Could I Be Pregnant? Symptoms and Testing - Obstetrics and Gynecology

Unsure if pregnant?

Hello! I had my menstrual period from January 29 to February 4, and on February 8, I had sexual intercourse with my boyfriend.
We did not use a condom for the entire duration; I only inserted briefly before putting on the condom.
After the intercourse, I experienced lower abdominal bloating and pain, so I visited a gynecologist on February 12.
The doctor said it was not ovulation pain and that it might be a gastrointestinal issue.
However, I have been continuously experiencing severe dry heaving.
I took a pregnancy test on February 18, which showed one line, but I am still experiencing significant dry heaving.
Is there a possibility that I could be pregnant?

S, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/02/25

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Menstrual period was from January 29 to February 4.
Had sexual intercourse with my boyfriend on February 8, during which we did not use a condom the entire time; I inserted briefly and then put on a condom.
After the sexual activity, I experienced lower abdominal bloating and visited a gynecologist on February 12.
The doctor said it was not ovulation pain and that it might be a gastrointestinal issue.
However, I have continued to experience severe dry heaving.
I took a pregnancy test on February 18, which showed one line, but I am still experiencing significant dry heaving.
Is there a possibility of pregnancy? Answer: To determine the possibility of pregnancy from the menstrual period of January 29 to February 4, a pregnancy test should be taken on March 1.

Reply Date: 2018/02/25

More Info

Based on the information you've provided, it seems you're experiencing a range of symptoms and concerns regarding the possibility of pregnancy. Let's break down your situation and clarify the potential for pregnancy, as well as the symptoms you're experiencing.

Firstly, the timing of your menstrual cycle is crucial. You mentioned that your last period was from January 29 to February 4, and you had unprotected sexual intercourse on February 8. Given that sperm can survive in the female reproductive tract for up to five days, there is a possibility of conception if ovulation occurred shortly after your intercourse. Ovulation typically occurs about 14 days before the start of your next period, but this can vary based on individual cycle lengths.

You also mentioned experiencing abdominal discomfort and persistent dry heaving. While these symptoms can be associated with early pregnancy, they can also be indicative of other conditions, such as gastrointestinal issues or stress. The fact that you took a pregnancy test on February 18 and received a negative result is significant. Home pregnancy tests are generally reliable when taken after a missed period, but they can yield false negatives if taken too early. If your menstrual cycle is regular, you might want to wait a few more days and test again, especially if your period does not arrive as expected.

It's important to note that symptoms like nausea and abdominal pain can arise from various causes, including hormonal changes, gastrointestinal disturbances, or even anxiety. If your symptoms persist or worsen, it would be wise to consult a healthcare provider for further evaluation. They may recommend a blood test, which can detect pregnancy earlier and more accurately than a urine test.

In addition to the possibility of pregnancy, consider other factors that could be contributing to your symptoms. Stress and anxiety can lead to physical symptoms, including nausea and abdominal discomfort. If you are feeling particularly anxious about the possibility of pregnancy, this could exacerbate your symptoms.
If you continue to experience dry heaving and abdominal pain, it is essential to seek medical attention. A healthcare provider can perform a thorough examination, possibly including an ultrasound, to rule out any underlying conditions that may be causing your symptoms.
In summary, while there is a possibility of pregnancy given the timing of your intercourse, the negative pregnancy test and the nature of your symptoms suggest that other factors may be at play. It is advisable to wait a few more days to retest for pregnancy and consult with a healthcare professional if your symptoms persist. They can provide a more comprehensive evaluation and guide you on the next steps based on your specific situation.

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