Delayed Menstruation: Could You Still Be Pregnant?

Questions about delayed menstruation?

Hello, doctor.
My last menstrual period was from March 29 to April 4.
According to the app, my estimated ovulation date was April 17.
I had sexual intercourse with my boyfriend on April 29, but we used a condom throughout.
My expected period was due on May 1, but it is currently 8 days late (though I still feel like my period is about to come, with symptoms like breast tenderness and a dull sensation in my abdomen).
On the fourth day of the delay, May 5, I took a pregnancy test, which showed negative results.
I would like to know if it is still possible to be pregnant even though the first test did not detect it.
Thank you.

Niming, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/05/09

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

The last menstrual period was from March 29 to April 4.
According to the app, the estimated ovulation date was April 17.
I had sexual intercourse with my boyfriend on April 29, but we used a condom throughout.
My expected menstrual period was due on May 1, but it has been delayed by 8 days (I still feel like my period is coming, with symptoms like breast tenderness and a dull sensation in my abdomen).
On the fourth day of the delay, May 5, I took a pregnancy test, which showed no signs of pregnancy.
I would like to know if there is still a possibility of pregnancy despite the negative test result.

Answer: Since the last menstrual period was from March 29 to April 4, and you had intercourse on April 29 while using a condom, and the pregnancy test on May 5 was negative, it is unlikely that you are pregnant, and it is also unlikely that the test would not have detected pregnancy at that time.

Reply Date: 2018/05/09

More Info

It sounds like you're experiencing a common concern regarding delayed menstruation and the possibility of pregnancy. Let's break down your situation and provide some clarity.

First, it's important to understand that even with the use of condoms, there is still a small risk of pregnancy. Condoms can sometimes fail due to breakage or slippage, and while they are effective when used correctly, no contraceptive method is 100% foolproof. Given that your last menstrual period was from March 29 to April 4, and you had intercourse on April 29, this places you in a window where conception could potentially occur, especially if your ovulation occurred around April 17 as predicted by your app.

You mentioned that your period was expected on May 1 but has been delayed by 8 days. This delay can be attributed to several factors, including stress, hormonal fluctuations, or even the effects of the contraceptive methods you are using. The symptoms you are experiencing, such as breast tenderness and abdominal discomfort, can also be indicative of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) rather than pregnancy.

Regarding your pregnancy test on May 5, it's worth noting that home pregnancy tests are generally quite accurate, but they can sometimes yield false negatives, especially if taken too early. The hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), which is what these tests detect, may not be present in high enough levels to be detected if the test is taken before your body has had enough time to produce it. Typically, it is recommended to wait at least a week after a missed period for the most accurate results.

Given that you are now 8 days late and have already taken a pregnancy test that was negative, there is still a possibility of being pregnant, albeit it may be less likely. If your period does not start soon, it would be advisable to take another pregnancy test, ideally in the morning when your urine is most concentrated, or consult with a healthcare provider for a blood test, which can detect pregnancy earlier and more accurately than home tests.

In terms of your symptoms and concerns about pregnancy, if you are feeling anxious or uncertain, seeking the advice of a healthcare professional can provide you with peace of mind. They can offer further testing and guidance based on your specific situation.

Lastly, if you find yourself in a situation where you are indeed pregnant, it’s important to consider your health and lifestyle choices moving forward. Early prenatal care is crucial for the health of both you and the baby. If you have any concerns about your health or the health of a potential pregnancy, do not hesitate to reach out to a healthcare provider.

In summary, while there is a possibility of pregnancy, the negative test result and your symptoms could also indicate other factors at play. Monitoring your body and consulting with a healthcare professional will be your best course of action.

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