Could Surgery Affect Pregnancy Uncertainty? Symptoms and Timing

I am unsure if I am pregnant; will the surgery have an impact?

I had surgery for uterine fibroids last December.
Before the surgery, my menstrual cycle was delayed by almost 10 days.
After the surgery, my cycle returned to a normal length of 28 to 29 days.
Last month, my period started on June 1 and ended on June 6.
It was expected to start on July 3, but it hasn't arrived yet.
I had sexual intercourse during the week of June 23, but we used protection, and I confirmed that the condom did not break.
We practiced safe sex from June 18 to June 23.
I took a pregnancy test on July 2, which was negative, and another test on July 7, which also showed negative results.
Is it possible that I could be pregnant? My body is reacting with intermittent pain at the surgical site, slight abdominal pain, breast tenderness, and I have been experiencing diarrhea.
This month, I have been consuming a lot of cold foods, and my sleep schedule has not been regular; I have been going to bed late and waking up late.

Shishi, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/07/08

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Last December, I underwent surgery for uterine fibroids.
Before the surgery, my menstrual cycle was delayed by almost 10 days.
After the surgery, my cycle returned to a normal length of 28-29 days.
Last month, my period started on June 1 and ended on June 6.
This month, it was expected to start on July 3, but it has not arrived yet.
I had sexual intercourse during the week of June 23, but we used contraception, and I confirmed that the condom did not break.
We practiced safe sex from June 18 to June 23.
I took a pregnancy test on July 2, which was negative, and another test on July 7, which also showed negative.
Is it possible that I am pregnant?
Answer: Last month, my period started on June 1 and ended on June 6.
The pregnancy tests on July 2 and July 7 both showed negative results, making it unlikely that I am pregnant.

P.S.: My body is reacting with some cramping at the surgical site, mild abdominal pain, and breast tenderness, but I have also been experiencing diarrhea.
This month, I have been eating a lot of cold foods, and my sleep schedule has not been regular, with late nights and late mornings.

Reply Date: 2018/07/08

More Info

After undergoing surgery for a uterine fibroid in December, it is understandable to have concerns about how this may affect your menstrual cycle and potential pregnancy. Based on the information you've provided, let's break down the situation and address your concerns.

Firstly, it is important to note that surgical procedures on the uterus, such as myomectomy (removal of fibroids), can sometimes lead to changes in menstrual patterns. In your case, you mentioned that prior to the surgery, your menstrual cycle was irregular, with periods arriving nearly 10 days late. Post-surgery, your cycle seems to have normalized, returning to a typical duration of 28-29 days. This is a positive sign, as it indicates that the surgery may have resolved some of the issues that were affecting your menstrual regularity.

Regarding the possibility of pregnancy, you indicated that you had unprotected sexual intercourse during a time when you were using contraception, and you have taken two pregnancy tests that both returned negative results. Given that you had a regular menstrual cycle prior to the expected date of your period (July 3), and considering the negative pregnancy tests on July 2 and July 7, it is unlikely that you are pregnant. However, it is important to recognize that home pregnancy tests are most reliable when taken after a missed period, and they can sometimes yield false negatives, especially if taken too early.

The symptoms you are experiencing—such as abdominal pain, breast tenderness, and diarrhea—could be attributed to several factors. Post-surgical pain can sometimes persist for a while, and the abdominal discomfort you are feeling may be related to the healing process of the surgical site. Additionally, lifestyle factors such as irregular sleep patterns and dietary choices (like consuming a lot of cold foods) can also affect your digestive system and overall well-being, potentially leading to gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea.

If your menstrual cycle does not resume within a week or two, or if your symptoms worsen, it would be advisable to consult with your healthcare provider. They can perform a thorough evaluation, which may include a physical examination and possibly imaging studies, to ensure that there are no complications from the surgery or other underlying issues affecting your reproductive health.

In summary, while your surgical history may have influenced your menstrual cycle, the negative pregnancy tests and the timing of your sexual activity suggest that pregnancy is unlikely at this time. However, continued monitoring of your symptoms and open communication with your healthcare provider will be essential in addressing any concerns and ensuring your health moving forward. If you have further questions or experience any alarming symptoms, do not hesitate to seek medical advice.

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