. However, since you have had a menstrual period in December and have tested negative for pregnancy, it is less likely that you are pregnant from that encounter.

It is also worth noting that some women can experience what is known as a cryptic pregnancy, where they do not realize they are pregnant until much later. However, this is quite rare, and the majority of women will have detectable hCG levels if they are indeed pregnant.

Since you visited a gynecologist who confirmed that you were not pregnant and prescribed medication to induce your period, it seems that your doctor is taking the right steps to help regulate your cycle. If you continue to experience irregularities or have concerns about your menstrual health, it would be advisable to follow up with your healthcare provider for further evaluation. They may suggest additional tests or an ultrasound to rule out any underlying conditions that could be affecting your menstrual cycle.

In summary, based on the information you've provided, it is unlikely that you are pregnant, especially since you have had a negative pregnancy test and a menstrual period. However, if you have ongoing concerns or if your cycle remains irregular, it is essential to consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice and management. Remember, maintaining open communication with your doctor about your symptoms and concerns is crucial for your reproductive health.

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