Am I Pregnant? Symptoms and Pregnancy Tests

Is it pregnancy?

Hello! I had sexual intercourse with my boyfriend on January 5 and January 18, and my expected menstrual period was on January 25.
However, my period didn't start until January 29 and lasted until February 4.
On February 8, we had intercourse again (we didn't use a condom the whole time; I went in briefly before putting one on).
After the intercourse on February 8, I experienced persistent lower abdominal bloating and pain.
I visited a gynecologist on February 12, who performed an ultrasound and said it wasn't ovulation pain but rather a gastrointestinal issue.
However, I still have lower abdominal bloating, and sometimes I experience dry heaving.
I took a pregnancy test on February 18, which showed one line, and another test on February 26 also showed one line.
Are these pregnancy test results accurate? On the afternoon of February 26, my period started, but the flow has been light after the first day.
Is this normal? I am still experiencing severe dry heaving.
Is there a possibility of pregnancy, or is it simply a gastrointestinal issue?

Niming, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/03/01

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

On January 5 and January 18, I had sexual intercourse with my boyfriend.
My expected menstrual period for January was on January 25, but it didn't arrive until January 29 and lasted until February 4.
On February 8, we had intercourse again (we didn't use a condom the entire time; I went in briefly and then put on a condom).
After the sexual activity on February 8, I experienced persistent lower abdominal bloating and pain.
I visited a gynecologist on February 12, who performed an ultrasound and stated it was not ovulation pain but rather a gastrointestinal issue.
However, I am still experiencing lower abdominal bloating, and sometimes I have dry heaving.
I took a pregnancy test on February 18, which showed one line, and another test on February 26 also showed one line.

1.
Is the pregnancy test result accurate?
Answer: Yes, the pregnancy test result is accurate.

2.
After the pregnancy test on February 26, my period started in the afternoon, but it has only been heavy on the first day and very light afterward.
Is this normal?
Answer: Yes, this is normal.

3.
I am still experiencing severe dry heaving.
Is there a possibility of pregnancy, or is it simply a gastrointestinal issue?
Answer: There is no possibility of pregnancy; it is likely just a gastrointestinal issue.

Reply Date: 2018/03/01

More Info

Determining whether you are pregnant can be a complex process, especially when considering the symptoms you are experiencing and the results of your pregnancy tests. Based on the information you've provided, let's break down the situation.

Firstly, you mentioned having sexual intercourse on January 5 and January 18, with your expected menstrual period on January 25. Your period arrived on January 29, which suggests that you were not pregnant at that time, as a missed period is one of the primary indicators of pregnancy. The fact that your period came, even if it was slightly delayed, is a strong indication that you are not pregnant.

You also reported having another sexual encounter on February 8, during which you did not use a condom for the entirety of the act. Following this, you experienced abdominal discomfort, which your doctor attributed to gastrointestinal issues rather than ovulation pain. This is important because abdominal pain can often be confused with early pregnancy symptoms, but in your case, it seems to be linked to digestive problems.

Regarding the pregnancy tests you took on February 18 and February 26, both of which returned negative results (one line), these results are generally considered reliable, especially if taken correctly. Home pregnancy tests are designed to detect the hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), which is produced shortly after a fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining. If you were pregnant, hCG levels would typically be high enough to be detected by a home test around the time of your expected period. Since you received negative results and then your period started on February 26, it is unlikely that you are pregnant.

You mentioned that your period on February 26 was lighter than usual after the first day. This can happen for various reasons, including hormonal fluctuations, stress, or even the onset of gastrointestinal issues. It is not uncommon for menstrual cycles to vary in flow and duration from month to month, especially if you are experiencing stress or health issues.

The ongoing symptoms of dry heaving and abdominal discomfort could indeed be related to gastrointestinal problems rather than pregnancy. If these symptoms persist, it would be advisable to follow up with your healthcare provider to rule out any underlying conditions that may need attention.

In summary, based on the timeline and the negative pregnancy tests, it is unlikely that you are pregnant. However, if you continue to experience unusual symptoms or if your menstrual cycle remains irregular, it would be wise to consult with your healthcare provider for further evaluation. They may recommend additional tests or examinations to ensure that everything is functioning normally. Always remember that your health is paramount, and seeking medical advice when in doubt is the best course of action.

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