Negative Pregnancy Tests: What to Do When Your Period Is Late

Pregnancy test results?

After having sexual intercourse, I took pregnancy tests at 14, 17, 21, 34, and 70 days, all showing one line, indicating a negative result.
I conducted the tests using morning urine after avoiding food and water before bedtime.
However, my period still hasn't arrived.
About 67 days after intercourse, I visited a gynecologist and mentioned that my period was late.
The doctor did not inquire about sexual activity but performed an abdominal ultrasound and said everything appeared normal.
The doctor prescribed medication to regulate my menstrual cycle.
Recently, I've been feeling some enlargement in my lower abdomen, and I'm unsure if it's due to constipation or excessive stress causing a false pregnancy.
Is there a possibility that I could be pregnant?

p, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/10/04

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

After having intercourse, I took pregnancy tests at 14, 17, 21, 34, and 70 days, and all showed one line, indicating a negative result.
I conducted the tests using my first morning urine after avoiding food and water before bed.
However, my period still hasn't arrived.
About 67 days after intercourse, I visited a gynecologist and mentioned that my period was late.
The doctor did not inquire about sexual activity but performed an abdominal ultrasound and said everything appeared normal.
The doctor prescribed medication to regulate my menstrual cycle.
Recently, I've been feeling some enlargement in my lower abdomen, but I'm unsure if it's due to constipation or excessive stress causing a false pregnancy.
Is there a possibility that I could be pregnant? Answer: There is no possibility of pregnancy.

Reply Date: 2018/10/04

More Info

When faced with a late period and multiple negative pregnancy tests, it can be understandably concerning and confusing. Based on your description, it appears that you have taken several pregnancy tests at various intervals after engaging in sexual activity, all of which have returned negative results. You have also consulted a healthcare provider who performed an abdominal ultrasound and prescribed medication to help regulate your menstrual cycle. Despite this, you are experiencing some physical changes, such as a feeling of abdominal enlargement, which adds to your anxiety about the possibility of being pregnant.

First and foremost, it is important to understand how pregnancy tests work. Most home pregnancy tests detect the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which is produced shortly after a fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining. Generally, these tests are most accurate when taken after a missed period, as hCG levels are typically high enough to be detected by that time. However, if you are testing too early or if there are issues with the test itself, false negatives can occur. Given that you have tested at various intervals (14, 17, 21, 34, and 70 days post-intercourse) and consistently received negative results, it is unlikely that you are pregnant.

The absence of your menstrual period can be attributed to several factors, including hormonal imbalances, stress, significant weight changes, or underlying medical conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Stress, in particular, can have a profound impact on your menstrual cycle, potentially leading to missed periods or changes in cycle regularity. The feeling of abdominal enlargement you mentioned could be related to bloating, which is often a symptom of stress or digestive issues, such as constipation, rather than an indication of pregnancy.

Since you have already consulted with a healthcare provider, it would be advisable to follow up with them regarding your ongoing symptoms. They may suggest further evaluation to rule out any underlying conditions that could be affecting your menstrual cycle. Additionally, if you continue to experience anxiety about the possibility of pregnancy, you might consider discussing this with your doctor. They can provide reassurance and help you understand your body’s signals better.

If your period remains absent, and you continue to have negative pregnancy tests, it may be beneficial to keep track of your symptoms and menstrual cycle using an app or journal. This information can be helpful for your healthcare provider in determining the next steps for evaluation or treatment.
In summary, while the possibility of pregnancy cannot be entirely ruled out without further testing, the consistent negative results and the absence of other pregnancy symptoms suggest that you are likely not pregnant. It is essential to address any underlying issues that may be contributing to your irregular cycle and to manage stress effectively. Regular communication with your healthcare provider will be key in navigating this situation and ensuring your reproductive health is monitored appropriately.

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