Concerns About Missed Period: Pregnancy Tests and Hormonal Treatments - Obstetrics and Gynecology

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I'm really worried that my period hasn't come?


Hello, Doctor.
My last menstrual period was on May 30.
I had sexual intercourse on June 13 (without protection).
On July 4, I went to the hospital for an ultrasound and a urine pregnancy test.
The doctor said there was nothing visible on the ultrasound, and the urine test result showed one line.
On July 9, I returned for a follow-up with the doctor; there was no ultrasound, but I had another urine test, which also showed one line.
The doctor administered a medication to induce my period, but as of July 12, my period still hasn't arrived.
I would like to ask: 1.
Given that so much time has passed, can I be certain that I am not pregnant? 2.
Since it has been so many days since the sexual intercourse, is the urine test result 100% accurate? 3.
Since I went to the hospital for consultation, could there be an issue with inaccurate pregnancy testing? I am very worried because my period has not come.
Thank you, Doctor.

Niming, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/07/12

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology


The last menstrual period was on May 30.
There was sexual intercourse on June 13 (without protection).
On July 4, I went to the hospital for an ultrasound and a urine pregnancy test.
The doctor said nothing was seen on the ultrasound, and the urine test result showed one line.
On July 9, I returned to see the doctor, did not have an ultrasound, but had another urine test, which also showed one line.
The doctor administered a medication to induce menstruation, but as of July 12, my period still has not arrived.
I would like to ask:
1.
Given that so much time has passed, can I be certain that I am not pregnant?
Answer: Yes, you can be certain that you are not pregnant.
2.
Since it has been so many days since the sexual intercourse, is the urine test result 100% accurate?
Answer: Yes, it is 100% accurate.
3.
Since I went to the hospital for consultation, is there a possibility of inaccurate pregnancy test results?
Answer: There should not be any inaccuracies.

Reply Date: 2018/07/12

More Info


It sounds like you have a lot of concerns regarding your missed period and the possibility of pregnancy. Let's address your questions one by one, while also providing some additional context about pregnancy tests and hormonal treatments.

1. Can we be certain that you are not pregnant after this time?
Given that your last menstrual period was on May 30 and you had unprotected intercourse on June 13, it is important to consider the timing of ovulation. If you have a regular menstrual cycle, ovulation typically occurs around 14 days before your next expected period. If your cycle is around 28 days, ovulation would likely have occurred around June 13, which is the same day you had intercourse. However, since you have taken multiple urine pregnancy tests (on July 4 and July 9) that returned negative results, and given that you have not experienced a period since May 30, it is reasonable to conclude that the likelihood of pregnancy is low. Additionally, the fact that you received a hormonal injection to induce menstruation further supports the idea that you are not pregnant.

2. Are urine pregnancy tests accurate after this time?
Urine pregnancy tests are generally very accurate when used correctly, especially after a missed period. Most home pregnancy tests can detect the hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) about a week after a missed period. Since you have tested negative on two occasions after your expected period, it is unlikely that you are pregnant. However, if you are still concerned, you could consider a blood test for hCG, which is more sensitive and can detect pregnancy earlier than urine tests.

3. Could there be inaccuracies in the pregnancy tests at the hospital?
While it is possible for any test to yield false negatives, the likelihood is low, especially if the tests were conducted properly. Hospitals typically use reliable testing methods, and if you received a negative result on a urine test, it is a strong indicator that you are not pregnant. However, factors such as testing too early or diluted urine can affect results. If you have concerns about the accuracy of the tests, discussing them with your healthcare provider can provide clarity.

Additional Considerations:
- Hormonal Treatments: The injection you received to induce menstruation is commonly used to help regulate the menstrual cycle. It can take some time for your body to respond to hormonal treatments, and it is not uncommon for periods to be delayed even after receiving such treatments. If your period does not arrive within a week or so after the injection, it is advisable to follow up with your healthcare provider.


- Stress and Lifestyle Factors: Stress, changes in weight, and other lifestyle factors can also impact your menstrual cycle. If you have been experiencing significant stress or changes in your routine, this could contribute to your missed period.

- Follow-Up: If your period does not arrive soon, or if you continue to have concerns about your menstrual cycle or potential pregnancy, it is essential to follow up with your healthcare provider. They may recommend further evaluation or different testing methods to ensure your health and address any underlying issues.

In summary, based on the information provided, it seems unlikely that you are pregnant, especially with the negative test results and the hormonal treatment you received. However, if you have ongoing concerns or if your period does not return, seeking further medical advice is the best course of action.

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